AI and Operational Excellence in Renewable Energy, Markus Dirnbacher, Senior Operations Manager at Innova
- S1E35
- 37:35
- February 6th 2025
In this episode of the Hypercube podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Markus Dirnbacher, Senior Operations Manager at Innova Renewables, about the critical role data and technology play in driving renewable energy projects forward.
Markus shares how his early experiences with changing winters in Austria sparked his passion for the environment and led to his career in renewables. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in building and managing over 60 renewable energy sites, including gigawatt-scale solar and BESS projects. The conversation dives into the growing importance of AI and data warehouses in the energy sector. Markus explains how Innova is leveraging AI for practical use cases, such as automating data validation and streamlining admin-heavy tasks, while emphasising the need for a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to implementation.
Listeners will gain insights into grid connection challenges, long-term asset management, and the value of fostering university partnerships to attract top talent. With a mix of technical expertise and personal reflections, this episode offers actionable strategies for industry professionals and anyone passionate about the future of renewable energy.
Adam and Markus explore:
- A passion for renewables: How Markus’ Austrian roots and a love for the outdoors inspired his career in renewable energy.
- Innova’s impact: Managing over 60 renewable energy projects, including gigawatt-scale solar and battery storage, with a vertically integrated approach.
- AI in action: Using data lakes and AI to automate admin tasks, validate data, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Overcoming grid challenges: Navigating grid connection delays and regulatory hurdles, and how reforms could accelerate renewable deployment.
- Shaping the future: Attracting top talent through university partnerships and leveraging innovative technologies to scale renewable energy solutions.
Useful Links
Markus' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusdirnbacher/
Innova's website: https://innova.co.uk/
Markus' blog: https://www.electrifying.world/
Join Hypercube's Beyond Energy Community: https://wearehypercube.com/join-the-community/
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The Hypercube Podcast
The Hypercube Podcast explores the application of technology, data and AI across the energy sector.
In the fast-moving energy landscape, organisations of all sizes need to understand and adopt emerging tech to tackle complex problems, identify new areas of innovation and capitalise on opportunity.
What should an energy technology strategy look like?
How do we identify what problems to solve first?
What innovations are being made in the industry?
These are the questions that host Adam Sroka seeks to answer on this show.
In each episode, he sits down with tech experts and business leaders from the energy sector to understand exactly how they are solving energy-specific data challenges today.
You can learn more about Hypercube - Energy Technology Partner at wearehypercube.com
Join the Beyond Energy Community: wearehypercube.com/join-the-community/