Norwegian firm KVS Technologies has signed a $60m agreement with US-based Spright to deliver linear infrastructure drone inspection services for utility power lines in North America.

KVS provides end-to-end drone inspection services for utility companies, It has entered an agreement with Spright, Air Methods’ drone division, under which it will launch its services in North America, with Spright exclusively operating all flights for linear infrastructure inspection.

This partnership brings together two key players within drone technology and commercial flight operations, with a view to gaining a leading position in the US linear infrastructure inspection market.

The power grid is the world’s most important infrastructure, but it is ageing and vulnerable with a large portion in use longer than anticipated. At the same time, increasing electrification is placing demands on these assets. Upgrading the US electrical infrastructure would take decades, while the cost of replacing it is prohibitive.

To meet demand with existing resources, utility companies must boost electrical output from their existing grid, while increasing uptime. Traditional methods for inspection, maintenance and repair include the use of low-flying helicopters or having people working manually on the ground, which are neither efficient nor ideal for health, safety and the environment.

KVS has developed and commercialised a one-stop-shop to help utility companies meet many of the demands of electrification, as well as increase their grid capacity. It comprises a fit-for-purpose unmanned aircraft system, the Explorer E30, which is built to perform large-scale aerial inspections autonomously with zero emissions. It includes Fleet Management, a software suite for flight operations, and Grid Analytics, software for visualisation and data analysis. The system is designed to help utilities find faults and respond to them faster, while providing a smarter, greener and safer way to monitor and maintain the conditions of the power infrastructure.

At present, KVS serves more than ten per cent of Norway’s utility companies and has conducted more than 3000 beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) power grid inspections in Europe. This agreement with Spright means it will now be able to expand and scale its operations in North America.

The potential for growth is significant; the USA has around five million kilometres of power lines in comparison to Norway’s 100,000km. Spright’s Part 135 certificate makes it possible to conduct BVLOS drone flights without exemption, in full accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

“We are thrilled to have found a partner in Spright, who shares our drive to create a safer and better future for people everywhere,” said Cato Vevatne, CEO of KVS Technologies. “Our customers in Europe have seen how using our unmanned systems for large scale power grid inspection has significant operational and environmental benefits, and through Air Methods we will now be able to offer our unique solution in North America.”

Joe Resnik, president of Spright, added: “Spright was created to help solve many of the toughest challenges facing communities across North America. Current infrastructure challenges require innovation and technology to find more effective and efficient solutions. This is where our work with KVS Technologies will make a difference. Leveraging emerging technologies, we will be able to more rapidly solve many infrastructure challenges in a more responsible manner, with a clear focus on safety.”

Based in Arizona, Spright is a stand-alone Part 135 operator with a team that touts more than 70 years of aviation operational experience. Parent company Air Methods is an air medical service, delivering care to more than 70,000 people every year. With nearly 40 years of air medical experience, it is a partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft includes more than 450 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Founded in 2015, KVS Technologies provides utilities with end-to-end inspection and digitalisation of critical infrastructure. The company leverages its unmanned systems and analytics software, providing a digital twin of entire infrastructures.