Harmonizing Asset Management Through SAGA
In Europe’s rapidly evolving power landscape, few collaborations stand out as clearly as the partnership between Belgium’s Elia and Spain’s Red Eléctrica de España (REE). Although each operates within its own national boundary, the two transmission system operators (TSOs) share a common goal: to build power networks that are smarter, more resilient, and capable of supporting the increasingly complex demands of the energy transition.
One of the most notable areas of cooperation between them is the joint development of SAGA, an advanced Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) platform that blends analytics, artificial intelligence, and deep operational expertise.
SAGA: A Modern Approach to Asset Intelligence
Originally developed by REE, SAGA (Sistema Avanzado de GestiĂłn de Activos) is designed to shift asset management from a reactive, maintenance-heavy function to a predictive and fully data-driven discipline.
The platform enables both TSOs to move beyond isolated tools and manual reporting by offering:
Predictive maintenance insights based on real-time asset condition
Health assessments for transmission lines, transformers, and cables
AI-driven failure risk modelling
Standardized, high-quality asset data governance
Transparent performance information for regulators
Optimized maintenance planning across the full asset base
In short, SAGA replaces fragmented information with a single, integrated source of truth—supporting faster, more confident decision-making.
A Strategic Collaboration with Shared Benefits
In 2021, Elia and REE formalized a partnership to jointly enhance SAGA’s capabilities. This agreement also led to the formation of an Asset Management Expertise Centre, where teams from both countries work together on innovation, modelling, and future system development.
The partnership delivers value in three key areas:
1. Technology Sharing
Elia gains access to a mature and tested asset management platform, while REE benefits from Elia’s experience with offshore grids and advanced predictive models.
2. Enriched Data and Insights
By pooling knowledge, both organizations benefit from:
better understanding of failure scenarios,
improved machine-learning accuracy, and
harmonized asset structures and taxonomies.
This cross-country intelligence strengthens prediction accuracy and enhances long-term planning.
3. A Common Asset Management Framework
SAGA provides a shared digital language, allowing both TSOs to:
benchmark performance,
compare asset health metrics,
accelerate digital transformation efforts, and
contribute jointly to emerging European standards.
Cost Efficiencies: One Platform, Shared Value
The financial value of a shared EAM approach is significant. Key efficiencies include:
Build once, use twice: development costs are split, while both TSOs benefit.
Shared innovation: enhancements—such as AI models or new modules—are created once and reused.
Lower licensing and vendor costs: joint procurement reduces fees.
Collective expertise: collaboration avoids duplicate consulting and training efforts.
Streamlined operations: unified processes reduce operational overhead.
Faster delivery: enhancements reach both teams sooner.
Reduced legacy systems: standardization simplifies IT landscapes and lowers maintenance costs.
The result is a more robust, forward-looking system—delivered at a fraction of what separate platforms would have cost.
A Shared Vision for the Future
This partnership offers a model for how TSOs can prepare for the future—not through isolated systems, but through shared innovation and a unified approach to asset intelligence.