Energy transition calls for close coordination between infrastructure, regulation and operational management
The energy and utilities sector is facing major challenges. Not only is the sector in the midst of a radical transition, but geopolitical tensions are once again highlighting the vulnerability of the global energy system. For instance, the current tensions in the Middle East, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, are driving up energy prices and inflation, and prompting warnings of a prolonged global energy and food crisis. Against this backdrop, it is painfully clear that energy security, affordability and the energy transition are inextricably linked.
In-depth sector insights
Within this complex reality, Flora Cuvelier, Market Partner Energy & Utilities at Sopra Steria, plays a role at the intersection of market, technology and strategy. She focuses on connecting customer needs, market developments and propositions, enabling organisations to respond more effectively to the rapidly changing energy market. Her work revolves around shaping a relevant and future-proof market offering, based on in-depth sector insights and a keen understanding of the challenges facing energy companies. Flora Cuvelier: “I provide strategic direction for the sector and ensure it aligns with broader business objectives. In doing so, I draw on in-depth industry knowledge to identify trends and new challenges and position Sopra Steria as a reliable and forward-looking partner.”
Value chain
Sopra Steria supports organisations in the energy sector across the entire value chain with smart digital solutions. From operational solutions such as asset management, predictive maintenance and network planning, to data platforms that enable real-time insights and better decision-making. In addition, the company assists with IT modernisation, cloud transformation and the building of scalable digital landscapes. Sopra Steria also guides end-to-end transformations, aligning business and IT to realise maximum value.
Consultancy background
Cuvelier’s path to the IT sector did not follow a traditional route. With a background in consultancy, she developed a strong interest in transformation and strategic issues. The move to Sopra Steria offered her the opportunity to link technology more explicitly to organisations’ core activities. Flora Cuvelier: “What appealed to me was the chance to contribute to that positioning: linking sector challenges, customer needs and the solutions we develop.”
She is also drawn to the social relevance of the energy and utilities sector. “The sector is challenging because it affects everyone: citizens, businesses and the economy as a whole. The sector plays a key role in the functioning of our society; if the energy system fails, everything comes to a standstill.”
Moreover, the sector is in the midst of a radical transition, in which issues surrounding energy independence, sustainability and security of supply converge. The high level of regulation and political influence make the playing field complex, but consequently also dynamic and fascinating. Organisations are increasingly forced to collaborate and operate across boundaries to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Strategic challenge
According to Cuvalier, the greatest strategic challenge currently lies in simultaneously balancing three priorities: security of supply, affordability and the integration of renewable energy. This requires careful consideration and long-term strategic choices. The transition is therefore not only technical but also systemic, and calls for close coordination between infrastructure, regulation and operational management.
Security of supply remains essential, particularly given the geopolitical uncertainties and the increasing complexity of the system. Companies must ensure reliable and resilient energy systems, whilst dealing with more decentralised production and demand patterns.
In addition, global security concerns play a significant role. Energy infrastructure is increasingly becoming a target for attack in conflicts, as we are seeing in Ukraine and now also in the Middle East. Not only are electricity grids, power stations and pipelines being attacked, but there are also cyberattacks aimed at paralysing IT and other digital systems.
In addition, Europe is extremely dependent on imports for its critical raw materials, particularly from China when it comes to refined raw materials. The high concentration of supply chains makes them particularly vulnerable to disruptions, which underlines the need to diversify mining and refining capacity and commercial partnerships.
At the same time, pressure on affordability is mounting, as the investments required for the energy transition – such as in networks, renewable energy and flexibility – are substantial. Companies must balance these costs against the need to keep energy accessible to consumers and maintain economic competitiveness.
Furthermore, the growth of renewable energy, such as hydropower, wind energy, solar energy, biomethane and hydrogen, brings its own challenges. Their intermittent nature requires a fundamentally different approach to system management, infrastructure planning and flexibility management.
Digitalisation
Digitalisation plays a key role in this energy transition. As energy systems become more complex, dynamic and decentralised, the need for data-driven solutions grows. Energy companies do not want to wait until they are forced by regulation to integrate “security by design” technologies. These must be built in from the outset, rather than added as an afterthought. This is where technology companies can play a role, working closely with customers to ensure that solutions are secure from the start.
“Energy companies are increasingly using data-driven platforms that help predict supply and demand, coordinate flexibility and monitor grid stability in real time. Think of managing storage, electric vehicles and demand response mechanisms. At the same time, the importance of cybersecurity is increasing, as infrastructures become ever more interconnected.”
Digitalisation also helps energy and utility companies to become future-proof. “It enables a shift from reactive to proactive working, for example through predictive maintenance and advanced planning models,” says Cuvelier. “It also increases operational flexibility, which is essential in a system with fluctuating production and changing demand patterns. At the same time, digitalisation contributes to efficiency and cost control, which is important at a time when energy must remain affordable.”
Digital twin
One technology that Cuvelier believes can play a key role here is the digital twin. This virtual representation of physical systems makes it possible to simulate scenarios, predict bottlenecks and analyse the impact of new energy sources. Beyond static modelling, digital twins are continuously fed by real-time data from sensors and operational systems, enabling a dynamic and evolving view of assets and networks throughout their lifecycle.
In an energy system under increasing pressure from electrification and the growth of renewable energy, this offers crucial insights for better decision-making. Cuvelier: “It allows operators not only to anticipate disruptions, but also to test “what-if” scenarios, optimise system performance, and coordinate increasingly complex interactions between distributed energy resources.”
By combining data integration, advanced analytics and simulation capabilities, digital twins support predictive maintenance, improve operational efficiency and enhance system resilience. They also provide a common, data-driven environment for stakeholders, facilitating more transparent planning, faster response to market changes and more informed investment decisions in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Dynamics of the playing field
What makes Cuvelier’s work particularly challenging is the dynamics of the playing field. Duvalier: “I operate at the intersection of clients, market developments and internal teams, so no two days are the same. The constant changes in the sector ensure that I keep learning and discovering new perspectives. Interaction with clients and colleagues plays a key role in this, as does the ability to make connections between different developments and translate these into concrete solutions.”
To remain relevant in such a rapidly changing environment, she believes it is essential to be actively involved in the field. Regular contact with clients, participation in industry events and webinars, and a constant thirst for knowledge are important for identifying new developments within the sector. In addition, she collaborates with domain specialists and consults with Sopra Steria colleagues in Norway, the Netherlands and France to exchange use cases and solutions that best meet the needs of clients.