Drones have become a game-changer for oil and gas operations worldwide, transforming traditional inspection methods, creating better safety practices and lowering costs throughout the industry.
Australian companies have already seen the benefits of drones in their oil and gas exploration operations. Drones can acquire more accurate methane leak detection data, take high-resolution imagery, and perform thorough pipeline inspections. They are also helping these companies meet environmental standards while cutting operational costs.
This change in the industry has led to the explosion of new drone careers and teams, with Australia expected to add 5,500 full-time positions each year through to 2040.
Drone Technology Transforming Australian Oil Fields
Since 2020, drone technology has dramatically changed inspection and monitoring processes in Australian oil fields.
The rise of drone capabilities
Drones were first used in the Australian oil and gas sector to perform simple visual inspections. Today, they handle complex tasks like methane detection and structural integrity assessments.
The global oil and gas drone market is expected to reach USD $28.9 billion by 2034. As a result, many Australian oil and gas companies plan to expand their drone fleets significantly.
The core technological breakthroughs driving adoption
Several breakthroughs have sped up drone adoption in Australian oil fields. Recent advances in sensor miniaturisation and navigation systems have turned drones into reliable platforms that gather professional data.
Drones now use advanced software to deliver superior analysis based on high-resolution images and geospatial data. Equipped with specialised sensors, these machines can quickly detect gas leaks and oil spills and provide the needed data to contain them.
Another reason for their quick adoption by the industry is that drones now use high-performance motors with wide propellers. This ensures stable flight in the strong winds of Australian deserts.
Current drone fleet specifications used in Australian operations
Australian oil and gas operations use several specialised drone models:
- Fixed-wing drones offer up to 2 hours of flight time and can map vast distances of remote terrain with direct georeferencing.
- Enclosed drones feature omnidirectional collision avoidance and infrared lasers for detection, enhancing safety in complex environments like mines.
- Specialised models are designed for natural gas line surveys and tank inspections.
These advances have helped Australian companies cut inspection times by 50-80% and reduce costs by nearly 50%. Research shows drone-based inspections save 25-75% in time and costs compared to traditional methods.
Major Cost Savings in Offshore Platform Inspections
Australian offshore platforms are seeing amazing financial returns from their drone programs. Companies are reporting lower operational costs and improved efficiency in their operations.
Woodside Energy’s AUD $2.4M maintenance cost reduction
Woodside Energy leads the way in drone usage for offshore operations. The company’s autonomous inspections have decreased inspection durations by approximately 90%, contributing to significant operational efficiencies.
How did they achieve this?
They introduced specialised units into their fleet that can operate in confined spaces, perform vessel checks and monitor electrical equipment. Vessel inspections now take two days less, which has reduced labour and equipment expenses.
Risk mitigation and safety improvements
Drones do more than cut costs in oil and gas operations—they make workplaces safer.
Drones now save humans from performing dangerous tasks, such as:
- Platform side work
- Entering confined spaces
- Performing high-altitude flare stack inspections
Thermal cameras attached to drones can help spot methane leaks in real time, enabling operators to address these issues without risking employee safety.
Pipeline Monitoring Case Studies
Drones are reshaping how Australian oil and gas operators monitor pipelines and detect leaks.
Beach Energy’s methane leak detection success
Beach Energy has seen dramatic improvements in its methane leak detection efforts thanks to its adoption of drone technology. In 2023, Beach’s projects delivered ongoing annualised emissions abatement exceeding 18,000 tCO₂e. This success builds on earlier wins where drones with thermal and infrared cameras spotted gas leaks from storage tanks and pipelines with pinpoint accuracy.
Real-time data collection across 1,200km of pipelines
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) made a groundbreaking move by allowing Xplorate to inspect a 500 km underground gas pipeline almost entirely beyond visual line of sight. This project resulted in detailed digital twins of the pipeline using LIDAR and RGB data, which enabled operators to detect potential integrity issues down to the centimetre.
Beach Energy now monitors methane leaks across 1,200 km of pipelines with drones. This has reduced pipeline inspection time significantly compared to helicopter surveillance.
Comparison with traditional monitoring methods
Traditional Methods | Drones |
Helicopter monitoring costs about $3,000 per hour. | Can capture up-close, high-quality photos and videos of leaks and transmit the data. |
Manual site checks require two people and take 8 hours. | Can keep workers safe by entering dangerous areas. |
Teams must drive on gravel or dirt roads between sites, which slows everything down. | Can cover vast distances quickly and handle tough terrain easily. |
Environmental Compliance and Emissions Tracking
Emissions regulatory compliance is another issue that drone technology has simplified. Drone technology has helped oil and gas companies meet these requirements while saving costs.
How drones helped meet 2025 regulatory requirements
As environmental regulations tighten, Australian energy producers use advanced aerial monitoring solutions to stay compliant. By adopting drone technology, these companies are not only meeting stricter emissions standards but also supporting global methane initiatives like the Methane Guiding Principles, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter. Drones allow companies to move beyond estimated calculations, providing direct, accurate measurements that ensure verifiable compliance.
Aerial methane detection capabilities
Drone-mounted methane detectors use sophisticated technologies like Gas Mapping LiDAR to scan infrastructure, find leak sources and measure emission rates. These systems can detect methane emissions from altitudes of up to 120 meters, offering a safer operational environment.
Cost avoidance through early intervention
Drone-based emissions tracking has saved oil and gas companies millions. Qii.AI reports that BP found that early inspections that used to take seven days can now be done in 30 minutes. Early leak detection has also cut remediation costs by up to 90%. Undetected emissions can lead to huge regulatory fines, so Australian companies save money by finding and fixing leaks quickly.
Exploration and Surveying Efficiency Gains
Drones offer cost-effective, high-precision data that is enhancing decision making for Australian oil and gas operators. From 3D mapping and geological modelling to budget-friendly exploration, these companies successfully optimise resources and maximise efficiency.
3D mapping of potential drilling sites
Drones with LiDAR and photogrammetry sensors have changed how companies assess sites before drilling. They can create detailed topographic maps that help plan pipeline routes and build 3D models for asset management.
These systems provide centimetre-level detail that can be adapted into exact geological models and civil designs, which are far more effective than older surveying methods. Australian companies mainly use these drones to map large areas and create elevation models when developing and checking new sites.
Integration with existing geological data systems
Australian operators now combine drone data with their current geological systems. The information goes straight into geographic systems, and special software processes it to make better decisions. Drone teams can quickly draw asset outlines to plan missions and bring geospatial assets from ESRI to drone platforms. These systems analyse data from different sensors to measure volumes and learn about geology. This helps companies manage reservoirs better, improve drilling methods, and boost production.
The Future of Oil and Gas in Australia
The Australian oil and gas sector’s success with drones highlights their vital role in modern energy operations. It confirms they will continue to play a major part in the industry’s success.
At Toll Uncrewed, we are preparing the next generation of drone pilots to meet this growing demand.
Our comprehensive in-person Brisbane RePL courses are led by world-class instructors who are right there in the classroom with you—no video calls, just face-to-face learning.
Our teaching style is hands-on and direct. We monitor your progress closely and stay with you until you secure your license.
Get in touch with the team today. An innovative and lucrative new career as a drone pilot could be waiting for you.