Expleo: Connecting Large-Scale Renewables to the Grid

Last year, the UK government approved a £3.4 billion (US$4.4bn) investment in the 500km Eastern Green Link 2 offshore wind cable, connecting Scotland to northern England. 

By 2029, the project is set to power two million homes in support of the UK’s goal of zero-emission electricity by 2030. 

Expleo says that digital strategies and advanced technologies are key to optimising renewables and ensuring grid stability in light of these goals.

Stephen Magennis is Expleo’s Global Head of Energy and Utilities, driving operational excellence by leveraging its deep industry expertise to accelerate innovation across the entire value chain.

In the energy sector, this means driving the digitalisation and automation of operations, making energy generation, transmission and distribution more resilient and environmentally friendly. 

Stephen says: “We support more than 50 global clients spanning energy retail, networks, oil and gas, renewables and water, helping them decarbonise energy, revolutionise customer experiences and accelerate the transition to next-generation production in their industries.”

Expleo’s report, Transitioning to renewables at scale, details how to navigate the energy transition and grow a digital-first renewables business.

Building on this, Stephen shares his insights with Energy Digital.

Q. How can smart grid solutions help integrate large-scale offshore wind projects like the Eastern Green Link 2 into existing power grids?

Smart grid technology is pivotal in bridging the gap between conventional energy sources and large-scale renewable projects, like the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2). 

Expected to become operational by 2029, EGL2 represents a groundbreaking investment of £4.3bn (US$5.6bn), providing 2GW of power — enough to supply electricity to two million homes across Britain. 

The scale of this project highlights the critical need for smart grid technologies that can dynamically manage, balance and stabilise the flow of renewable energy, especially given the variable nature of offshore wind power​.

Smart grids use advanced sensors, real-time data and predictive analytics to monitor and adjust power distribution in response to fluctuating renewable outputs. 

For example, sensors across the grid continuously track power levels and consumption patterns, allowing real-time adjustments that prevent overloads. 

Through this constant data analysis, smart grids redistribute energy from renewable sources like EGL2 to high-demand areas, which helps prevent blackouts, reduce strain on transmission lines and maintain consistent energy supply across regions​. 

Additionally, smart grids enhance the grid’s storage and distribution capabilities, both critical for a project like EGL2, which includes the UK’s longest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea link. 

HVDC technology allows efficient long-distance power transmission with minimal loss and when combined with smart grids, it provides flexibility to store excess power during high wind periods and release it when demand peaks.

The adaptability of smart grids supports Europe’s broader energy vision, including the European supergrid. 

As interconnectors like EGL2 link national grids across borders, smart grids will play a pivotal role in facilitating cross-border energy flow and stabilising supply and demand across the continent.

Q. What are the key risk management strategies that should be implemented when deploying and operating major renewable energy projects?

Renewable energy projects — particularly large-scale installations like offshore wind farms — come with a unique set of operational, environmental and financial risks. 

Key strategies for managing these risks begin with comprehensive planning and risk assessments that identify potential vulnerabilities at each project phase — from site selection and regulatory compliance to long-term maintenance.

One essential strategy is the use of digital twins — virtual replicas of physical assets — that allow for simulation and predictive modelling. 

By running various scenarios on a digital twin, energy companies can anticipate issues and optimise performance without physical trial and error. 

Additionally, a proactive maintenance schedule, powered by AI-driven predictive analytics, can minimise downtime and extend asset life by addressing potential equipment failures before they become critical.

Another critical element of risk management is robust stakeholder engagement, which ensures that regulatory, community and environmental concerns are addressed transparently. 

Continuous environmental monitoring, stringent safety protocols and cyber risk management are also key to mitigating risk in the deployment and operation of major renewable energy projects.

Q. How can digital technologies and strategies optimise the performance and reliability of renewable energy sources like offshore wind?

Digital transformation is revolutionising renewable energy performance — especially offshore wind — which demands bold solutions to handle extreme, remote conditions. 

IoT, AI and machine learning bring game-changing real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, making them indispensable for maximising offshore wind reliability and output.

IoT sensors on wind turbines aren’t just data collectors — they’re frontline defenders, catching issues before they impact performance. 

By feeding data into AI analytics, they spot patterns and predict malfunctions, empowering operators to tackle problems proactively and avoid costly downtime. 

With AI optimising turbine positioning and operations based on conditions and demand, energy output is maximised and turbine life is extended. 

Embracing these digital tools is both smart and essential for renewables to stay economically competitive against traditional energy sources.

Q. What are the main regulatory challenges faced by businesses in the renewable energy sector? How can they ensure compliance?

Businesses in the renewable energy sector face a dynamic regulatory environment, with standards varying by country and region. 

Environmental mandates, land use laws, grid integration rules and data security requirements are constantly shifting. 

Large-scale projects spanning multiple jurisdictions or engaging in cross-border trading are particularly vulnerable to these complexities.

To stay compliant, companies must invest heavily in real-time monitoring and build solid frameworks to ensure transparency.

Tech tools like blockchain are now indispensable, providing tamper-proof transaction records and traceability across supply chains. 

Additionally, real-time data platforms demonstrate compliance with emission and safety standards to regulators. 

Engaging in regular dialogue with regulatory authorities and participating in industry forums are also crucial for staying ahead of potential changes. 

A proactive approach to regulatory compliance not only mitigates legal risks, but also builds trust with stakeholders and positions companies as responsible stewards of sustainable energy.

Q. What are the most critical steps energy companies need to take to successfully transition to a digital-first renewables business model?

Transitioning to a digital-first renewables model involves rethinking traditional energy business practices to harness the potential of digital transformation. Key steps include establishing a clear digital strategy that aligns with the company’s sustainability and financial objectives.

Investing in cybersecurity is also essential. With the rise of digitalisation, the risk to grid stability and data privacy becomes a real threat. 

Companies must implement robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive data and maintain trust with consumers and regulators.

Finally, cultivating a digitally skilled workforce is paramount. By reskilling employees and attracting digital talent, companies ensure they can maximise the benefits of digital technologies and maintain a competitive edge.

Collaboration across departments — bringing together engineering, IT and operations — enhances innovation and drives a more cohesive digital strategy, enabling energy companies to thrive in an increasingly digital and sustainable energy landscape.

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