Norway’s state-owned grid operator, Statnett SF, announced it has completed its first fully remote drone inspection, producing a detailed survey of its power grid along a 250-mile stretch. The operation was run entirely from a drone operations center in Sunndalsøra, over 300-miles away. The utility said it marked a significant step toward autonomous infrastructure monitoring.
Statnett’s use of its in-house developed ADS-L (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Light) transponder. Weighing less than half a pound and built for harsh conditions, the miniaturized device helps manage airspace safety by improving situational awareness and supporting integration with unmanned aircraft traffic systems. Unlike standard ADS-B used in manned aviation, ADS-L is tailored for drones operating in shared airspace.
The inspection system featured a drone-in-a-box setup combined with FlytBase software, allowing for automated launch, landing, and charging. Operators maintained oversight via joystick controls and real-time monitoring tools, all integrated with Statnett’s operational platform.
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