You can’t run today’s renewable energy systems with old-school manual controls. Modern wind farms, solar arrays and battery storage sites use advanced SCADA systems to keep everything running smoothly. These systems monitor power output, weather conditions and equipment health in real time, making sure clean energy flows without interruption. If you’re an engineer who loves working with cutting-edge technology and wants to play a key role in the future of energy, we have opportunities for you.
Key Takeaways
- SCADA in renewable energy enables predictive maintenance and ensures the safety of assets like wind turbines, solar arrays and battery storage systems.
- Real-time data collection allows engineers to monitor wind speed, power output and component health every few milliseconds to prevent failures and optimise performance.
- Remote monitoring lets centralised teams diagnose offshore wind turbine issues from onshore control rooms, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
- Expertise in protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP, OPC UA and Profinet is essential for integrating legacy equipment with modern IoT platforms and smart grids.
The Role of a SCADA Engineer in Heavy Lift
What is the core function of this role?
The core function of a SCADA engineer in renewable energy is to design, implement and maintain Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems that ensure the safe, efficient and reliable operation of renewable assets like wind turbines, solar farms, and battery storage systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- System Integration: Link sensors, controllers and protocols to SCADA for real-time control.
- Data Acquisition: Collect and analyse key metrics like wind speed, power output and vibration for performance and maintenance.
- Remote Monitoring: Diagnose and resolve issues on offshore or remote assets from centralised control rooms.
- Cybersecurity: Keep SCADA networks secure and reliable.
- Protocol Expertise: Use standards like Modbus TCP/IP, OPC UA and Profinet for equipment integration.
Why It Matters
SCADA engineers are the backbone of digital operations in renewables, they keep clean energy flowing by preventing downtime, optimising performance and enabling smart grid connectivity.
What is the difference between PLC and SCADA in this sector?
PLCs = Local control brains for individual machines.
SCADA = The nervous system that connects all those brains, giving operators visibility and control across the entire renewable energy network.
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
Role: PLCs are the local controllers that execute real-time control tasks for individual devices or systems.
Function: They manage operations like starting/stopping a wind turbine, adjusting blade pitch, or controlling solar tracker movement.
Scope: Device-level or subsystem-level control.
Example: A PLC on a wind turbine adjusts blade angles based on wind speed.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
Role: SCADA systems provide centralized monitoring and supervisory control over multiple assets.
Function: They collect data from PLCs and sensors, visualize performance and allow operators to make high-level decisions.
Scope: Plant-level or fleet-level management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SCADA in renewable energy?
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a system that monitors and controls renewable energy assets like wind turbines, solar farms and battery storage. It collects real-time data and enables remote management.
How does SCADA differ from PLC?
PLCs control individual devices locally, while SCADA provides a centralized platform to monitor and supervise multiple assets across a network.
What data does SCADA collect?
Typical data includes wind speed, power output, temperature, vibration and system health metrics for predictive maintenance and performance optimisation.
Ready to upgrade your renewables career?
At QCS Staffing, we specialise in connecting talented individuals with exciting opportunities in renewable energy projects. If you're interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy, explore our other roles in within this sector, we invite you to submit your CV and simply contact us today!
