As freezing temperatures grip the Chinese mainland this January, state grid operators are deploying cutting-edge drone technology to protect critical energy infrastructure. Following a series of extreme weather events in early 2026, engineers have equipped unmanned aerial vehicles with specialized spraying systems to remove ice from high-voltage transmission lines spanning mountainous regions in Hubei and Hunan provinces.
"This innovation addresses a decades-old challenge," explained State Grid Corporation technician Zhang Wei during a field demonstration. "Traditional manual de-icing required workers to climb 50-meter towers in subzero conditions. Our thermal imaging drones can now identify and treat ice buildup within minutes."
The upgraded drones carry non-corrosive de-icing agents that melt through 3cm-thick ice layers while maintaining safe flight distances from live wires. Early trials show a 70% reduction in power outages compared to conventional methods during this winter's cold snap.
With temperatures forecast to drop to -25°C in northern regions this week, energy authorities have activated emergency protocols. The drone fleet forms part of a $2.3 billion winter preparedness package approved by the National Development and Reform Commission in late 2025.
