DNV announced the acquisition of Smarter Power Solutions, an Australian power systems engineering consultancy. The deal significantly strengthens DNV’s position as one of Asia Pacific’s leading independent global power grids consultancies. It establishes the company among the world’s foremost centers of excellence in grid-connection engineering.
Smarter Power Solutions brings a highly specialized team of power system engineers to DNV. The team has deep experience across complex grid connection studies, advanced modeling, commissioning, and compliance.
The company is headquartered in Melbourne with strategic presence in Brisbane, Sydney, and New Zealand. Founded in 2021, Smarter Power Solutions has a strong track record. This includes successful approvals from Australian Energy Market Operator for grid-forming and hybrid battery projects early in these technologies’ lifecycle.
Grids Are Decisive Enabler of Energy Transition
DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2025 highlights that power grids are now the decisive enabler of the global energy transition. They are also the most pressing constraint. Rapid reinforcement, digitalization, and expansion of transmission and distribution networks will be essential. These upgrades will integrate large-scale renewable energy, storage, and new electrified loads.
Ditlev Engel, CEO of Energy Systems at DNV, commented on the acquisition. “By welcoming Smarter Power Solutions into DNV, we are significantly strengthening our ability to help customers across Asia Pacific navigate increasingly complex grid connection challenges,” he stated.
The engineering expertise will enable DNV to streamline grid connection processes in high renewable environments. It will build smarter and more resilient networks. It will accelerate decarbonization while maintaining the highest levels of security and reliability.
Engel welcomed more than 35 talented colleagues from Smarter Power Solutions to DNV. Their technical depth, innovative mindset, and proven capability will play a vital role. They will shape the future of energy systems both in Australia and globally.
Process-Led Approach Delivers Faster Approvals
Smarter Power Solutions is a highly digitalized and software-driven consultancy. The company has forged strong collaborations with the system operator and transmission businesses in Australia. SPS uses a process-led approach, automation, and high-performance computing. This delivers superior modeling quality and faster approval times.
These capabilities will complement and enhance DNV’s global power systems business. They will significantly expand DNV’s ability to support customers facing complex grid integration challenges.
Strategic APAC Expansion Continues
The acquisition follows DNV’s recent purchase of Amplitude Consultants in November 2025. It continues the company’s strategic expansion of its power grids advisory services across APAC. DNV is building one of the largest independent global power grids consultancies in the region.
Globally, project queue times for transmission connections continue to grow. This delays renewable deployment. It extends reliance on fossil fuel generation. Grid operators are increasing modeling complexity to ensure secure integration. They face unprecedented levels of inverter-based resources, storage, and load.
Australia Leads Renewable Integration
Australia remains one of the world’s leading areas at the forefront of renewable integration. The country has advanced grid connection standards. It reached record renewable penetration of 78.6% on the main grid in September 2025. Rapid growth in battery energy storage continues. The country is widely recognized as one of the fastest transforming power systems in the world.
Dr. Lena Landsmann, Vice President and Regional Director APAC at DNV, highlighted Australia’s role. DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2025 shows Australia is rapidly scaling grid flexibility. AEMO’s draft 2026 Integrated System Plan forecasts 24GW of battery energy storage systems by 2030. Australia is one of the key influential forces driving the energy transition globally.
The Australian market serves as a living blueprint. It shows how high renewables systems can operate globally. The country is the world’s benchmark for advanced grid connection standards.
“By joining forces with Smarter Power Solutions, DNV deepens its commitment to supporting Australia’s ambitious energy transition,” Landsmann said. The combined organization will deliver enhanced technical expertise and digital capabilities. This will accelerate the country’s journey toward 100% renewables. It will ensure grid stability, resilience, and long-term performance.
Lessons from Australia’s transition will strengthen DNV’s advisory capabilities in other fast-changing regions. These include the Middle East and Latin America.
Shared Vision for Global Innovation
Barry O’Connell, Managing Director of Smarter Power Solutions, commented on the deal. “Smarter Power Solutions joining DNV Group reflects a strong alignment of shared values and a deep commitment to making the world a better place through innovation and engineering,” he stated.
Australia is one of the world leaders in renewable energy integration. It is particularly strong in pioneering mega-scale renewable projects connected to weak grids. Over the past five years, Smarter Power Solutions has supported hundreds of generator connections. It built Australia’s leading generator connections team.
The company developed rigorous engineering design processes. It leverages the latest cutting-edge computing technology and software development practices. A collaborative approach to project and client management enables smoother project delivery. It creates greater trust and accelerated connection timeframes. This gives clients a competitive edge.
“Together with DNV, our shared vision is to build the world’s best power systems engineering team in Australia and drive innovation globally,” O’Connell concluded.
