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Pioneering BVLOS drone project begins flight trials on energy network assets

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Pioneering BVLOS drone project begins flight trials on energy network assets

PIONEERING BVLOS DRONE PROJECT BEGINS FLIGHT TRIALS ON ENERGY NETWORK ASSETS


The large-scale collaborative project, exploring how drone technology can be used to inspect network infrastructure, is set to begin conducting trials on both the electricity and gas networks this spring. 

The three-year programme which began in May 2018, coordinated by the EIC, led by Wales & West Utilities in collaboration with Cadent, National Grid Gas Transmission, Northern Gas Networks, Northern Powergrid, Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks and UK Power Networks, and supported by Connected Places Catapult, is a UK first and a designated Government Pathfinder Project. Working with UK aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the initiative is exploring how the application of drone technology could transform the way the industry carries out essential maintenance tasks.

Conducted by Wiltshire based aviation specialists, Callen-Lenz, the trials are being carried out in segregated airspace, on electricity and gas networks, and aim to establish a regularised operating framework for the use of drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Flights in Northern Powergrid’s operating area in the North of England are underway and flights in Wales and West Utilities operating area will take place in June.  

Andy Walbridge, Chief Designer Avionic Systems at Callen-Lenz, said:

“Callen-Lenz is thrilled to work with an enthusiastic team focused on the benefits of BVLOS.

“Significant effort has been expended working with the CAA to obtain the necessary exemptions to allow BVLOS flights within the first phase of the project. Flight trials have now commenced, and the outcomes will inform subsequent planning and objective setting for trials in non-segregated airspace.”

The initiative marks a key milestone in the journey towards the implementation of a comprehensive operating framework into business as usual and will focus on; evaluating existing technologies, risk management approaches, operational parameters and aircraft suitability; ultimately supporting the generation of the necessary flight permissions from the CAA.

With the potential to revolutionise the maintenance of critical infrastructure, the benefits of creating a standardised provision for drone operation across the UK’s gas and electricity networks are significant, and through obtaining CAA approval, the framework will pave the way for utility companies to use drones in inspections of their network infrastructure.

Lucy Mason, Wales & West Utilities Innovation Manager, said:

“We’re really excited to be leading this project. BVLOS flight will bring real benefits to gas and electricity networks. It will help us to maintain our infrastructure in a safer, more cost-effective way, and continue to deliver for the customers that rely on us. 

This project emphasises the innovative approach the utilities industry is taking to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Andy Bilclough, Northern Powergrid’s Director of Field Operations, said:

“This pioneering trial could improve the way network companies inspect, manage and maintain their networks for customers. We’re proud to be the first UK electricity network operator, in this trial, to have BVLOS flights in its operating area. Through this partnership, learnings can be shared to create BVLOS flight industry standards which enable quicker, quieter and more cost-efficient network inspections, which will benefit customers across the UK and beyond.”

Satwant Sarkaria, Project Manager at the EIC, said:

“This is an exciting time in the project, as drones will be actively trialled on both gas and electricity networks. It’s also great to support cross-sector collaboration, and I look forward to seeing the results of the trials, which will reinforce the benefits of the project for both the networks and the consumers.”

Rebecca Payne, Cadent Innovations Project Manager, said:

“Cadent are delighted to be working collaboratively with our partners to trial this ground-breaking technology, which could make real improvements to our efficiency, while supporting the industry’s decarbonisation aims.”

Andrew Middleton, Northern Gas Networks Network’s Integrity & Compliance Lead – Transmission, said:

“BVLOS is a very exciting project for Northern Gas Networks. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work collaboratively across the energy sector, sharing learning, avoiding duplication, and delivering even greater benefits for our customers.”

Ian Cameron, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, said:

“Collaboration is key to solving the challenges of moving to a safe, reliable and cost-efficient low carbon energy supply. This industry-leading project between gas and electricity networks is demonstrating how drone technology can be used to its full potential by assessing network infrastructure.”

Nicolle Fieldsend-Roxborough, Project Lead at National Grid Gas Transmission, said:

“National Grid Gas Transmission is proud to be working alongside both gas and electricity networks to address these key challenges. Using innovative and forward thinking techniques we can ensure the safe and reliable operation of our transmission assets.”

Stuart Hogarth, Distribution Operations Director for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, said:

“SSEN continually seeks to improve network resilience and welcomes this collaborative effort to utilise drones to inspect network infrastructure. This will allow us to spot and address potential issues, while developing best practice for drone use across network industries.”

Mark Westwood, Chief Technology Officer at Connected Places Catapult, said: 

“The Above and Beyond project is an important step towards the integration of drones into UK airspace. The project could lead the way for the drone industry and open the door for UK businesses to exploit a lucrative new market for commercial UAV operations. We’re excited to see the outcomes and look forward to supporting the project going forward.” 

Fundamentally, the use of drones will have huge economic benefits and improve efficiency in both routine and non-routine inspections, whilst all the while aiding the mission towards decarbonisation and improved safety through the reduced usage of helicopters. The ability to fly drones BVLOS will also allow for greater distances to be covered, improve access to challenging terrains and enable quicker mobilisation of inspections.  

ENDS

For interview opportunities or more information please call Lauren Amphlett on 0151 348 8063 or email lauren.amphlett@ukeic.com


Link to previous media release on project launch:

 

https://www.ukeic.com/media/energy-networks-take-to-the-skies-as-drones-project-gets-off-the-ground

 

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