Dominion Energy Secures Pivotal BVLOS Waiver for Power Facility Inspections Using Skydio X2

Rhea-AI Summary

Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) has received FAA approval to conduct advanced drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) across 40+ power facilities in seven states. This approval, achieved in collaboration with Skydio, allows plant engineers to operate drones with enhanced safety and efficiency without needing additional crew for proximity detection. The Skydio X2 drones will facilitate inspections and data collection, ultimately reducing operational costs and improving safety outcomes. Dominion's drone program, initiated in 2014, now includes approximately 50 drones for various operational tasks.

Positive

• FAA approval for BVLOS drone operations enhances operational efficiency.
• Potential reduction in safety risks and operational costs with advanced technology.
• Dominion's extensive drone program now includes 50 drones for diverse functions.

Negative

• None.

Authorization enables advanced drone operations to inspect 40+ power facilities in 7 states

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) and Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight, today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Dominion Energy a pivotal approval to fly Skydio drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) to inspect power generation facilities in seven states. Dominion obtained the waiver in partnership with Skydio’s regulatory team under the FAA BEYOND program, as part of the Virginia team led by the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) along with the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.

Representing the democratization of advanced drone operations, the waiver allows individual operators — like plant engineers — to fly drones beyond their line of sight with unprecedented efficiency. There is no requirement to use an additional crew member or technology to detect crewed aircraft. Skydio's AI technology allows the pilot to safely fly their missions in close proximity to structures in a way that would be difficult or impossible with a drone that uses less sophisticated technology. As a result of this waiver, Dominion Energy — one of the nation’s largest energy companies — may conduct scaled BVLOS operations to inspect more than 40 power facilities in Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

Dominion Energy first deployed drones in 2014, focusing primarily on identifying electrical transmission line defects. Since then, Dominion has expanded its drone program to include approximately 50 drones and drone pilots serving multiple operational business segments. At power generation facilities, Dominion Energy drones take volumetric measurements and assess construction progress, provide surveying and mapping services, and inspect infrastructure.

“A 20-minute inspection by a battery-powered drone will increase safety for our colleagues, who will no longer need to rappel down the side of a structure, as well as save time during inspection-related preparations,” said Nate Robie, Dominion Energy’s manager of unmanned systems program. “As a pioneer in beyond visual line of sight drone use, Dominion Energy contributes to a safer, greener future, as well as potentially lowering operations and maintenance costs, which ultimately benefits our customers.”

Dominion Energy will conduct these operations using Skydio X2, the ultimate intelligent aerial tool for enterprise applications. Skydio X2 pairs a rugged, foldable airframe with Skydio Autonomy, the world’s most advanced AI-based autonomous flight engine, which enables Skydio drones to safely navigate any environment, including areas without GPS, with 360° obstacle avoidance. Designed, assembled, and supported in the USA, the Skydio X2 also meets the demanding supply chain and cyber security requirements necessary for inspecting critical infrastructure.

"This pivotal approval brings Dominion Energy, Skydio and the entire drone industry one step closer to advanced drone operations at scale," said Jenn Player, Skydio’s Director of Regulatory Affairs. "When it comes to scaling beyond visual line of sight operations, having an intelligent drone makes all the difference and Skydio was proud to support Dominion Energy in obtaining this waiver that enables them to inspect critically important facilities."

MAAP leads Virginia’s BEYOND team and other major federal UAS-integration efforts, and their work has consistently led to landmark authorizations and operations that have advanced the industry. They work with the FAA, other federal agencies, and leading companies on fundamental research and advanced testing, bridging industry goals and regulatory priorities to develop practical, powerful, evidence-based solutions that set new precedents and lay the groundwork for expanded operations.

“Two major goals of the research we conduct as an FAA-designated test site are helping companies like Dominion develop practical ways to use drones to make their operations safer and more efficient, and working with drone companies like Skydio to find opportunities to leverage the real power of their technology to make new kinds of operations possible,” said Tombo Jones, MAAP’s director. “This waiver achieves both of those things and is a real win for us in our efforts in the BEYOND program. We’re excited to see the difference it will make for Dominion and Skydio now, and what it lays the groundwork for in the future.”

About Dominion Energy

About 7 million customers in 13 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

About Skydio

Skydio is the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight. Skydio leverages breakthrough AI to create the world’s most intelligent flying machines for use by consumer, enterprise, and government customers. Founded in 2014, Skydio is made up of leading experts in AI, robotics, cameras, and electric vehicles from top companies, research labs, and universities from around the world. Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S. from its headquarters in Redwood City, CA, to offer the highest standards of supply chain and manufacturing security. Skydio is trusted by leading enterprises across a wide range of industry sectors and is backed by top investors and strategic partners including Andreesen Horowitz, Levitate Capital, Next47, IVP, Playground, and NVIDIA.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220706005702/en/

Skydio Head of Communications

Kate Sheehy

press@skydio.com

Source: Skydio

FAQ

What is the recent FAA approval granted to Dominion Energy (D)?

Dominion Energy has received FAA approval to conduct advanced drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) for inspecting power generation facilities in seven states.

How many power facilities will Dominion Energy's drones inspect?

Dominion Energy's drones will inspect over 40 power facilities across seven states.

What technology will Dominion Energy use for its drone operations?

Dominion Energy will utilize the Skydio X2 drones, equipped with advanced AI for safe navigation.

When did Dominion Energy first deploy drones for inspections?

Dominion Energy first deployed drones in 2014, initially focusing on identifying electrical transmission line defects.

What benefits are expected from the BVLOS drone operations by Dominion Energy?

The BVLOS operations are expected to increase safety, reduce operational costs, and improve inspection efficiency.