General line inspection with BVLOS

Elia Assets intends to conclude a framework agreement for the execution of general inspections of overhead high voltage lines (Overhead Lines – OHL) using BVLOS drones (Beyond Visual Line of Sight). The purpose of the assignment is the systematic capture and analysis of high quality inspection data of OHL assets (towers, equipment and conductors) to support asset management, in particular asset condition assessment and maintenance decision making. This tender forms part of Elia’s ambition to inspect a significant share of its OHL assets using remote inspection techniques. The scope of the assignment includes the operational execution of drone flights, data acquisition and the delivery of inspection results in accordance with predefined quality and turnaround time requirements. An RGB payload is foreseen as the standard configuration. In addition, optional modules may be activated depending on operational needs and the outcome of the procurement procedure, including LiDAR and/or thermal inspections, additional data and analysis applications (such as detection and segmentation of tower elements and 3D line/conductor models), and different reporting levels. The selection of these options will be based on actual needs and their contribution to the overall business case for remote OHL inspections. The indicative scope amounts to approximately 4,321 km per year as from 2027, subject to variations over the years. The assignment requires sufficient flexibility to allow both the volume and scope of drone inspections to evolve in line with technological developments (e.g. sensors) and operational constraints (e.g. regulation and weather conditions). As part of the procurement procedure, demonstration flights will be organised with the highest ranked candidates to assess their operational and technical capabilities.