Smarter skies: advancing Australia’s energy future through drone technology

At the forefront of this transformation is Enerven’s drone technology program— advancing safety, efficiency and precision across the country’s vast and varied landscapes. From remote asset inspections to large-scale civil mapping and support for renewable energy projects, Enerven is using drone innovation to connect communities and deliver smarter, safer infrastructure outcomes. 

“Drone technology is one of the ways we continue to improve how we deliver for our clients,” said Enerven CEO Richard Amato. “It’s about enhancing safety, increasing efficiency, and providing better data so our teams can make more informed decisions—faster.” 

Reaching new heights in energy and telecommunications 

Enerven’s in-house drone capability is changing the way infrastructure is planned and executed, with wide-ranging applications across high-voltage transmission, distribution, renewables, and telecommunications. 

High-resolution inspections of transmission lines, substations, battery systems and wind farms are now performed quickly and safely—without the need for shutdowns or working at heights. These flights generate condition reports and interactive dashboards, enabling proactive asset management and reducing downtime. 

“Our drone operations allow us to reach places that are difficult or dangerous for people,” said Mr Amato. “Whether it’s inspecting a line in a bushfire-affected zone or stringing cable across remote terrain, we can do it with minimal risk and maximum precision.” 

The program also includes thermal imaging capabilities for solar farms and electrical assets, helping detect faults early and maintain optimal performance. Combined with advanced photogrammetry for terrain mapping, Enerven is delivering faster, more accurate outcomes on civil projects and construction sites. 

Automation, scale and advanced certifications 

Innovation underpins every aspect of Enerven’s drone offering. Automated “drone-in-a-box” solutions are now being used on greenfield construction sites, capturing daily or weekly progress and integrating CAD overlays to track development from start to finish. 

In more challenging environments, Enerven’s heavy lift drones can transport equipment and perform line stringing—dramatically reducing manual labour and improving safety. With certified capabilities for night flying, bushfire response, and both Extended and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS and BVLOS) operations, the team is equipped to operate at scale in even the most remote conditions. 

“Being able to operate safely under EVLOS and BVLOS approvals is critical,” said Mr Amato. “It means we can cover more ground, gather more data, and deliver results faster—especially on the large-scale projects that define our national energy network.” 

Driving the future of energy infrastructure 

As Enerven supports the delivery of major infrastructure—from high-voltage substations to some of the largest battery energy storage systems in the country—its drone technology ensures that every stage of delivery is smarter, safer and more connected. 

“Our drone program is a great example of how we bring innovation to life,” said Mr Amato. “It’s not just about having the technology—it’s about using it in a way that creates real value for our clients and the communities we serve.” 

Rooted in South Australia and operating nationally, Enerven’s commitment to advancing technology reflects its broader mission: delivering resilient infrastructure and leading Australia’s energy transition. 

“We’re designing and building for the future,” Mr Amato said. “Whether it’s renewable energy, telecommunications or grid upgrades, we’re focused on delivering infrastructure that’s smarter, faster, and built to last.” 

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