Shaping the future of power systems: Vaisala’s Senja Leivo turns expertise into global action
When you talk to Senja Leivo, one thing becomes immediately clear: she’s not just an expert in power systems, she’s someone who deeply cares about the practical impact of her work.
With over 25 years of experience in transformer moisture monitoring, Senja is now leading a groundbreaking global effort as the Chair of the newly established CIGRE Joint Working Group A2/D1.74. The group’s mission is to develop new guidance and practices for online moisture monitoring in power transformers—a key factor in improving reliability, safety, and sustainability in energy systems.
Bridging the gap between science and practice
“Moisture has been a known challenge in transformer aging and failure, but online monitoring has lacked clear, standardized methods,” Senja explains. “We’re working to turn complex science into practical tools that utilities can actually use in their daily operations.”
And she’s not doing it alone. The working group brings together more than 40 experts from 24 countries, all united by a shared goal: transforming technical knowledge into actionable insights that support a more resilient and sustainable power grid. Their work will culminate in a comprehensive technical handbook by 2028, helping asset managers around the world make smarter decisions, extend transformer life, and meet rising energy demands more efficiently.
A career-defining opportunity
For Senja, this isn’t just about solving a technical problem—it’s about driving real change. “It’s a privilege to collaborate with so many brilliant minds,” she says. “This is one of those once-in-a-career opportunities to create something that could truly move the needle for the whole industry.”
She also credits Vaisala for giving her the platform to lead on a global scale. “Vaisala has always supported me. Not just technically, but by giving me the freedom and encouragement to take on big challenges. That says a lot about our culture.”
Innovation with purpose
Senja’s work reflects what Vaisala stands for: turning deep expertise into meaningful solutions that support a healthier planet. From enabling better asset management to extending the life of critical infrastructure, this initiative exemplifies our mission: Taking every measure for the planet.
At Vaisala, we believe in empowering people like Senja to lead, innovate, and make a difference. Because when expertise meets purpose, real innovation happens.