AboitizPower Expands AI and Drone Use in Renewable Energy Operations
Drone-assisted inspections at AboitizPower’s Cayanga-Bugallon Solar Power facility in Pangasinan support predictive maintenance and enhance operational visibility across renewable sites.
AboitizPower has announced an expansion of its artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology deployment across its renewable energy operations and maintenance activities. The integration is currently in use at run-of-river hydropower facilities under its subsidiary, Hedcor.
The initiative includes the use of digital twins, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technologies. These tools enable the creation of detailed virtual models of hydropower plant sites and allow for predictive analysis of natural hazards, including landslides.
Galen Alova, Senior Assistant Vice President for Reliability, Engineering & Asset Management at Aboitiz Renewables, noted that the technologies are used to monitor potential risks before they materialize. According to the company, enhancements are planned to expand coverage to other geohazard risks, such as in earthquake-prone areas.
AboitizPower also operates a National Operations Control Center (NOCC), which remotely manages 28 renewable energy facilities across the Philippines. The NOCC utilizes AI-based tools for energy management, data science, and analytics. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors are used for maintenance inspections at both hydropower and solar power facilities.
The company’s initiatives reflect a broader industry shift toward using AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and enhance the reliability of renewable energy systems.
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