A specialised drone has been used to accelerate construction on the Isle of Lewis and Harris in what is believed to be a UK first.
SSEN Transmission is installing a new overhead line between Harris and Stornoway, with the specialised drone used to install a bond rope for conductor work in a single flight.
Using a heavy-lift DJI FlyCart 30 Drone from heliguy, combined with advanced systems from Aureos Energy Ltd, the method efficiently installed high-capacity pilot ropes which, once flown, are used to directly pull the conductor allowing for immediate installation.
The method ‘significantly’ reduces disruption to sensitive peatlands and protects fragile habitats on Lewis, while shortening installation time from days to hours, SSEN said. It also enhances safety by decreasing the number of personnel and vehicles required on challenging terrain.
Aureos, which is contracted to deliver the installation of a section of the line, has been working for some years on new and innovative ways to deliver work like this – particularly in challenging environments.
The initiative marks a key milestone in SSEN Transmission’s construction of the new 58 km, 132 kV overhead line between the Harris and Stornoway Grid Supply Points. Thanks to the swift progress enabled by the drone deployment, half of the new line is set to be energised in the coming months, with full energisation due later this year. By replacing infrastructure dating from 1990, it will improve resilience and strengthen 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 for this project. By streamlining this stage of construction, we’re able to deliver the new line much more quickly, while limiting the need for vehicles and personnel to cross some of the most UK’s most sensitive peatland.
“Crucially, the new line will replace infrastructure that has been in place since 1990, strengthening the network and improving the reliability of power supplies for homes and businesses across the Western Isles. Thanks to this technology, work that once took days can now be completed in hours – meaning local communities will feel the benefits of this upgraded, more resilient network sooner.
“It demonstrates how smart, modern technology is helping us bring a more resilient electricity network to the Western Isles as swiftly and sustainably as possible.”
Gordon Cranston, Aureos Energy’s head of drone services – transmission, added, “At Aureos, we are committed to advancing the construction industry through innovation and the strategic use of technology.
“We would like to express our gratitude to our client, SSEN Transmission, for their proactive approach in embracing new technologies to enhance construction practices. Their support for innovation has been crucial in driving our collective progress.
“Our collaboration with heliguy has played a significant role in navigating regulatory frameworks, and we appreciate the mutually beneficial partnership that has allowed us to pursue this innovative endeavour.
“We are optimistic about the transformative potential of heavy-lift drones to enhance safety and efficiency in construction. Together with our valued partners and clients, we aim to establish new standards for the industry that will benefit all stakeholders.”
Ruairi Hardman, business development manager at heliguy, commented, “Aureos Energy’s success with the FlyCart 30 reflects years of close collaboration – consultancy, supply, training, and shared development. It shows how powerful a long-term drone partnership can be.
“By growing its capability step-by-step, Aureos is delivering groundbreaking work. It is a real success story and shows what’s possible when you have a drone partner that can provide continuity, expertise, and the scale to match your ambitions.”
