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Data, technology and commercial innovation for energy transition

Innovation looks different for every energy business and project

The energy industry is changing, and technology, data and commercial innovation will have a pivotal role to play in accelerating current investments, improving ROI, and preparing organisations for the future. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our work with clients across the energy spectrum, investing without the right information rarely pays dividends.

Innovation can be technical and niche, as is the case for some of our suggestions below. It can also be about adopting a transformation mindset where you consider an entirely new way of doing business.

Here are just a few ways we think industry can incorporate innovation into their energy transition plans.

All energy transition ideas Next in focus: approvals

Drone Assessment Of Solar PV Installation

Data, technology and commercial innovation ideas

1 | Explore new business models

For network operators in particular the energy landscape is changing. Now is the time to be looking at new operational models and revenue streams. This could include Energy as a Service (EaaS), harnessing renewable generation assets for alternative fuel production, new ways to monetise distributed energy systems, or maximising returns through build to divest strategies.

2 | Integrate environmental data for asset optimisation

Investment in environmental modelling often wanes after the investigation and approval phase. But feeding data into your asset management system post-construction can help maximise the value of your asset day-to-day. For example, integrating a meteorological data feed could support micro adjustments to array orientation for maximum yield.

Energy Workers On Site At Wind Farm Installation

3 | Embrace circular economic principles in energy project design

Circular economic principles focus on reducing waste, reusing materials, and designing for recyclability. By incorporating circularity into project design, project owners can reduce material costs, minimise environmental impact, and potentially increase project longevity. This approach can also contribute to positive public perception and regulatory compliance with environmental standards.

4 | Pursue commercial partnership opportunities

Many project proponents are already pursuing hybrid developments that incorporate more than one generation type or a combination of generation and storage. Going it alone is a proven strategy, but teaming up with others or even exploring networked opportunities may help you invest more cost-effectively, add value to assets and tap into new commercial expertise.

5 | Invest in advanced spatial insights

Technologies such as Aerial LiDAR, drone surveys, and 3D laser scanning provide accurate, high-resolution spatial data that you can use to assess site viability and constraints. These tools provide valuable information on site topography, environmental conditions, and existing infrastructure, allowing for more precise planning and reducing the risk of costly design revisions.

6 | Utilise digital twins for project planning and design simulation

The raw spatial data discussed above can be used to create digital twins—a virtual model that represents your energy asset pre- or post-construction. Investing in a digital twin allows your design team to simulate project conditions, test different scenarios, and identify potential issues before construction begins. By testing designs and operational strategies in the virtual world, you can reduce the risk of on-site issues, optimise resource allocation, and improve project performance.

Innovation in focus: geospatial insights for the solar industry

RPS has supported a North Queensland solar farm operator to establish a unique, repeatable method for monitoring installed panel infrastructure and ensuring optimum generation performance.

With the correct positioning of support piles and photovoltaic panels critical to solar energy performance, RPS’ surveying specialists were engaged to evaluate initial discrepancies between ‘as built’ infrastructure and original design specifications for the array. This methodology could then be replicated over specific periods to track any future movement.

In focus: myProjects digital management solution

Managing all aspects of project delivery and ensuring accurate data is available for decision-making is a huge challenge for the infrastructure sector. That's why RPS has created myProjects - a digital portfolio, program and project management solution designed by project managers with all delivery stakeholders in mind. Discover how myProjects could streamline your energy transition journey.

Learn more about myProjects