Time magazine lists Heimdall sensors among year’s best inventions

Great River Energy was an early adopter of the promising grid technology

A pilot project launched between Great River Energy and Heimdall Power received global recognition as the energy tech company’s “Neurons” were included among Time magazine’s “Best Inventions of 2025.”

The Neuron, considered Heimdall’s “magic ball,” is a sphere-shaped transmission line rating sensor that collects real-time information about the line and its environment with the goal of increasing capacity, or the amount of electricity that can flow down the line.

The Neuron was included among other innovative clean energy technologies in Time’s “Green Energy” category of Best Inventions of 2025.

Great River Energy’s partnership with Heimdall was featured in the magazine, detailing its beginning in 2023 and expansion last spring with the largest deployment of the Neuron technology in the United States. Fifty sensors were installed on 10 Great River Energy-owned transmission lines spanning 175 miles as part of a pilot project to see if the devices could help deliver more electricity. Seven more Neurons were installed in September to measure the sag on a clearance limited line.

A recent analysis of this project’s first year found that Neurons increased transmission capacity 63% at peak demand and would save an estimated $3 million over five years.

“This is an exciting recognition to be part of,” said Great River Energy Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti Patel. “Heimdall has created a technology that can be implemented widely to unlock grid congestion and keep electricity flowing reliably and affordable for consumers like our member-owners. Their discovery and hard work will benefit all of us.”