Predictive maintenance (PdM), supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin methods, is gaining attention as a practical and cost efficient way to manage power generation assets. In the renewable energy sector, where performance, stability, and cost control are central concerns, PdM enables operators to anticipate equipment faults, schedule interventions more effectively, and reduce unplanned downtime. This paper reviews how such approaches are being applied in four different national contexts: China, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, and considers their contribution to cleaner and more reliable energy systems. The discussion highlights several patterns that emerge across these countries. In China, the rapid expansion of wind and solar capacity has driven the use of PdM to improve fault detection and optimize turbine and panel performance. Germany demonstrates how PdM can be integrated into broader energy transition policies, using digital twins and AI to balance fluctuating renewable output with grid demands. Norway shows the value of predictive tools in extending the life and efficiency of hydropower equipment, while the Netherlands illustrates the particular benefits of PdM in offshore wind projects, where remote monitoring and early fault recognition are critical. Evidence from these cases points to three consistent outcomes: improved uptime of renewable assets, measurable reductions in maintenance costs, and smoother integration of intermittent power sources through more advanced grid management. Taken together, these findings suggest that PdM is not only a set of technical tools but also a strategic component in building sustainable, resilient, and economically viable energy systems. Its wider adoption may help accelerate the transition toward low carbon power on a global scale.
| Published in | International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering (Volume 14, Issue 5) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11 |
| Page(s) | 115-121 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Predictive Maintenance, Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Smart Grids, Power Generation
Source | Type of Source | Method of Analysis | Relevance to Research |
|---|---|---|---|
A Survey of Predictive Maintenance: Systems, Purposes and Approaches | Academic preprint | Literature review of PdM and IoT integration | Foundational theoretical basis for predictive vs preventive maintenance. |
IJSRA 2024 | Peer-reviewed article | Critical reading, synthesis of AI & Big Data in grids | Shows how AI improves grid stability and CO₂ reduction. |
Siemens AI overview | Corporate site | General review | Provides general industry framing for AI in energy. |
Stadtmann F, et al. Digital Twins in Wind Energy: Emerging Technologies and Industry-Informed Future Directions. IEEE Access. 2023. | Academic review | Literature synthesis of digital twin applications in wind energy, including classification of maturity levels, survey of AI/ML techniques, and case study references from industry | Supports predictive maintenance framework by detailing current digital twin technologies in wind farms (sensor fusion, SCADA integration, AI for anomaly detection). Provides maturity scale useful for cross-country comparison of implementations. |
Source | Type of Source | Method of Analysis | Relevance to Research |
|---|---|---|---|
CREA 2025 China coal power report | NGO/Think tank | Data/statistical analysis | Provides baseline on fossil-heavy energy mix, urgency of renewables. |
Ember - China country data | NGO database | Data mining | Tracks share of renewables and growth trends. |
China Power company page | Corporate website | Contextual review | Provides company-level energy operations context. |
Wuqiangxi hydropower | Corporate report | Case study extraction | Example of predictive maintenance in a hydro plant. |
Jinweizhou hydropower | Industry database | Technical profile analysis | Gives capacity and operational data for Chinese hydro PdM. |
Hydropower.org case study | NGO/Industry case study | Case review | Documents AI + PdM applications in hydropower globally (China included). |
Bentley case - POWERCHINA 80 MW solar | Corporate case | Document analysis | Shows digital twin use in solar farm planning. |
Longyuan Power wind PdM | Corporate release | Case-specific analysis | Example of an AI-based wind turbine PdM project (200+ turbines). |
Source | Type of Source | Method of Analysis | Relevance to Research |
|---|---|---|---|
IEA Germany 2025 | IEA country report | Policy/system analysis | Frame Germany’s renewable strategy and maintenance needs. |
BASE nuclear phase-out | Government page | Policy context | Context for Germany’s energy transition away from nuclear. |
IEA France country profile | IEA country report | Comparative analysis | Contextualizes German reliance on French nuclear imports. |
BMWi 2024 - Germany & France grid flexibility | Government press release | Policy context | Shows regional interconnection and flexibility agreements. |
CEIC - Germany electricity imports | Database | Data analysis | Quantifies German dependence on imports. |
Fraunhofer DeepTrack | Research project | Review of technical design | Example of digital twin + deep learning in solar plants. |
Siemens/NVIDIA case | Corporate blog | Technology impact analysis | Digital twin PdM in power plants (combined cycle). |
Schluchseewerk Flyer (Siemens) | Corporate flyer | Case-specific review | PdM in German pumped-storage hydropower with vibration monitoring. |
Source | Type of Source | Method of Analysis | Relevance to Research |
|---|---|---|---|
IEA Netherlands electricity page | IEA database | Statistical analysis | Provides an electricity mix and policy targets. |
IEA Netherlands 2024 country report | IEA report | Policy/system review | Comprehensive review of the Dutch grid and renewables. |
TenneT website | TSO/corporate site | News analysis | Provides operational updates and real-world PdM examples. |
RAP - Transparent Grids toolkit | NGO toolkit | Policy + governance analysis | Explains the importance of grid transparency and AI tools. |
em-power.eu - digital twin grids | Industry news | Technology review | Case overview of digital twin applications in grids. |
Van Dinter et al. 2023, PHM | Peer-reviewed research paper | Methodological case review | Provides a detailed case study of PdM for Dutch cable joints. |
Source | Type | Method of Analysis | Relevance to Research |
|---|---|---|---|
IEA Norway country page | Government report | Statistical and policy analysis | Provides energy mix overview and strategic priorities for Norway’s energy transition. |
IEA Norway 2022 Energy Policy Review | Country review | Policy & system evaluation | Contextualizes national energy strategy and infrastructure challenges. |
Business Insider article on Elvia's digital twin | Media report | Case study summarization | Offers insights into AI-enhanced grid resilience and digital twin deployment. |
Disruptive Technologies article on Elvia sensors | Industry article | Technology implementation analysis | Highlights IoT-based PdM solutions applied in Norway’s distribution network. |
Digital Twin for Wind Energy: Latest updates from the NorthWind project | Academic preprint | Conceptual frameworks & technical methods | Supplies digital twin maturity model (0-5) and methods applicable to wind energy. |
NorthWind research portal (WP4) | Research center page | Research overview | Delivers strategic direction on predictive maintenance and digital twin innovation in Norway’s energy sector. |
AI | Artificial Intelligence |
BMWi | Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany) |
CO₂ | Carbon Dioxide |
IEA | International Energy Agency |
IoT | Internet of Things |
ISO | International Organization for Standardization |
MW | Megawatt |
NGO | Non-Governmental Organization |
O&M | Operation and Maintenance |
PdM | Predictive Maintenance |
PHM | Prognostics and Health Management |
PM | Preventive Maintenance |
PV | Photovoltaic |
SCADA | Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition |
TSO | Transmission System Operator |
| [1] | Zhu, T., Ran, Y., Zhou, X. and Wen, Y. (2019). A Survey of Predictive Maintenance: Systems, Purposes and Approaches. |
| [2] | Javid Montasham (2015). Review Article-Renewable Energies. Energy Procedia, 75, pp. 1234-1240. |
| [3] | Hamdan, A., Ibekwe, K. I., Ilojianya, V. I., Sonko, S. and Etukudoh, E. A. (2024). AI in renewable energy: A review of predictive maintenance and energy optimization. International Journal of Scientific Research and Applications (IJSRA), 11(1). |
| [4] | CREA (2025). China Coal Power Report 2025. Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. |
| [5] | Ember (2024). China Country Data. Ember Climate. |
| [6] | China Power Company (2024). Energy Operations. |
| [7] | Chemtecone (2024). Wuqiangxi Hydropower. |
| [8] | Power-Technology (2024). Jinweizhou Hydro Plant Profile. |
| [9] | Hydropower.org (2023). AI in Hydropower: Case Study. International Hydropower Association. |
| [10] | Bentley Systems (2022). POWERCHINA 80 MW Solar Digital Twin. Bentley Case Studies. |
| [11] | CEIC (2022). Longyuan Power Wind Turbine Predictive Maintenance. CEIC Data. |
| [12] | IEA (2025). Germany Energy Report 2025. International Energy Agency. |
| [13] | Federal Government of Germany (2023). Nuclear Phase-Out Policy. |
| [14] | IEA (2024). France Country Profile. International Energy Agency. |
| [15] | BMWi (2024). Press Release: Germany & France Grid Flexibility. German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. |
| [16] | CEIC (2024). Germany Electricity Imports. CEIC Data. |
| [17] | Fraunhofer ISE (2024). DeepTrack Solar Project. Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. |
| [18] | NVIDIA (2023). Siemens Digital Twin for Energy Systems. NVIDIA Blog. Available at: |
| [19] | Siemens Energy (2021). Predictive Maintenance in Hydropower - Flyer. Siemens Energy. |
| [20] | IEA (2023). Netherlands Electricity Profile. International Energy Agency. |
| [21] | IEA (2024). Netherlands Country Report 2024. International Energy Agency. |
| [22] | TenneT (2024). Corporate Updates on Grid Operations. TenneT. |
| [23] | RAP (2023). Transparent Grids Toolkit. Regulatory Assistance Project. |
| [24] | em-power.eu (2024). Digital Twins in Power Grids. |
| [25] | Siemens (2024). AI Solutions for Energy Systems. Siemens Corporate Publications. |
| [26] | Van Dinter, R., et al. (2023). Architecting a Digital Twin-Based Predictive Maintenance System for Modelling Cable Joint Degradation. Prognostics and Health Management (PHM), 4(1). |
| [27] | IEA (2023). Norway Energy Profile. International Energy Agency. |
| [28] | IEA (2022). Norway Energy Policy Review. International Energy Agency. |
| [29] | Business Insider (2024). Elvia Digital Twin Case Study. |
| [30] | Disruptive Technologies (2024). Smart Sensors for Grid Applications. |
| [31] | Bossert, N., et al. (2024). Digital Twin for Wind Energy: Latest updates from the NorthWind project. arXiv preprint. |
| [32] | NorthWind Research Centre (2024). NorthWind Project Portal. |
| [33] | IEEE (2024). Digital Twins in Wind Energy: Emerging Technologies and Industry-Informed Future Directions. IEEE Xplore. |
APA Style
Mammadov, A., Danilov, Y. (2025). Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins for Greener Power Generation: Case Studies from China, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering, 14(5), 115-121. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11
ACS Style
Mammadov, A.; Danilov, Y. Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins for Greener Power Generation: Case Studies from China, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. Int. J. Energy Power Eng. 2025, 14(5), 115-121. doi: 10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11
AMA Style
Mammadov A, Danilov Y. Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins for Greener Power Generation: Case Studies from China, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. Int J Energy Power Eng. 2025;14(5):115-121. doi: 10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11
@article{10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11,
author = {Agil Mammadov and Yaroslav Danilov},
title = {Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins for Greener Power Generation: Case Studies from China, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands
},
journal = {International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {115-121},
doi = {10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijepe.20251405.11},
abstract = {Predictive maintenance (PdM), supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin methods, is gaining attention as a practical and cost efficient way to manage power generation assets. In the renewable energy sector, where performance, stability, and cost control are central concerns, PdM enables operators to anticipate equipment faults, schedule interventions more effectively, and reduce unplanned downtime. This paper reviews how such approaches are being applied in four different national contexts: China, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, and considers their contribution to cleaner and more reliable energy systems. The discussion highlights several patterns that emerge across these countries. In China, the rapid expansion of wind and solar capacity has driven the use of PdM to improve fault detection and optimize turbine and panel performance. Germany demonstrates how PdM can be integrated into broader energy transition policies, using digital twins and AI to balance fluctuating renewable output with grid demands. Norway shows the value of predictive tools in extending the life and efficiency of hydropower equipment, while the Netherlands illustrates the particular benefits of PdM in offshore wind projects, where remote monitoring and early fault recognition are critical. Evidence from these cases points to three consistent outcomes: improved uptime of renewable assets, measurable reductions in maintenance costs, and smoother integration of intermittent power sources through more advanced grid management. Taken together, these findings suggest that PdM is not only a set of technical tools but also a strategic component in building sustainable, resilient, and economically viable energy systems. Its wider adoption may help accelerate the transition toward low carbon power on a global scale.
},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins for Greener Power Generation: Case Studies from China, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands AU - Agil Mammadov AU - Yaroslav Danilov Y1 - 2025/12/03 PY - 2025 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11 DO - 10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11 T2 - International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering JF - International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering JO - International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering SP - 115 EP - 121 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2326-960X UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepe.20251405.11 AB - Predictive maintenance (PdM), supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin methods, is gaining attention as a practical and cost efficient way to manage power generation assets. In the renewable energy sector, where performance, stability, and cost control are central concerns, PdM enables operators to anticipate equipment faults, schedule interventions more effectively, and reduce unplanned downtime. This paper reviews how such approaches are being applied in four different national contexts: China, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, and considers their contribution to cleaner and more reliable energy systems. The discussion highlights several patterns that emerge across these countries. In China, the rapid expansion of wind and solar capacity has driven the use of PdM to improve fault detection and optimize turbine and panel performance. Germany demonstrates how PdM can be integrated into broader energy transition policies, using digital twins and AI to balance fluctuating renewable output with grid demands. Norway shows the value of predictive tools in extending the life and efficiency of hydropower equipment, while the Netherlands illustrates the particular benefits of PdM in offshore wind projects, where remote monitoring and early fault recognition are critical. Evidence from these cases points to three consistent outcomes: improved uptime of renewable assets, measurable reductions in maintenance costs, and smoother integration of intermittent power sources through more advanced grid management. Taken together, these findings suggest that PdM is not only a set of technical tools but also a strategic component in building sustainable, resilient, and economically viable energy systems. Its wider adoption may help accelerate the transition toward low carbon power on a global scale. VL - 14 IS - 5 ER -