As the energy transition accelerates, hybrid systems that combine solar PV and battery storage are moving from the fringe to the forefront. But what does it take to operate these complex assets at a massive scale?
To find out, we spoke with Casper Johansen, Senior Project Engineer at TGS | Prediktor, for an inside look at Scatec's groundbreaking Kenhardt project in South Africa. From real-time control to high-fidelity forecasting, he explores how a sophisticated data infrastructure is setting new benchmarks for the future of integrated energy.
At the Kenhardt site, hybridization wasn't just about placing solar and storage assets next to each other; it was about integrating them into a single, cohesive operational unit. This distinction is crucial.
While colocation means assets share a site but may operate separately, true hybridization means the solar and battery systems are fully integrated and managed as one coordinated, flexible energy asset.
This deep integration enables:
Co-managing solar and storage in real-time requires a robust data and control infrastructure. On the data side, this means full visibility into every key asset, from trackers and inverters to the battery energy storage system (BESS) equipment.
Essential metrics include:
On the control side, a tightly integrated SCADA and Energy Management System (EMS) must operate in real-time. For example, if PV generation drops due to cloud cover, the EMS must immediately compensate with battery discharge, all while staying within SoC limits, ramp rate constraints and grid compliance requirements, Johansen explains.
At Kenhardt, TGS | Prediktor delivered the real-time monitoring and data infrastructure using Prediktor PowerView™, a platform designed to aggregate these data streams and support the high-speed control needed for seamless operation.
Turning a massive volume of raw data from inverters, Battery Management Systems (BMS), and Power Conversion System (PCS) units into a usable operational picture requires more than just connectivity. It demands a high-performance SCADA system and, most importantly, robust data modeling.
High quality data underpins everything: real-time monitoring, alarms, reporting, forecasting and performance optimization, says Johansen. Without it, you cant reliably track performance, respond to issues, or analyze long-term trends. Using protocols like OPC UA and Modbus, the team at Kenhardt ensured data was well-structured, time-stamped, and consistent across all systems. This consistency, reinforced by standardized naming conventions and data templates, is critical for enabling clarity and fast decision-making.
At a site like Kenhardt, forecasting isnt just a nice to have its a strategic tool used to ensure grid obligations are met. Accurate forecasts of both solar production and battery SoC directly impact the ability to deliver energy as scheduled, avoiding financial penalties and lost revenue.
This strategic approach is amplified when data is unified at the portfolio level. Scatec manages a large global fleet, and a centralized HMI provides a clear, real-time overview of all assets in a single platform. This enables:
When asked for the most important takeaway from the project, Johansen is clear: The biggest lesson is that data is no longer just a support feature; it is fundamental.
If hybrid systems are to become the new standard, the industry must stop viewing solar and storage as separate, siloed entities and instead treat them as an integrated, responsive energy ecosystem. This requires intelligent and adaptable platforms capable of real-time response, forecasting accuracy, and seamless scalability.
Hybrid systems are no longer an emerging trend; they are fast becoming the industrys new normal, Johansen concludes. The real opportunity lies in accelerating their rollout with tools that offer insight, agility and long-term reliability.