Warum ist die Modernisierung von Legacy-Systemen im Energiesektor so wichtig?

Veraltete IT-Systeme stellen ein hohes Betriebs- und Sicherheitsrisiko dar. Sie bremsen Innovationen, verursachen hohe Wartungskosten und erhöhen die Anfälligkeit für Systemausfälle und Cyberangriffe. Eine Modernisierung ermöglicht flexible, cloudfähige Architekturen und sichert die Zukunftsfähigkeit.

Was versteht man unter einer souveränen Cloud – und warum ist sie für Energieversorger entscheidend?

Eine souveräne Cloud stellt sicher, dass alle Daten innerhalb definierter geografischer und rechtlicher Rahmenbedingungen verarbeitet werden – z. B. in der EU. Für Energieversorger bedeutet das: Datenhoheit, regulatorische Sicherheit und Unabhängigkeit von außereuropäischen Hyperscalern.

Welche Rolle spielt Cybersecurity im Kontext kritischer Infrastrukturen?

Als Betreiber kritischer Infrastruktur (KRITIS) sind Energieunternehmen besonders gefährdet. Angriffe können zu Versorgungsunterbrechungen, Datenverlust oder Reputationsschäden führen. Zero-Trust-Architekturen, SOC-Services und regelmäßige Penetrationstests sind daher unverzichtbar.

Wo liegt der Nutzen von Künstlicher Intelligenz im Energiesektor?

KI verbessert Prognosen (z. B. Netzlast, Energieverbrauch), automatisiert Wartung (Predictive Maintenance) und stärkt den Kundenservice (z. B. Chatbots). So erhöht sie Effizienz, Netzstabilität und Kundenbindung – und leistet einen Beitrag zur Energiewende.

Wie kann IT helfen, erneuerbare Energien besser in das Stromnetz zu integrieren?

Durch IoT, Echtzeitanalyse und Smart Grids lassen sich volatile Quellen wie Wind oder Sonne intelligent steuern. Plattformlösungen sorgen für Netzstabilität, und Demand-Side-Management senkt Lastspitzen und Kosten.

Welche Risiken entstehen durch mangelnde Datenstrategie und unzureichende Governance?

Ohne klare Data-Governance-Modelle drohen Datenschutzverletzungen, Compliance-Probleme (z. B. DSGVO) und ineffiziente Prozesse. Zudem werden Markttransparenz und Innovation behindert, wenn relevante Energiedaten nicht offen zugänglich sind.

Was sind die größten Stolpersteine bei der Cloudifizierung von Energieunternehmen?

Häufig fehlen Cloud-Strategien, Standards und Governance. Zudem erschweren regulatorische Vorgaben und technische Altlasten die Migration. Materna bietet hier Beratung, souveräne Plattformlösungen und standardisierte Migrationsverfahren.

Wie begegnet Materna dem Fachkräftemangel im Energiesektor?

Mit gezielten Change-Management-Programmen, DevOps-Coachings und digitalen Schulungslösungen stärkt Materna die digitale Kompetenz von Mitarbeitenden und begleitet Unternehmen beim kulturellen Wandel zur agilen Organisation.

Was spricht für Materna als Digitalisierungspartner für Energieunternehmen?

Materna bringt über 40 Jahre Projekterfahrung in kritischer Infrastruktur mit. Wir bieten End-to-End-Leistungen – von der Strategieentwicklung über die Umsetzung bis zum Betrieb – und arbeiten mit souveränen Partnern wie Stackit oder Aleph Alpha.

Welche Referenzprojekte hat Materna im Energiesektor bereits umgesetzt?

Beispiele sind die Applikationsmodernisierung und Gefährdungsmanagement bei AMPRION, der Aufbau eines SOC für RHEINENERGIE, digitale Netzüberwachung mit KI bei THYSSENGAS oder IT-Strategieberatung für TRANSNETBW. Unsere Lösungen sind praxisbewährt, skalierbar und sicher.

Digitalisation in the energy sector

As a critical infrastructure sector, the energy industry bears responsibility for ensuring a secure, reliable and sustainable supply. The sector faces major challenges, particularly in the context of the energy transition, European and national regulations, and increasing security requirements. As critical infrastructure organisations, energy suppliers are increasingly targeted by potential attacks, which is why the protection of sensitive systems and data is a top priority. At the same time, existing infrastructure must be modernised, digitised and operated efficiently to ensure long-term security of supply and cost-effectiveness.

Materna lays the foundations for a resilient, modern energy sector – step by step and without jeopardising operations. Digital transformation offers crucial solutions – from smart grids and data-driven forecasting to automated processes – and is thus becoming a key success factor for the future of the sector. We support companies in the energy sector in their successful digitalisation with a holistic approach – from IT modernisation to resilient cloud infrastructure and smart grids.

A selection of our projects

Rheinenergie: Boosting IT security

Amprion: Risk and Asset Management

Thyssengas: Risk Management

TransnetBW: Strategic consultancy

DEW21: Change Management

Enercity: Personalised bill videos

Woodward: Predictive Maintenance

Challenges in the energy sector

Energy transition and decarbonisation

a) Accelerated expansion of renewable energy: integration of wind, solar and other renewable sources into existing electricity grids
b) CO₂ reduction: development and implementation of sustainable strategies for decarbonising energy generation and distribution

Cyber security and the protection of critical infrastructure

a) IT and OT security: Implementation of modern cyber security technologies to protect critical infrastructure
b) Compliance and standards: Meeting growing national and international security requirements

Regulatory and political uncertainties

a) Regulatory changes: Dealing with new requirements, e.g. from authorities such as the Federal Network Agency
b) Geopolitical influences: The impact of international tensions and trade disputes on energy markets

Skills shortages and skills development

a) Skills shortage: a lack of experts in complex energy information systems and digital platforms
b) Upskilling and further training: developing skills in areas such as data analysis, AI and smart grids

Grid expansion and modernisation

a) Grid integration: Expansion and digitalisation of electricity grids to accommodate renewable energy
b) Sector coupling: Smart integration of electricity, heating and mobility through digital technologies

The data explosion and data-driven decision-making

a) Data management: Use of modern, standardised data models and external data sources
b) Forecasting and analytics: Prediction of peak loads, energy flows and demand trends

Our IT solutions for the energy sector

Cyber resilience for KRITIS & OT

Cyber resilience is a key prerequisite for secure critical infrastructure. IT and OT environments are made resilient to risks, attacks and disruptions – through security operations, zero trust and effective incident management.

Implementing regulatory and compliance requirements effectively

Regulatory requirements are increasing the pressure on KRITIS companies to take action. Requirements such as NIS2, BSI guidelines, Redispatch 2.0 and Data Spaces are categorised, prioritised and implemented securely across the organisation, its processes and technology.

Find out more about NIS2

IT/OT modernisation & platform-based architectures

Modern platforms form the foundation for scalable and integrable IT and OT environments. Legacy system environments are being modernised and connected to cloud technologies, data and business-critical processes.

Data, AI & intelligent operational control

Data and AI are becoming key drivers for more efficient networks, better decision-making and more stable operational processes. Solutions such as predictive maintenance and automated anomaly detection help to identify faults at an early stage and optimise operations.

Data-driven business models

Data opens up new opportunities for services, value creation and strategic management. From data strategy through to technical implementation and operations, data-driven business models with measurable added value are emerging.

Transformation, Change & Enablement

Transformation succeeds when people, processes and organisations are brought on board. Targeted communication, stakeholder engagement and digital learning concepts foster acceptance and ensure that new solutions are adopted on a long-term basis.

AI-powered video analysis

SecuSite AI

AI filters relevant events from continuous streams in compliance with the GDPR
Generates precise situation reports for corporate security
Algorithmic prioritisation, clustering, hotspot maps
Audit-proof documentation and audit-ready reports
Accelerated reporting chains and increased reliability of situational overviews

Überwachungskamera in der Stadt und Symbole

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References & Use Cases

Amprion

AI-powered power line inspection

Materna developed an AI application for Amprion that automates risk analysis along power lines. Using image recognition and OpenStreetMap data, areas are classified more quickly and accurately. This saves costs and makes safety inspections significantly more efficient.

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RheinEnergie

A boost for IT security

The energy and water supply company, based in Cologne, faced the challenge of expanding its IT security measures and integrating a Security Operations Centre (SOC) without completely outsourcing the entire process. Working closely with Materna, a bespoke solution was developed that aligned the company’s security requirements with its available resources.

Amprion

New asset management system developed using agile methods

Stretching from Lower Saxony to the Alps, Amprion’s 11,000-kilometre-long extra-high-voltage grid transmits electricity to 29 million people. To support this, Materna modernised the asset management system for substations and developed the stratis web app, which plans and carries out maintenance more efficiently. An agile approach and close collaboration ensure a user-oriented, scalable solution.

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ThyssenGas

Smart hazard detection for uninterrupted supply

To monitor the supply infrastructure efficiently, Materna worked with Thyssengas to develop a solution featuring end-to-end data workflows. AI and geodata analysis digitise and automate the processes, thereby reducing the monitoring workload.

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TransnetBW

Consolidation of the IT strategy

Materna supported TransnetBW in consolidating and integrating its IT strategy. Using COBIT analyses, weaknesses were identified, measures prioritised and implemented using enterprise architecture tools. Staff were involved from the outset, resulting in practical collaboration models.

Change management at DEW21

IT overhaul

With Materna’s support, DEW21 modernised its office IT and communications: a strategic vision, a change story and creative media ensured employee acceptance and active involvement.

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ServiceNow at Enercon

Future-proof ESM platform

Enercon is replacing its existing IT service management tool with ServiceNow, supported by agineo and Materna TMT, to provide transparent IT services worldwide and gradually expand the platform into an enterprise service management solution.

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That’s why Materna...

Materna is an experienced digitalisation partner for the energy and utilities sector. We support energy suppliers, municipal utilities and network operators in modernising complex IT landscapes, streamlining processes and developing digital services in a secure, scalable and customer-centric manner. In doing so, we combine technological excellence with a deep understanding of energy industry processes, regulatory requirements, critical infrastructure and high security standards.

Consultancy, implementation and operation all under one roof

We support energy suppliers, municipal utilities and network operators every step of the way – from strategy and architecture through to integration and the secure operation of business-critical systems.

In-depth industry expertise in critical infrastructure

With over 40 years’ experience in critical infrastructure projects, we understand the requirements for security of supply, resilience and regulatory compliance.

Security and compliance from the outset

Our solutions meet stringent security and compliance requirements – including those set out in ISO 27001, NIS2, DORA and the IT Security Act.

Strong technology partnerships for secure platform solutions

Working with partners such as STACKIT, NVIDIA, IONOS and ServiceNow, we develop secure, scalable platform and cloud solutions for sensitive data and critical applications.

Modernisation without a major upheaval

We modernise legacy IT environments in a phased approach, integrate existing systems and create scope for innovation without taking unnecessary risks.

AI and automation with practical benefits

We make targeted use of AI and automation to streamline processes, reduce the workload on staff and deliver services more quickly.

Our partner network

FAQ – Digitalisation in the Energy & Utilities Sector

Outdated IT systems pose a significant operational and security risk. They hinder innovation, incur high maintenance costs and increase vulnerability to system failures and cyberattacks. Modernisation enables flexible, cloud-enabled architectures and ensures future-proofing.

A sovereign cloud ensures that all data is processed within defined geographical and legal frameworks – for example, within the EU. For energy suppliers, this means data sovereignty, regulatory certainty and independence from non-European hyperscalers.

As operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS), energy companies are particularly at risk. Attacks can lead to service disruptions, data loss or reputational damage. Zero-trust architectures, SOC services and regular penetration tests are therefore essential.

AI improves forecasting, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance and customer engagement. It also helps to detect incidents using sensor technology and video surveillance systems.

Without clear data governance models, there is a risk of data breaches, compliance issues (e.g. GDPR) and inefficient processes. Furthermore, market transparency and innovation are hindered if relevant energy data is not openly accessible.

Cloud strategies, standards and governance are often lacking. Furthermore, regulatory requirements and legacy technical issues complicate the migration process. Materna offers consultancy, robust platform solutions and standardised migration procedures.

Digitalisation in the energy sector

A selection of our projects