SCADA International acquires UCD-spin out NovoGrid

Posted 6 December, 2024

_{NovoGrid co-founders, Paul Manning and Professor Andrew Keane. Credit: Stuart McNamara / Corporate Photographers}

Renewable energy solutions provider (opens in a new window)SCADA International has acquired (opens in a new window)NovoGrid, UCD spin-out specialising in grid analytics technology.

Grid integration and lengthy interconnection queues pose one of the biggest threats to electrification and decarbonisation of the energy system because current power grid infrastructures not built or dimensioned for the fast expansion of variable power generation.

NovoGrid’s technology provides developers, asset owners and energy traders with insights into grid connection possibilities, allowing users to shorten the time to market by providing actionable connection options.

Now part of SCADA International, their expertise strengthens the group’s full suite of offerings across the entire lifecycle, beginning at the very early stages of energy project design.

SCADA said deal shows its dedication to helping accelerate the energy transition, with Thomas Bagger, CEO of SCADA International, saying that with “the NovoGrid team on board, we now can support our customers in solving their challenges along the full lifecycle of their assets - from the cradle to the grave, so to speak.”

“Alongside the rapid development of renewables and increased rate of electrification, the demand for the highly specialized expertise that NovoGrid covers is increasing, too. NovoGrid is a front-runner in helping customers solve grid integration challenges by quickening the interconnection process and providing intelligent tools for better decision-making.”

NovoGrid is the fourth company to join Scada International group this year after Sweet Geeks, Next Consult and Quantec Systems were all acquired.

Its co-founders Paul Manning and (opens in a new window)Professor Andrew Keane, UCD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Director of UCD Energy Institute and (opens in a new window)NexSys, established the company in 2024, and developed its proprietary grid analysis technologies based on years of research carried out by Professor Keane and his team at UCD.

"I am particularly pleased that NovoGrid grew out of an active Irish energy research system demonstrating the key role R&D contributes to real decarbonisation solutions working with industry partners, developing talent and making an impact on global power grids,” said Professor Keane.

NovoGrid’s GridScreen software transforms complex power flow results into actionable insights, offering grid connection options and curtailment analysis of a project’s impact on the grid in a fully automated way. 

This allows developers to assess site potential significantly faster than typical market standards. 
Formerly headquartered at NovaUCD, but now based in Dublin, NovoGrid supports major utilities, developers, and renewable energy companies across the United Kingdom and Europe. 

Its customer portfolio counts, among others, EDF, Uniper, RES, and EDP.

“For the past few years, we have closely tracked the industry’s shift toward renewables and electrification, and we are now at a tipping point where grid integration is the number one problem for most of our customers,” said Paul Manning. 

“With this increase in demand, it has been a natural step for us to expand our company, and we are more than happy to be doing so together with SCADA International.”

Professor Keane added, “We are at a point where meeting grid requirements is essential in ensuring a secure and sustainable future energy supply. 

“This puts added pressure on our customers. Bringing in more resources means we can be a stronger partner to help them scale the barrier.”

As a part of the acquisition, the NovoGrid co-founders will continue in their current roles and contribute to the further development of SCADA International.

Headquartered in Denmark, SCADA International employs more than 200+ people located around the world in Denmark, Germany, Poland, Spain, Ukraine, Romania, United Kingdom, and USA

By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations (with materials from Micéal Whelan, UCD Research and Innovation)

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie