As industries face mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, innovative solutions are emerging to address these challenges. Among them, drone technology is proving to be a crucial tool for companies aiming to achieve their decarbonisation targets, particularly within the energy sector.
Digitising Reality, a leader in remote-operated aerial surveys and inspections, is at the forefront of this shift. The company’s use of drones is not only reducing carbon footprints but also enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
One significant impact of drone deployment is the reduction in emissions associated with traditional inspection methods. Offshore platform assessments, typically requiring large crews helicoptered in and/or ships to transport skids of equipment, have historically contributed to high carbon emissions. By contrast, Digitising Reality’s drone inspections require just a two-person team.
This reduction is particularly relevant as companies grapple with Scope 3 emissions—those indirect emissions that occur across a company’s entire value chain. For oilfield operators, minimising the carbon impact of routine inspections and maintenance is a crucial step in addressing these broader environmental obligations.
Methane leak detection has also seen advancements through drone technology. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a critical issue for industries focused on reducing emissions. Drones equipped with advanced sensors can detect leaks with a level of precision that traditional methods often miss. The ability to quickly deploy drones for this purpose allows for immediate response, preventing further environmental impact.
Furthermore, the company’s drones perform 3D asset surveys that streamline mitigation and safety modelling. These capabilities are particularly valuable in energy and renewables sectors, where accessing remote or hazardous locations is routine. The technology eliminates the need for scaffolding, cranes, or rope access, which not only enhances safety but also reduces downtime and associated carbon emissions.
In addition, Digitising Reality is working with AI experts to introduce predictive maintenance solutions, a move that could further reduce the need for reactive maintenance and its environmental costs.
As the energy sector continues to grapple with the dual challenges of safety and sustainability, the adoption of drone technology offers a promising path forward in the collective effort to reduce global carbon emissions and meet increasingly stringent Scope 3 requirements.
