Aquila, founded by software developer Billy Jeremijenko and mechatronics engineer Nelson Smith, wants to take the technology further in a bid to create the ‘internet of energy’ that the company says is vital if renewable energy solutions can live up to their potential.
“Aquila aims to build and operate a dynamic, light-based energy network that can extend and improve the capabilities of our energy distribution networks,” Jeremijenko says, likening the startup's vision to the ‘leap from dial-up internet to Wi-Fi’. We’re taking electricity from power lines and poles along a direct route and extending it through a dynamic, wireless network.”
Aquila’s technology has shown it can power drones in flight with the prototype delivering longer flight times and lower battery weight.