As our industry evolves, there is more interest than ever in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital energy solutions into operations. However, choosing technology solutions is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead of merely examining the existing out-of-the-box technology, we should examine the specific challenges we encounter in our business and develop customized digital solutions to address these issues more effectively.
Solving complex problems with custom solutions is what led us to develop the IoN Platform, our suite of comprehensive custom applications that fill the gap where off-the-shelf programs fall short.
An overview of the IoN platform
The IoN platform is a comprehensive suite of tools that include 17 custom-built applications which enhance efficiencies in our day-to-day operations and unlock valuable data insights for critical business decisions. The IoN has continuously evolved over the past five years and now has over 3,500 registered users within our organization. The platform is built upon Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform that provides secure, scalable and reliable infrastructure. Azure empowers us to deliver top-notch performance, innovate faster and ensure seamless operations for our users.
The primary goal of the IoN is to deliver impactful solutions for tackling complex business challenges, allowing us to leverage data-driven insights to achieve outcomes beyond what standard off-the-shelf products can offer. Some of our digital energy solutions offered include:
- Access & permission management
- Custom applications
- Real time data acquisition
- Automated processing including risk management
- Streamlined data-sharing with external partners
- Cloud-based reporting
- Generative AI solutions
- Safety and observation tracking
The IoN has become a beacon of innovation within ENGIE because it empowers our business to address specific business needs and conquer unique challenges with confidence through tailored digital energy solutions.
Tracking a project from its ‘INCEPTIoN”
One of the IoN’s flagship programs is INCEPTIoN, a metadata platform designed to unify different data sources into a single, centralized location. What began as a construction tracker for projects in development has evolved into a digital solution to track the entire project lifecycle. From prospect planning to commercial operations, INCEPTIoN seamlessly integrates key project data from tools used along the way such as Microsoft Project Online, Procore, Radian, Salesforce, SAP, ArcGIS, Smartsheet, and more, ensuring streamlined workflows and enhanced efficiency
The journey from concept to execution often spans years, accumulating numerous intricate components and extensive data along the way. One project to recently make its way through INCEPTIoN was Chillingham Solar, our largest solar project in operation in North America at 350 MW, which started in February 2023 and had its ribbon-cutting ceremony in Bell County, Texas in April 2025.
From greenfield prospects (projects built from scratch without any constraints from previous projects) to acquisitions, development, construction and operations, INCEPTIoN provides a comprehensive view of our project portfolio, enabling teams to access critical information at every stage. Moreover, having all the historical data centralized in one place ensures that valuable insights are preserved and easily accessible, facilitating better decision-making and strategic planning. When there is a new project, a project shell is created in INCEPTIoN. From there, the project will automatically link to all available external applications used throughout the lifecycle of the project, from asset management, financials, mapping, power marketing and others in between.
Tailoring insights for every team
One of the standout features of INCEPTIoN is its customized views, specifically tailored for different user groups. Whether groups require custom dashboards or a project-specific view, INCEPTIoN displays data visualizations in a way that meets their needs. This flexibility plays a vital role for teams working across various aspects of a project — ranging from power marketing to site operations managers — helping them stay informed and efficient.
Here are a few ways the tool has improved efficiency:
- Power marketing dashboard: This dashboard provides a clear view of where we stand in the pipeline for deals with partners on Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs). It offers detailed insights into these PPAs, enabling users to easily track progress and access relevant deal information.
- Project risk register: The digitized risk register allows us to manage risks more effectively by providing a centralized database for risk documentation and analysis. Digitizing risk in a database enables our teams to analyze, compare, and understand better, fostering more informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Safety metrics integration: Safety data is integrated from Procore, providing leading and lagging indicators for the construction phase of projects. This integration helps us maintain a pulse on safety performance.
- Environmental data display: Environmental information is displayed through an embedded view, integrating data from Smartsheet used by our developers. This feature helps us track sustainability, as well as compliance metrics and targets.
When it comes to our digital transformation, we must not remain stagnant. Continuous improvement is key. We actively seek feedback from users and incorporate their suggestions to enhance the tool’s functionality. This iterative approach rooted in Agile methodology ensures that the tool remains relevant and effective in addressing our evolving needs.
Innovation that drives impact
To meet rising energy demand, custom innovation is key. INCEPTIoN enhances efficiency while aligning projects with business goals.
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand the IoN, delivering cutting-edge solutions that streamline data, processes, and customization.
