Drones revolutionise Western Isles power line
Heavy-lift drone installs pilot ropes for 132 kV Harris–Stornoway line, accelerating construction while protecting sensitive peatland habitats.
Image for illustrative purposes
UK, Scotland: A project to install a new 58 km overhead power line between Harris and Stornoway has achieved a UK first by using a heavy-lift drone to install bond rope in a single flight, speeding construction while protecting sensitive landscapes.
Using the DJI FlyCart 30 drone from heliguy™, alongside systems from Aureos Energy Ltd, the method installs pilot ropes that are then used to pull the conductors directly into place. This reduces disruption to fragile peatlands, shortens installation time from days to hours, and improves safety by lowering the number of personnel and vehicles needed.
Half of the new line is expected to be energised in the coming months, with full energisation due later this year. The new infrastructure replaces equipment from 1990, strengthening network resilience and energy security across the Western Isles.
Andrew Ewing, Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “Using drone technology for conductor installation has been a game changer. Work that once took days can now be completed in hours – meaning local communities will feel the benefits sooner.”
Gordon Cranston, Aureos Energy, added: “We are committed to advancing the construction industry through innovation and the strategic use of technology. We aim to establish new standards for the industry.”
Ruairi Hardman, heliguy™, said: “By growing its capability step-by-step, Aureos is delivering groundbreaking work. It is a real success story and shows what’s possible with the right drone partner.”
Source: SEEN Transmission
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