Autonomous drone and AI-based inspection for the maintenance of offshore wind turbines in operation

Project Lead

The project is led by Quali Drone, a Danish startup specialized in industrial drone inspections and artificial intelligence. The company is responsible for developing the technological solution, in collaboration with RWE and other partners from the energy and scientific sectors such as Statkraft, TotalEnergies, DTU, and Energy Cluster Denmark, within the framework of the AQUADA-GO project.

Project Description

This innovation case presents a pioneering solution for autonomous inspection of offshore wind turbines while they remain in operation, without the need to shut them down or send technicians into high-risk areas. The technology combines drones equipped with high-resolution visual cameras and thermographic sensors with advanced artificial intelligence models capable of detecting surface and internal blade damage in real time.

The system enables continuous and non-intrusive inspections, avoiding prolonged production downtime and significantly reducing costs associated with corrective maintenance. At the same time, it eliminates human exposure to hazardous offshore operations and reduces indirect emissions linked to travel and traditional maintenance interventions.

Tests have been successfully carried out at the Rødsand 2 (Denmark) offshore wind farm, where the technology has proven fully operational under real conditions and adaptable to different wind farm configurations. AI algorithms process the data captured by the drones immediately, generating structured and actionable insights that pave the way for a new data-driven predictive maintenance model based on continuous inspection.

The AQUADA-GO project, active until 2026 and with a budget of 17.8 million Danish kroner, represents a key step toward the digitalization and automation of offshore wind maintenance, aligning with energy transition goals and operational efficiency in the sector.

Furthermore, the solution clearly strengthens the link between technological innovation and the marine environment, positioning the sea as a strategic space for the deployment of advanced technologies within the blue economy. The use of intelligent drones to inspect offshore wind turbines while they remain operational not only optimizes maintenance and enhances safety, but also reduces the environmental impact associated with maritime transport and traditional intervention operations.

Project Objectives

The main objective is to transform offshore wind turbine maintenance through autonomous, safe, and continuous inspections that enable early damage detection, reduce operational costs, and minimize the environmental impact of maintenance activities. The solution enhances workforce safety, increases asset availability, and accelerates the transition toward more digital, predictive, and sustainable management models in the offshore wind energy sector.