Powerline Inspections: NSW Leads with Drone Technology

A New Era in Utility Management with Drone Tech

In an unprecedented move in New South Wales (NSW), Endeavour Energy has embarked on a transformative journey, deploying advanced Drone Technology across 13,000 kilometers of powerlines for inspections. This innovative approach marks a significant shift from traditional methods, prioritizing efficiency, safety, and accuracy in monitoring the state’s electricity network, especially in bushfire-prone areas. With drones like the DJI Mavice 3 Enterprise and DJI M30 at the forefront, coupled with evlos+ technology, human involvement is now primarily as observers, enhancing the inspection process’s safety and precision.

Cutting-Edge Drone Technology Meets Environmental Responsibility

Endeavour Energy has taken a bold step forward by incorporating drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sophisticated sensors for their annual Pre-Summer Bushfire Inspection (PSBI) program. This program is essential in preparing for the bushfire season by inspecting over 13,000 kilometers of powerlines, often across challenging terrains. The transition from helicopters to drones was not only a technological upgrade but also a response to community feedback, aiming to minimize noise pollution and the overall impact on residents and Wildlife in these sensitive regions.

The drones’ autonomous flying capability, guided by pre-programmed routes, allows for obstacle avoidance and the capture of detailed images from precise distances and angles, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the electrical infrastructure. This level of accuracy and accessibility, especially in hard-to-reach areas, is a game-changer in maintaining the network’s resilience against natural disasters such as heatwaves, storms, and bushfires.

Efficiency and Safety at the Forefront

The implementation of drone technology in Endeavour Energy’s inspection program has yielded remarkable results: inspections are now completed in 15% of the time and at 10% of the cost of previous methods. More importantly, this approach significantly enhances safety by reducing the need for human inspectors to navigate dangerous terrains or work in close proximity to live powerlines. Instead, drones can safely and quickly perform these tasks, with humans playing a vital supporting role as spotters.

Leading the Charge Towards a Safer Future

Endeavour Energy’s pioneering use of drones for powerline inspections in NSW is not just an advancement in technology; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. As these aerial patrols become an integral part of the utility’s bushfire prevention strategy, they set a new standard for utility management worldwide. By listening to community feedback and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Endeavour Energy is not only keeping the electricity network safe but is also leading the way in sustainable and resilient infrastructure management. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the evolution of utility maintenance, promising a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly future for NSW and potentially for regions across the globe.

Photos courtesy of Endeavour Energy.