Powerlink Queensland and Infravision have been recognised with an Innovation Award at the Australian Financial Review’s Energy Awards for their use of drone-stringing technology.
The award recognises the implementation of drones to string the longest section of high-voltage transmission line in the Asia-Pacific region as part of the connection of Genex’s Kidston Clean Energy Hub to the grid.
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The technology has proved beneficial in reducing impacts to landholders and the environment, eliminating critical safety risks and improving construction times.
Powerlink and Infravision have now embarked on a multi-year supply agreement that will see drone stringing considered for all transmission projects across Queensland.
The agreement will see Infravision supply multiple packages that combines drones, smart puller tensioners and specialised payloads into one system that strings powerlines, installs hardware and conducts inspections.
Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser said, “The transformation of the energy system in Queensland requires new transmission lines to connect market-driven generation investments in the cheapest possible way. To achieve lowest cost, we need to be agile and innovative to ensure best value for Queenslanders.
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“The application of this technology has been a big leap forward from the traditional means of line stringing. It has proven to be safer faster and with lower impacts to landholders.
“We have already used this technology on our connection projects at Kidston in North Queensland and at Aldoga in Central Queensland, near Gladstone. The new partnership will see us expand the use of the technology to other projects as we continue developing a world-class transmission network for Queensland’s future.”
