Core Insights - The State Grid Hebei Xingtai Power Company has successfully applied hydrogen-powered drones for the first time in line inspection, marking a significant advancement in drone technology for power line maintenance [1] - The initiative aims to address the limitations of lithium battery-powered drones, particularly in complex terrains where flight duration and recharging times are critical [1] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The company collaborated with Hebei Fenghang Drone Technology Co., Ltd. and Zhejiang Hydrogen Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. to upgrade the drone's power system from lithium batteries to hydrogen fuel cells [1] - The new hydrogen energy system allows for a quick refueling process, taking only 2 minutes to replace hydrogen canisters, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional lithium batteries [1] Group 2: Performance Metrics - The DJI M350 drone, originally powered by lithium batteries, had a flight duration of only 25 minutes and could inspect 40 tower bases [2] - After the conversion to a hydrogen energy system, the same drone can achieve a flight duration of 70 minutes and inspect 152 tower bases, resulting in a 3 to 4 times increase in inspection efficiency [2]