Today we announced that Solcast has been acquired by DNV. Solcast has chosen to join DNV to support our efforts to enable the world with solar data & forecasts to build the solar-powered future. DNV is an independent energy expert and assurance provider. The acquisition will bring together the strengths of both our companies, allowing us to deliver the advanced data and assurance required as the energy transition accelerates.
"We are thrilled to be joining forces with DNV," said James Luffman, Solcast founder and CEO. "Their status as a global and trusted voice, will help us enable energy developers and operators as they navigate the complexity and change of the energy transition. This partnership will bring the world's leading solar irradiance and forecasting API to an even larger global audience, whilst maintaining the same level of service that our customers expect."
We will continue operating under its existing entity, with its existing management and staff located in Australia, improving our forecasting models and providing more value to our customers. Solcast is confident the partnership with DNV will unlock substantial additional value for our customers. “DNV is investing in Solcast, and providing expertise and other resources. The result is a huge boost to our effectiveness and impact”, said Luffman.
“We welcome the digital experts from Solcast as this acquisition fits in DNV’s strategy to support our customers around the world with trusted data-driven services, helping them to make informed decisions about their assets”, said Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV Group, “Solar forecasting will enable the renewable energy market to grow and accelerate the global transformation to a clean energy future. Our ETO forecasts solar PV and wind are already the cheapest forms of electricity in most locations and by 2050 they will grow 20-fold and 10-fold. Digitalization is an important enabler of the energy industry and a key component to scaling solar to the levels needed for a greener energy future.”
“I extend a warm welcome to the Solcast team. We are excited to combine Solcast’s forecast, real-time, and historical data and expertise with DNV’s analytics, advisory, monitoring, asset management, and domain knowledge. By joining forces, we take an important step toward even more digital services and data delivery to enable customers to efficiently develop and operate their rapidly growing portfolios in all parts of their solar plants life cycle,” said Ditlev Engel, CEO, Energy Systems at DNV.
The acquisition will take effect immediately, and Solcast will continue to operate under its current name as a subsidiary of DNV. There are no immediate changes for customers, partners and employees and both companies are committed to ensuring a smooth and light integration.
About DNV
DNV is the independent expert in risk management and assurance, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, and inspires and invents solutions.Whether assessing a new ship design, optimizing the performance of a wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence.
Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.
James Luffman
James is a former operational meteorologist, and has worked as a senior manager in the weather industry. James has designed, built and operated real-time modelling systems for industrial applications, bringing key expertise to the deployment of our operational products and services.
James sees the integration of increasing solar and storage as a singularly critical technology challenge of the next 10 years.