At WElink, operational excellence is just as critical as innovation. As our projects scale across Europe and Africa, asset management sits at the intersection of performance, compliance, and long-term value creation. To understand how this crucial function works behind the scenes, we spoke with Guillermo Gallego, WElink’s Head of Asset Management, about his journey, the evolution of renewables, and what it takes to deliver consistent, high-performing infrastructure.
You’ve spent over 15 years in renewable energy. What led you to asset management specifically?
I’ve spent the last 15 years fully dedicated to the renewable energy sector, mainly focused on the operational side of assets. I began my career in various Operations & Maintenance roles, which gave me a deep, technical foundation in how renewable energy projects operate and perform over time.
Later, at WElink, I had the opportunity to transition from O&M to asset management by building the Asset Management department from scratch. Today, we not only oversee the performance of our own assets but also offer third-party asset management services, ensuring projects remain compliant, efficient, and financially sound throughout their lifecycle.
When did you join WElink, and what motivated you to become part of the team?
I joined WElink in 2015 as part of its strategy to follow up projects after construction completion and during the warranty period. What attracted me was the company’s integrated approach – combining development, construction, and now operations under one roof – and its strong vision for innovation in solar, and more recently in hybrid technologies like wind and BESS.
It felt like the right place to drive impact and scale. The collaboration across all phases of project development and execution at WElink provides a comprehensive, block-level understanding of each project – something that is fundamental during the operational phase.
What types of assets do you manage, and what is the scale of WElink’s operational portfolio today?
At WElink, we’ve managed a portfolio of solar PV projects primarily located in the UK, Spain, and Portugal – totalling around 700 MWp across 11 utility-scale assets. Out of that capacity, approximately 500 MWp are still under active operation.
Looking ahead, we’re already working on defining the operational procedures and OPEX strategies for our future pipeline, which will include hybrid configurations combining solar with wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS), as well as stand-alone BESS projects. The shift toward hybrid and flexible assets is an exciting new chapter that adds complexity, but also great potential in terms of optimisation and grid value.
What does your day-to-day role as Head of Asset Management typically involve?
As Head of Asset Management at WElink, my role involves leading a team of asset managers who are responsible for the day-to-day oversight and performance of our operational portfolio. The team’s daily activities include performance monitoring, contract compliance, technical issue resolution, stakeholder reporting, and alignment with financial objectives – all of which are key to maximising long-term asset value.
In addition, we actively track market behaviour and energy trading outcomes to ensure our assets are performing competitively and are well-positioned in increasingly dynamic energy markets. My focus is both on strategic direction and on supporting the team to deliver consistent, data-driven results.
What qualities define a strong asset manager in today’s renewables sector?
A good asset manager in the renewable energy sector needs a combination of technical knowledge, financial understanding, and strong communication skills. But beyond that, it’s essential to be highly organised and capable of managing multiple tasks at once – from operational oversight and stakeholder coordination to reporting and strategic planning.
The role demands strong problem-solving skills, as you’re constantly facing challenges of different kinds: technical, financial, legal, and market-related. The ability to quickly assess situations, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing conditions is key. Attention to detail, proactivity, and the capacity to connect the dots across disciplines are what truly define an effective asset manager.
What are some of the main challenges you face in asset management?
There are several challenges in asset management, but one of the most significant is acting as the bridge between the technical reality of the plant and the strategic expectations of the board of directors or investors.
This requires the ability to translate across very different “languages” – legal, financial, and technical – and present a unified, coherent picture that supports sound decision-making. Ensuring all stakeholders have a clear and aligned understanding of an asset’s performance, risks, and opportunities is crucial. It demands not only a deep understanding of each discipline, but also the ability to communicate effectively and with clarity across all levels of the organisation.
How do you collaborate with other teams within WElink to ensure project success?
The Asset Management department collaborates across the company in many different ways – from business development and project execution to engineering. Because we monitor projects throughout their full lifecycle, from early stages to operational maturity, we’re in a unique position to provide valuable insights to all departments.
This continuous feedback loop allows us to support strategic decision-making and improve future project design, budgeting, and risk management. Whether it’s advising engineering on technical lessons learned, helping development with realistic operational assumptions, or supporting execution with contractual alignment, asset management acts as a key integrator across the organisation.
What tools or systems do you rely on to manage performance across multiple sites?
As a multidisciplinary team, we work with a variety of tools and systems depending on the specific characteristics and needs of each project. Most of our assets are equipped with SCADA systems or custom-built databases for real-time monitoring and performance tracking.
Rather than relying on a single standardised platform, we adapt to the existing infrastructure and ensure that the team is well-versed in whichever systems are in place. This flexibility allows us to integrate data from diverse sources, maintain high-quality reporting standards, and optimise asset performance in a consistent and scalable way.
From your perspective, what gives you optimism about the future of renewables?
From an asset management perspective, the future of renewables is not only promising – it’s also increasingly dynamic. The sector is shifting from traditional, static generation models to much more flexible systems, especially with the rise of hybrid projects that combine solar, wind, and energy storage.
This flexibility is essential to adapt to evolving grid requirements and to participate in new energy markets – such as capacity, balancing, and ancillary services markets – which are becoming more relevant as renewable penetration grows.
As asset managers, we’re no longer just optimising production; we’re positioning assets strategically to respond to price signals, market conditions, and regulatory frameworks in real time. It’s an exciting challenge, and one that puts our role at the centre of the energy transition.
What advice would you offer someone starting out in asset management within renewables?
My main advice for anyone looking to enter the renewable energy sector through asset management is to first focus on building a strong knowledge base – both technically and financially. This solid foundation is essential to truly understand how assets behave, where value is generated, and how to optimise performance across the full lifecycle of a project.
Don’t rush the process: asset management is a field where responsibilities grow over time, and being able to make sound decisions requires deep, cross-functional understanding. Take the time to learn from the ground up, stay curious, and be proactive. The sector is evolving fast, and those who understand its fundamentals will be best positioned to lead its future.
