Digital Upgrades Extend the Life of Legacy Infrastructure
Across Europe, utilities are turning to digital retrofits to modernize aging power plants and enhance operational efficiency. From gas turbines in Germany to hydropower stations in France and Italy, operators are installing sensors, analytics platforms, and digital control systems that allow real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. These upgrades help reduce unplanned outages, optimize fuel use, and extend the lifespan of expensive assets. Industry leaders such as Siemens Energy and GE Vernova have launched retrofit programs promising improved flexibility and lower emissions without the need for complete plant overhauls.
Driving Efficiency and Flexibility in the Energy Transition
The push toward digitalisation is part of a wider European effort to integrate more renewable energy into the grid. By retrofitting existing plants, utilities can adjust output more quickly to balance variable wind and solar generation. Digital twins—virtual models of physical assets—enable engineers to simulate performance and schedule maintenance precisely when needed, reducing downtime and improving heat-rate efficiency by up to several percentage points. These systems also collect valuable data that can inform investment and regulatory decisions as the region accelerates its energy transition.
Policy Support and New Uses for Old Sites
European Union funding under initiatives such as Horizon Europe and the Green Deal Industrial Plan has encouraged utilities to invest in digital efficiency projects. National governments have also updated state-aid rules to support upgrades that enhance grid reliability and lower carbon intensity. In parallel, some utilities are exploring new roles for legacy sites—turning former coal or gas plants into data centres, grid hubs, or clean hydrogen facilities. Together, these efforts signal a pragmatic shift in Europe’s energy strategy: modernize what still works, digitalize wherever possible, and prepare infrastructure for a low-carbon, data-driven future.
