A $500,000 Research ND grant awarded yesterday will launch a pilot program to research ways drones can be used to speed recovery efforts following natural disasters.
Terry Sando, Director of UAS Business Development for the Grand Forks Region EDC, coordinated the project and grant application.
Xcel Energy, Elbit Systems of America and others are providing matching funds and will be using Xcel infrastructure in Mayville, N.D. to conduct tests that will include the University of North Dakota, General Electric, Northern Plains UAS Test Site, and Waypoint Global Strategies.
At a press conference announcing the project and grant award, North Dakota Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley said the project is demonstrating the unique ways drones can be used. “What’s so exciting is that North Dakota is clearly on the front edge (of the unmanned systems development).”
In a press release Wrigley said, “North Dakota’s leadership in the UAS industry continues to attract companies from across the globe, and we are fully committed to further developing our expertise and assets as a national hub for UAS research, development and commercialization. I applaud Xcel Energy, Elbit Systems of America and the University of North Dakota for collaborating and utilizing state resources, such as Research ND, demonstrating that same level of commitment.”
EDC President & CEO Klaus Thiessen said, “Innovative research leads to greater commercial application opportunities and is critical to advancing opportunities for businesses to excel here. This project is an extraordinary example of regional partnerships in the true spirit of collaboration.”
Xcel Energy inspects about 320,000 miles of electricity and natural gas infrastructure along with substations and power plants in its eight-state coverage area. Vice President for State Affairs Laura McCarten said, “We are constantly looking for new technology to serve our customers better. Thank you (state of North Dakota) for recognizing the importance of research.”