Java-Based Software Modernization Journey in the Energy Sector

The energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation as it strives to meet the ambitious 2050 net zero emissions goal set by the United Nations Net Zero Coalition. Achieving this target will only be possible with the adoption of advanced technologies.

There is no doubt that digitalization plays a pivotal role in the journey towards decarbonization. On the users’ side, it is especially notable by integrating smart home energy management systems, facilitating electric vehicle (EV) charging, and improving demand response. For all these activities, digital solutions contribute significantly to reducing carbon footprints. These advancements enable a more efficient use of resources, reducing waste and optimizing energy consumption patterns.

Digitalization is a fundamental driver of sustainable energy practices. It is also necessary for energy production and delivery, ensuring maximum efficiency and flexibility, and allowing for easier implementation of new technology solutions.

Updating Java 8 applications and other legacy systems brings multifaceted benefits. For the industry, an upgrade means more robust and reliable systems that can handle increasing demands and complexities. Consumers benefit from improved services and enhanced security, ensuring a safer and more user-friendly experience.

Environmentally, such a modernization supports initiatives to reduce emissions and promote cleaner energy sources. As organizations in the energy sector look to innovate and push forward with new initiatives, having technology that can keep up with and support these advancements is crucial.

Java remains a cornerstone in the software infrastructure of the energy sector, but many applications continue to rely on older versions of Java technology. According to the New Relic report:

• approximately 29% of Java-based applications still use Java 8, while 33% have transitioned to Java 11.
  • This is despite the fact that JDK 8 is no longer supported. While premium support is available until 2030, it can be costly.
  • JDK 11 extended support will end in September 2026. It is important to note that Java 11 is one of the long-term support (LTS) Java versions, which ensure stability and security for critical systems.
• Java 17, released in September 2021, is currently the most popular release, with about 35% of applications.
• the latest LTS version, Java 21, released in September 2023, has seen slower adoption, with around 1.5% of applications utilizing it as of April 2024.

The continued reliance on older Java versions highlights a significant challenge: balancing the stability of established systems with the need to upgrade. Some organizations hesitate to perform the upgrade due to concerns about potential disruptions and the required resource investment. However, as the industry moves towards more advanced and integrated software, the necessity for up-to-date solutions becomes increasingly apparent and urgent.

It is worth noting that instead of JDK 21, most developers opt for a migration to version 17, which has already been in use for some time, is already enhanced, and well-established. Migration from Java 8 to Java 17 means extended support until September 2029.

Long-term support versions of Java, such as Java 11, 17, and 21, are crucial for industry solutions. These versions receive comprehensive support and updates from Oracle, making them more reliable for enterprise-level applications. The stability provided by LTS versions ensures that the energy sector’s systems remain secure and perform optimally over extended periods. For older applications, migrating to at least Java 17 is recommended to maintain support and leverage the improvements offered by newer Java versions.

LTS versions have numerous benefits – they provide a stable and secure environment and allow organizations to plan their technology roadmap more effectively. With predictable support timelines and regular updates, businesses can align software maintenance schedules with operational needs, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous service delivery.

Newer versions of Java receive regular updates and patches, protecting systems from emerging security threats and vulnerabilities. By staying updated, you can ensure the integrity and reliability of your software infrastructure.

Modernizing applications by upgrading to newer Java versions opens up a number of possibilities. Java 17, for example, offers significant performance improvements over older versions. Enhanced garbage collection, optimized runtime, and advanced performance diagnostics contribute to faster and more efficient applications. Consequently, with Java 17, it is possible to handle larger datasets and more complex operations, which are crucial for modern applications that require high performance and reliability.

One of Java 17’s key advantages is improved compatibility with modern technologies and better integration with contemporary development frameworks, cloud environments, and microservices architectures. It is essential for organizations that plan to scale their operations and integrate new technologies seamlessly.

Moreover, modern Java versions provide tools that boost developer productivity, such as pattern matching, sealed classes, and enhanced API, enabling faster development cycles.

Investing in modernization by upgrading to the latest Java versions is not just about addressing immediate concerns; it’s about strategically positioning your organization for long-term success.

By upgrading to Java 17 or newer versions, you can ensure that your technology infrastructure can adapt to future innovations and industry shifts, such as greater digitalization, smart grid technologies, and integration of renewable energy sources.

A modernized Java environment enables seamless adoption of new technologies, such as advanced data analytics, AI-driven energy management systems, and IoT-enabled devices, all of which are becoming essential components of modern energy solutions.

Moreover, future-proofing through modernization reduces the risk of obsolescence. Older software versions may eventually become incompatible with new hardware, operating systems, or other critical components of the IT ecosystem. This can lead to increased maintenance costs, reduced system performance, and even potential service disruptions.

Upgrading Java also contributes to a more agile and responsive IT environment. With the latest tools, frameworks, and development practices at their disposal, your development teams can deliver new features and updates more quickly, respond to market changes faster, and innovate more freely.

First, it is crucial to conduct an in-depth analysis of the existing application. This involves identifying all the libraries, dependencies, and frameworks that are currently in use.

Understanding your application’s current state helps pinpoint elements that need to be updated or replaced due to deprecation. A thorough analysis ensures no critical component is overlooked, setting a solid foundation for a smooth migration process.

Planning is a vital step in every migration process. Create a detailed plan that outlines each step of the process, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.

Extensive testing is essential to ensure that the migrated application functions as expected. This includes unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. An extensive testing procedure helps identify and resolve issues as early as possible in the migration process, reducing the risk of post-migration disruptions.

Before making any changes, ensure you have a complete backup of your current application. This allows you to revert to the original state if any issues arise during the migration.

Reviewing release notes for the new Java version is also critical, as they provide valuable information about breaking changes and new features. This knowledge can help you adjust your migration plan to address potential challenges proactively.

Implementing the migration in stages, starting with a pilot project, can also mitigate risks and provide insights that you can apply to the full-scale migration.

After implementing the new version of Java, continuous application monitoring is necessary to ensure it operates smoothly and efficiently. You should track the performance metrics to identify any issues that may arise post-migration.

Continuous optimization, based on the insights gained from monitoring, helps maintain the application’s performance and reliability. Regular updates and maintenance should also be part of the post-migration strategy to help keep the system secure and up to date.

Modernizing Java-based software in the energy sector is not just about keeping up with technological advancements; it’s about ensuring security, improving performance, and enhancing compatibility with modern technologies.

Working with newer Java versions like Java 17 or 21 ensures robust support, better performance, and enhanced security features, all of which are crucial for maintaining a reliable and efficient software infrastructure and impossible with outdated Java 8.

Embracing newer Java versions ensures that your systems are secure, efficient, and ready to integrate with future technologies. For expert guidance and support in modernizing your Java applications, contact us at Scalo. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help you navigate the complexities of migration and ensure a smooth transition to the latest Java versions.