Speed Inspecting tall structures like turbine halls, boilers, and exhaust pipes used to require days of scaffolding setup. With the lightweight Elios drone, inspections can now be completed in just one or two days without the need for scaffolding, significantly speeding up the process. Cost Savings CLP Power has established an in-house drone team that performs inspections using the Elios. By eliminating the need for scaffolding, they save millions annually. The drones also capture LiDAR, visual, and thermal data in a single flight, offering a more comprehensive analysis of power generation assets. Safety The use of drones eliminates the need for work at height, reducing the risks associated with scaffolding and keeping teams on the ground, which enhances overall safety during inspections. Access The Elios 3 allows CLP Power to easily access high-rise assets, such as boilers over 30 meters tall, as well as underground or confined spaces like silos and pipes, making previously difficult inspections much more manageable. Founded in 1901, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) supplies reliable electricity to over 80% of Hong Kong’s population, serving around 7.4 million people. As a vertically integrated energy provider, it covers generation, transmission, distribution, and customer services. Ensuring the smooth operation of its facilities is a top priority, but traditional manual inspections face limitations due to the complex and hazardous environments found in power plants. Since 2016, CLP Power has been exploring innovative technologies to improve inspection processes. They pioneered the use of drones, specifically the Elios model, to streamline indoor inspections and collect valuable data for better maintenance and safety. This shift has not only improved efficiency but also reduced the need for dangerous work at height and in confined spaces. Power stations are complex environments with large structures, high ceilings, and underground elements. CLP Power's Generation Engineering Department focuses on applying cutting-edge technologies to maintain the integrity of these facilities. In 2018, their team sought alternatives to reduce reliance on scaffolding for inspections in hard-to-reach areas. While CLP Power had used drones for outdoor inspections since 2016, the challenge was navigating indoor spaces without GPS. After discussions with Dronesurvey Asia, the team discovered the Elios drones, which offered stable, contact-free inspections without the need for GPS. This inspired them to explore new ways to inspect critical assets like boilers, turbine halls, and exhaust pipes. When the Elios 2 was introduced, the team began developing workflows to integrate it into their inspection routines. Its collision tolerance allowed safe operation in complex environments, from stockpile measurements to high boilers. In 2022, the launch of the Elios 3 provided even more capabilities, including simultaneous LiDAR and visual data collection, enhancing the efficiency of inspections. According to Ng Ki-on, Director of Generation Engineering at CLP Power, “Initially, some thought we were looking for recreational drones. But the Elios proved that drones are powerful tools for industrial use, improving both safety and efficiency.†Today, CLP Power uses the Elios drones for a variety of inspections, including boilers, indoor storage areas, pump pits, and general site checks. Previously, boiler inspections required scaffolding and took days, but now the Elios 3 can complete them in a single day, reducing downtime and enabling faster maintenance. Similarly, pump pit inspections once involved draining water and setting up scaffolding, but with the Elios, this can be done quickly without disrupting operations. The drones have made inspections safer, faster, and more data-rich, allowing engineers to make informed decisions based on high-quality data. Ki-on is excited about the future of drone technology in inspections. “I see great potential for AI to help analyze the data we collect,†he says. “This will save time, especially for teams dealing with large volumes of data.†Recently, CLP Power hosted a media briefing showcasing the use of Elios drones alongside other tools to improve safety and productivity. The event sparked interest from local government agencies and organizations, highlighting the growing importance of drones in modern infrastructure management. Explore more about the Elios 3 and its advanced LiDAR payload to see how it’s transforming power plant inspections in Hong Kong and beyond. All images in this article are credited to CLP Power Hong Kong Limited. Potato Flakes Production Line,Potato Flakes Machine,Potato Flake Powder Production Line,Potato Chips Processing Line Zhucheng Lijie Food Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.lijiegroup.comPower Station Inspections in Hong Kong with the Elios
Key Benefits at a Glance
Discovering Drones for Indoor Inspections at Power Plants
Developing a Drone Program at a Power Plant
A Permanent Place for Drones in Power Plant Inspections
What’s Coming Next?
July 13, 2025