Beyond Energy Newsletter
February 2025
Stephan Rohr, Founder & Co-CEO of TWAICE on the Hypercube Podcast
Adam speaks with Dr. Stephan Rohr about the evolving landscape of battery energy storage and the crucial role of data in maximising asset performance.
- From PhD research to TWAICE – How Stephan Rohr turned battery analytics into a global business.
- Bridging the BESS knowledge gap – Educating new investors on technical and operational complexities.
- AI and digital twins in storage – Using predictive analytics to optimise asset performance.
- Overcoming availability challenges – Insights from 100+ BESS experts on uptime and reliability.
Webinar: Building a Virtual Power Plant for Clean Energy
Join us for a webinar where we will discuss the architecture and technical capability required to build a successful VPP. Led by Hypercube’s CEO and Technical Co-Founder, Adam Sroka, the session will provide critical insights into:
- VPP platform architecture frameworks
- The role of AI, machine learning, and real-time data analytics in optimising VPP performance
- Grid-balancing strategies and demand response mechanisms within a VPP
- Business models and revenue opportunities for VPPs
- Internal VPP vs third-party SaaS and external optimisers
- Real-world case study of a successful VPP implementation
TUESDAY 11TH MARCH | 12:00-12:45
Hypercube Podcast: Markus Dirnbacher on AI and Operational Excellence in Renewable Energy
We sat down with Markus Dirnbacher, Senior Operations Manager at Innova, to dive into the evolving landscape of AI in renewables.
Markus shares how his passion for sustainability led him to a career in renewables, where he now oversees gigawatt-scale solar and battery energy storage projects. The conversation dives into the challenges of managing over 60 renewable sites, the growing importance of AI in automating data validation and reducing admin-heavy tasks, and how data warehouses are shaping the future of energy operations.
Spring Future of Renewables Seminars
Hypercube will be joining CMS across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in April for their spring seminar series on the Future of Renewables. We will be delivering a session on the value of AI in renewable energy as part of a wider discussion on hot topics impacting Scottish energy projects.
- Glasgow | April 1st | 08:30-10:30
- Edinburgh | April 3rd | 16:15-19:30
- Aberdeen | April 30th | 08:30-10:30
Beyond Energy Community Meetup - London
Join us in central London for our Beyond Energy Community Meetup!
Network with industry leaders and gain insights from lightning talks featuring Hypercube CEO, Adam Sroka, alongside two expert guest speakers from the energy sector. After the talks, enjoy a drinks reception and networking with peers shaping the future of energy.
- Tuesday 20th May
- Central London - exact location TBC
- 16:00-19:00
Commercial Manager, Cynthia Grainger, speaks at Energy Storage Summit
Cynthia Grainger took the stage at the Energy Storage Summit last week, speaking on the Women in Energy Storage (WiNES): Powering Her Future panel. The panel sparked an insightful conversation on the career journeys of women in the energy industry, strategies for success, and how to navigate challenges while driving innovation.
Alongside a group of accomplished women from across the energy sector, Cynthia joined:
Cathy McClay – Managing Director at National Grid DSO
Charlotte Johnson – General Manager at Kraken
Lisa Mackay – Chief Commercial Officer at Fidra Energy
Gayatri Desai – Managing Director at CIBC
Sabrina Polito – Associate at CMS
Cynthia also got involved in Regen’s Women in Renewable Energy (ReWiRE) mentoring programme, supporting junior women in the industry by sharing her experience and insights. This initiative builds meaningful connections between experienced professionals and emerging talent, helping to shape the next generation of leaders in renewables.
Guest Post: Solar Plant Availability (AV) – are you exporting?
Hypercube and solar expert Markus Dirnbacher break down the importance of Solar Plant Availability (AV), its impact on efficiency, performance, and profitability, and the role of data and AI in maximising performance.
- AV as a key performance metric – Solar Plant Availability (AV) measures the percentage of time a plant is operational, impacting efficiency, profitability, and long-term asset management.
- O&M contracts & excludable events – AV guarantees (typically 99%) exclude factors like force majeure, grid failures, and scheduled maintenance, ensuring fair performance assessments.
- Financial impact: penalties & incentives – Lower-than-agreed AV can lead to Liquidated Damages (LDs) for lost revenue, while exceeding AV targets may result in performance-based bonuses.
- AI & data-driven optimisation – AI enhances AV through predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and automated anomaly detection, reducing unplanned outages.
- AV in forecasting & budgeting – AV helps operators predict energy output, optimise financial planning, and ensure stable cash flow for solar investments.
How to Handle Shiny Object Syndrome in Data & AI
Shiny object syndrome is a cognitive bias that affects many technology professionals and business leaders that read about fancy new tech in the latest headlines. It’s characterised by an intense desire to try new tools and technologies without considering their relevance or suitability for a specific project. In the energy sector, this is particularly relevant - here's how to avoid Shiny Object Syndrome and focus on what's important.
AI in BESS
AI is transforming Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) by optimising energy use, enhancing grid stability, enabling predictive maintenance, and maximising market profitability, making them essential for a sustainable renewable energy future. This new blog looks at:
- Why AI is essential in energy storage
- How AI improves BESS
- Overcoming BESS challenges with AI
- The future of AI in energy storage
