Sustainability
Capgemini Invent partnered with Lightsource bp to create an industrial blueprint for gigawatt-scale solar deployment, using DtX-led modelling to prioritise automation, materials and methods.
Solar power is one of the engines of the global energy transition. According to the International Energy Agency, solar PV (photovoltaics) will account for around 80% of the global increase in renewable power capacity from 2026 to 2030.
Today, the market is shifting towards gigawatt-scale developments. Making projects of this size commercially and environmentally viable requires a fundamental rethink of construction processes, materials, automation and decision-making.
Lightsource bp, a leading global developer and operator of onshore renewables and energy storage assets, partnered with Capgemini Invent to deliver the investigation phase of its Next Gen Solar Programme, focused on identifying the most viable concepts and technologies to industrialise gigawatt-scale solar farm construction. Using Capgemini Invent’s Design-to-X (DtX) methodology, the team systematically assessed options for improving techniques and reducing costs of foundation piling, materials, cabling and installing modules. Each concept was evaluated through modelling to determine scalability, profitability and real-world feasibility.
Automation emerged as a key enabler. Automated piling, robotic placement of solar modules and advanced cable harnessing solutions demonstrated significant potential to install farms more quickly, safely and reliably. Modelling suggested installation times can be cut by up to 30%, with 40% fewer people and installation cost savings of up to 22% if all these technologies are used. Using different materials reduced the carbon emissions of production and construction.
The selected technologies will now progress to field trials to validate performance in live conditions.
Together, Capgemini and Lightsource bp have established a credible roadmap to industrialise giga-scale solar power, accelerating deployment, reducing costs and strengthening competitive advantage in a rapidly expanding market.
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