Norway – Unmanned aerial vehicles – Framework agreement for supply and service of drones

Statnett needs to enter into a new agreement for the purchase of drones for use in its operations. These will be drones that can be used for inspection of the power line network, pylons/towers, substations, and terrain. This will involve the use of both standard cameras and LiDAR for 3D mapping, and possibly multispectral sensors for classifying site productivity/vegetation conditions beneath our lines, to mention a few applications. The primary need will be for large and medium-sized inspection drones. These must operate under demanding mountain conditions, have good range, robust battery solutions, and solid sensors for data collection. Access to systems for lifting equipment is also desired, as well as drones that can be permanently installed at a substation to support inspection and security work at remote sites. Our operations are continuously expanding, and there is therefore a need for an underwater drone to support our work in mapping the seabed and quay/facility structures. There will also be a need for equipment to further our R&D work. It will therefore be desirable to have access to additional equipment, spare parts, and components that can be used in our work with drones.