Fire detection technology to support summer preparedness at the SEC Delburn Wind Farm

This fire season, SEC Delburn Wind Farm will deploy advanced early fire detection technology to strengthen its already comprehensive fire risk management measures.

The AI−powered camera technology, provided by Pano AI is mounted to the project’s meteorological mast and uses high-definition cameras to detect the first signs of smoke and flames in the landscape. If an incident is detected, trained Pano AI analysts review the footage and share the location and live vision with emergency service agencies and on site fire crews at the Delburn Wind Farm.

Pano AI's early fire detection technology is used widely across six states Australia, with 50 camera stations protecting more than 3 million hectares of forests, agricultural land, renewable energy zones and the communities that surround them.

The camera technology captures 360-degree views over the plantation every minute, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The location and images of the fire are shared with emergency responders for rapid response.

The system provides an extra layer of fire protection to the Delburn Wind Farm's onsite crews from Risk Consultants, who provide monitoring and fire response activities on the ground.

SEC Executive General Manager Assets, Lane Crockett, said the technology would complement significant fire safety measures already in place at the project.

"People in Gippsland understand the importance of fire preparedness, particularly heading into summer," Mr Crockett said.

"This technology gives our team and onsite local fire risk specialists another tool to identify a potential fire early and access timely information when it matters most."

The Pano AI technology complements the extensive fire prevention and response measures already in place at SEC Delburn Wind Farm, reflecting SEC’s commitment to operating safely and responsibly.

This includes the installation of five 130,000-litre firefighting water tanks prior to construction starting and a Bush Fire Mitigation and Management Plan developed and reviewed in consultation with and endorsed by the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

Once in place, the projects' wind turbines will also have in−built fire detection and suppression systems.

Mr Crockett said SEC's approach focused on ensuring multiple layers of protection were in place throughout construction and future operation of the wind farm.

"There is no single solution when it comes to fire safety. That's why we are investing in a range of measures that work together to help reduce risk and support a coordinated response if required," he said.

Pano AI Head of Australia GTM, Andrew Prolov, said the partnership with SEC would support fire preparedness at the Delburn Wind Farm and in the surrounding community.

"Our cameras and analysts work around the clock as an extra set of eyes on the landscape. If smoke is detected, we verify it immediately and share the location and live vision with fire crews, so they can make informed decisions with confidence," Mr Prolov said.

“We're proud to be working alongside SEC and local fire risk specialists to build on the strong preparedness work already underway in Gippsland ahead of the fire season.”

The Pano AI camera system will be operational onsite during the declared Fire Danger Period. Once complete, there will be three fire detection cameras mounted on met masts operating across the site and will provide GPS triangulation points for fire events. This is a key part of SEC's commitment to identifying, assessing and responding to potential fire risks as quickly as possible.