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TNB with RIEGL ULS System: Advanced LiDAR Technology for Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), a prominent Malaysian utility company in Asia, made strategic advancements by acquiring RIEGL UAV LiDAR sensors, specifically the VUX-120, into their operations using Velos Rotors unmanned helicopters for the selection of transmission line routes.
One of TNB's current challenges involves the selection of new transmission line routes through forest reserves that harbor endangered species and wildlife habitats, requiring coordination with the Malaysian Forestry Department and Department of Wildlife. Compliance with strict guidelines from these authorities is crucial to avoid delays and additional costs associated with rerouting the Right-of-Way (ROW) due to encounters with endangered species during initial surveys.
Recognizing the potential of UAVs equipped with LiDAR technology in surveying, TNB conducted a Proof-of-Concept (POC) using RIEGL RiCOPTER with VUX-1LR. They sought a solution that was not only survey-grade but also rapid, practical, and capable of long-range scanning and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This pursuit led them to adopt the RIEGL VUX-120.
Under the THyIS (Tree Hyperspectral Identification System) projects, TNB integrated the RIEGL VUX-120 into their unmanned helicopter, a Velos Rotors V3, enabling daily operations that consistently deliver data meeting their stringent operational and project-specific requirements.
The current project proposal involves further research and development aimed at implementing an automated detection system for identifying endangered tree species using remote sensing techniques along proposed transmission line routes. TNB has acquired a fully calibrated RIEGL UAV system featuring the RIEGL VUX-120 NFB (Nadir-Forward-Backward) scanner. This specialized configuration facilitates high-altitude scans of power lines and corridor scanning projects, ensuring comprehensive data collection and adherence to environmental regulations.
The video gives an insight into the project and shows the possibilities offered by the use of RIEGL Ultimate LiDAR technology in the forestry sector.
TNB's commitment to leveraging advanced LiDAR technology underscores their dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship in their operational initiatives. As they continue to integrate cutting-edge solutions, TNB remains at the forefront of utility innovation in the region, poised to address complex challenges with precision and efficiency.
On this journey, TNB is reliably supported by RIEGL's distribution partner for Malaysia, GPS Lands Malaysia. Marcos Garcia, Business Development Manager of RIEGL Asia Pacific Ltd, "We appreciate GPS Lands Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to the development of LiDAR technology in the region. Together with TNB and Velos Rotors, they have been able to deliver one of the most advanced LiDAR UAV solutions in the market. Our gratitude goes to CS Lim and his team for all the support."
About TNB
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is the largest utility company in Malaysia and also a leading utility company in Asia with an international presence in the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and India. Established in 1949, TNB has evolved into an extensive energy provider, delivering reliable electricity to approximately 10.6 million customers across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan. As of December 2022, TNB's renewable energy portfolio includes a total gross capacity of 2,896 MW in Malaysia, with 2,536.1 MW from large hydro projects. Additionally, TNB has 993 MW of renewable energy assets across the UK, Turkey, and India, primarily comprising solar, wind, and hydro energy generation. TNB manages the entire electricity value chain, from generation and transmission to distribution and retail. TNB also involves in other activities such as repairing, testing and maintaining power plants, providing engineering, procurement and construction services for power plants related products, assembling and manufacturing high voltage switchgears, coal mining and trading. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, TNB plays a crucial role in driving Malaysia's economic growth and development by maintaining a stable and efficient power supply to households, businesses, and industries nationwide. The company is also actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, showcasing its dedication to transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable future.
About GPS Lands Malaysia
GPS Lands Malaysia stands as a leader in the LiDAR field in Malaysia. With nearly 15 years of experience delivering advanced solutions to achieve higher accuracy and efficient data collection and result analysis. As the sole distributor of RIEGL LiDAR Systems in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, GPS Lands Malaysia offers a comprehensive range of RIEGL LiDAR systems including aerial, terrestrial and mobile platforms, as well as comprehensive software for data acquisition, processing and analysis to produce detailed and accurate geospatial data. The company provides a diverse range of products to meet the needs of multi-disciplinary sectors including surveying, utility, forestry, construction, urban planning and environmental monitoring. Committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and becoming a "Choice Partner", GPS Lands Malaysia not only provides solutions, but also provides their clients with expert guidance and technical supports, ensuring a smooth integration of LiDAR technology into their projects, helping them to enhance their project outcomes and maximize the value of their investments.
