Flying High: The Role of Drones in Enhancing Utility Services
Joseph Spadoro, Katherine Vombergar, Mark Hoempler · Climate and Energy · 2024
In the dynamic and technology dependent energy industry, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs), colloquially referred to as drones, have had a revolutionary impact with their multiple high‐value applications and advantages.1 As technological advancements redefine traditional practices, the integration of drones into routine operations has become a game‐changer for power companies, utilities, and energy providers worldwide. From inspecting power infrastructure to optimizing maintenance processes, monitoring remote sites, and enhancing safety protocols, drones are ushering in a new era in the way the industry operates. UASs brings diverse applications and tangible benefits to the energy and utilities sector, showcasing how these unmanned systems are not only streamlining operations, but also elevating efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.