Integrated Solar and Wind: Data Platforms, Repowering, and Batteries, Bluefield

In this episode of the Hypercube Podcast, Adam sits down with Giovanni Terranova, Founding Partner, and Jon Henderson, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar PV & Battery Storage at Bluefield, to explore how one of the UK’s most established renewable investment firms evolved into a fully integrated platform spanning development, construction, operations, and data analytics.

Giovanni shares the story of Bluefield’s journey from launching the UK’s first listed solar fund in 2013 to organically building out a group of five companies covering the entire renewables value chain. He explains why Bluefield opted for internal growth over acquisition, the benefits and cultural challenges of true integration, and how their multidisciplinary team is uniquely positioned to drive value from solar, wind, and – next up – battery storage projects across Europe.

Jon discusses the operational complexities of managing 140+ assets in multiple markets, from unifying diverse SCADA and monitoring systems to leveraging in-house data analytics for smarter asset management and performance benchmarking. The conversation dives into the strategic rationale behind Bluefield’s focus on acquiring and repowering underperforming or aging assets, as well as the growing role of batteries as a central pillar of the energy transition.

Other topics include the realities of talent competition in renewables, the critical importance of culture and retention, and why building and owning your data platform is now a must-have for forward-looking operators and investors. The episode closes with a look at Bluefield’s pan-European fund ambitions, market expansion plans, and how they’re preparing for the next wave of energy storage opportunities.

Adam, Giovanni and Jon discuss:

• The shift from a UK solar investment fund to a fully integrated renewables business covering development, construction, and operations
• How full value chain integration brings a strategic edge, but also creates unique cultural and operational challenges
• Investing in proprietary data platforms to optimise asset performance and support smarter decision-making
• Unlocking value by repowering and upgrading aging solar and wind assets
• Addressing the renewables talent gap and getting ready for the growing importance of battery storage

Useful Links

Visit Bluefield's website: https://thebluefieldgroup.com/bluefield-partners

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanniterranova/

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-henderson-25639522/

Join Hypercube's Beyond Energy Community: https://wearehypercube.com/join-the-community/