Trialling new drone technology on Kangaroo Island
SA Power Networks is trialling long-range drone technology on Kangaroo Island to help keep the electricity network safe and reliable – with less disruption and less impact on the environment. The drone inspections are being carried out by Ninox Robotics, a specialist drone company working on behalf of SA Power Networks.
Why use drone technology?
SA Power Networks looks after a very large electricity network. About 30% of customers live in country or remote areas. It’s a big job to inspect powerlines across such a large area. Right now, helicopters and ground crews are used to do this work.
Drones offer a safer, faster, and cheaper way to check powerlines – especially in places that are hard to reach by road or unsafe for helicopters. They can help with:
- Regular checks of the network
- Finding faults
- Preparing for bushfire season
- General maintenance
- Putting up new lines
Drones also help keep crews safe and give faster access to information. These long-range drones create up to 98% less carbon pollution than helicopters and cost up to 80% less to use. The trial is also testing new tools to send back information faster and more reliably.
What makes this trial different?
Special drone technology is being used that can fly further than the pilot can see. This means Ninox can check more of the network from one spot. All flights are approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and follow requirements for long range operations.
You might see drones flying in different parts of the island – but they won’t affect your property or your electricity supply.
Night time inspections using thermal cameras
Drone flights will happen at night, when it’s easier to use thermal cameras. These cameras help spot problems in the equipment before they cause outages. All flights are done safely and will not affect your power
What to expect during drone operations
Most drone flights will be launched from the side of the road. Crews will have signage in place and use flashing orange strobe lights. Please slow down and take care when passing.
The drone being used is the DJI Matrice M350 RTK, which weighs around 10kg. It will fly at 100–150 metres above ground level. You’ll see red and green navigation lights, along with a white strobe, so if you spot it in the sky, you’ll know what it is. All of this is part of meeting CASA’s strict safety rules.
Who’s involved in the trial?
This trial is a partnership between SA Power Networks and Ninox.
About Ninox Ninox
Robotics is an Australian company that provides drone-based inspection and monitoring services for hard-to-reach or high-risk areas. They specialise in using long-range drones to capture aerial data safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption – supporting industries like utilities, defence, and emergency services. Their technology helps detect faults, monitor infrastructure, and provide real-time insights over large and remote areas.
About SA Power Networks
SA Power Networks is South Australia’s electricity distributor delivering power to 1.7 million people in an area covering about 180,000 square miles. It is ranked as the most efficient electricity distributor in benchmarking by the National Energy Regulator and continually innovates to improve efficiency and safety.
More information
SA Power Networks is proud to be trialling technology that could lead to smarter, safer, and more sustainable energy services. For more, contact us directly if you have questions on 13 12 61, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.