One of Italy’s largest petrochemical groups is currently running an ambitious energy transition project with targets for 2035 and 2050.
The goal is to implement tangible solutions to preserve the environment and promote access to energy resources in an efficient and sustainable way for everyone.

With that in mind, the group has gone into partnership with Dronus to develop a tailored version of the automated NEST®250 UAV system featuring a specially designed fugitive emission detector. The aim is to measure and monitor the concentration of natural gas in complex large-scale facilities.
The NEST®250 system has so far been tested in a plant of around 37 ac (150.000 m2) in northern Italy. The aim is to have it implemented in similar plants of the group in the future.
In September 2020, Dronus installed a NEST®250 system that constantly monitors the plant. Thanks to its software and to Arianna, Dronus’ proprietary GPS device, the system can plan the drone’s missions 24/7 and identify potential gas leaks as the drone can fly even in the very narrow spaces where the plant valves are located. When the mission is complete or the battery is running low, the drone returns autonomously to the NEST®base.
The NEST®250 system first collects and processes the data and then sends them to the plant’s operations center, where they can be further managed remotely.

Dronus is testing the integration of its NEST®250 system into one of the towers managed by Inwit, the largest tower operator in Italy. The new tower, equipped with the NEST®250 system, was installed in September 2020 at Vallelunga racetrack in Campagnano, not far from Rome. The aim was to test the structure of the tower, check the status of the aerials, monitor the circuit to ensure security and, lastly, produce videos for entertainment purposes. Inwit has provided the supporting infrastructure, the interface with the NEST®250 system and power supply.

The Castel Fusano municipal park is a protected area that is part of the Natural Reserve of Rome’s coastline and extends over a surface of nearly 2471 ac (1000 ha).
Despite its reputation as the green lung of Rome, over the years it has fallen into a state of neglect owing to lack of systematic surveillance and inspection. Social and urban decay as well as cases of arson have affected the park and, therefore, the well-being and security of the community.
Dronus, as a provider to Leonardo’s Cyber & Security Division, will join the ongoing project for securing the park by implementing its autonomous UAV system. In November 2020, Leonardo won the contract in a public procurement procedure co-financed by the European Space Agency (ESA) within the framework of its Business Applications program.

In 2021, four NEST®250 systems and their K250, equipped with optical and infrared cameras, will be installed in the park. The aim is to monitor the pine forest, its surroundings and entry points in order to preserve its natural beauty and let the inhabitants of Rome enjoy its green spaces safely.