How drones help build the Australian electricity network.
Updated: Oct 6
Installing a transmission line requires crews to move cable between towers across farmland, roads and difficult terrain. Drones are already helping with that work in Australia. A September 2026 update from Transgrid offers a practical example of their role in building new electricity infrastructure.
Video source: 9 News Australia, Nation’s biggest electricity transmission project is on the home stretch, YouTube, September 2026.
Drones on HumeLink West
Transgrid’s September update reported that drones were being used to string conductors on HumeLink West in regional New South Wales. This work shows how aircraft can support construction across a transmission corridor, helping crews establish the connection between towers before permanent conductors are pulled into position. [1]
How the process works
Transgrid explains that a drone or helicopter carries a pilot cable, also called a draw wire, through pulley blocks fitted to the towers. Ground equipment then uses that wire to pull the permanent conductor into place. The aircraft is one part of a coordinated construction operation, alongside tower preparation, ground crews and pulling equipment. [2]
The April 2026 fact sheet says on-site stringing activity typically takes one to two days at a location, with adverse weather potentially extending the work. Transgrid identifies reduced ground disturbance and access requirements as benefits of aerial stringing. [2]
A separate example on EnergyConnect
A separate documented operation on EnergyConnect used drones to carry wires across an existing 330kV transmission line near Wagga Wagga. The crossing illustrates how aerial methods can help crews complete work where the route and surrounding infrastructure make construction more complex. [4]
Transgrid’s current EnergyConnect page states that construction and initial energisation are complete, with commissioning progressing ahead of market integration targeted for the end of 2026. Completing physical construction and completing market integration are different milestones. [3]
What this means for Dronergy
Dronergy is developing autonomous energy infrastructure to support drone operations beyond conventional battery limits. Potential applications include:
Longer operating windows: Helping teams inspect more of a transmission corridor when conditions are suitable.
Less manual battery handling: Reducing interruptions between repeated tasks.
These applications are being explored as our system develops. To discuss your operational needs, visit our website and select Request Demo.
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