In a groundbreaking announcement made at DTECH®, the premier transmission and distribution trade show in the U.S., Schneider Electric, recognized as a global frontrunner in energy technology, has joined forces with ETAP, a leader in power system design and operation. The collaboration aims to introduce an innovative physics-based digital twin solution intended to enhance the resilience of utilities and accelerate their operational capabilities.
This advanced digital twin stands apart due to its engineering-grade simulation that integrates seamlessly with real-time operations. It empowers utility operators to simulate various scenarios in the power grid virtually, predict potential issues before they manifest, and consequently improve overall reliability. The significance of this capability is paramount, as utilities navigate through unprecedented challenges stemming from electrification and escalated weather extremes that impact grid functionality.
The announcement sheds light on how ETAP has been incorporated into Schneider Electric’s suite of software solutions since its acquisition in 2021, reinforcing the company’s commitment to pioneering advancements in digital grid technology. ETAP’s proficiency in electrical power system modeling and simulation complements Schneider Electric's digital grid capabilities, enhancing utilities' functions in critical infrastructure.
Tanuj Khandelwal, the CEO of ETAP, emphasized the revolutionary nature of this digital twin, stating that it collapses the archaic divide between planning and operational realms that utilities have traditionally maintained. He noted, "This isn’t simulation anymore. It’s a living digital twin that thinks alongside the grid, validating protection schemes before they execute and anticipating faults before they cascade. Utilities need a system that understands the impending challenges and operational shifts ahead, and we’ve developed just that."
The digital twin concept integrated with the One Digital Grid Platform by Schneider Electric enhances the digital view of utility assets through the EcoStruxure™ ArcFM Web system. By merging spatial data with robust real-time operational modeling, it enables utilities to venture beyond mere visualizations, leading to predictive insights that facilitate better decision-making aligned with dynamic grid conditions.
This advanced digital twin facilitates a range of functionalities, including:
- - Running contingency scenarios and validating protection coordination to ensure safety.
- - Conducting arc-flash studies in line with compliance standards, thus mitigating risks associated with energy operations.
- - Simulating operational outcomes before actual execution to lower risks and bolster safety.
- - Maintaining a unified model throughout various stages - from design to operational execution, thence eliminating data silos, and reducing the chances of errors that could impact utility operations negatively.
As utilities find themselves at the crossroad of rapid evolution influenced by factors like electrification and climate challenges, the necessity for engineering-grade simulation becomes clear. This digital solution’s far-reaching implications span across not only utilities but also extend to mission-critical sectors like healthcare, aerospace, and data management, where operational downtime is simply unacceptable.
Reiterating the potential impact of this collaboration, Ruben Llanes, the CEO of Schneider Electric’s Digital Grid division, pointed out that by marrying ETAP's engineering precision with Schneider Electric's renowned geospatial technologies, operators are gifted with a comprehensive lifecycle model that significantly reduces risks while fast-tracking modernization initiatives.
The efficacy of ETAP's digital twin solution is already backed by more than 50,000 installations globally, including some in Tier IV data centers and nuclear facilities. Utilities leveraging this combined technology have reported up to a 40% reduction in distributed energy resource (DER) interconnection time and a 30% decrease in unnecessary trips due to superior automated protection coordination.
Visitors are encouraged to experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand at the Schneider Electric and ETAP booth (#1201) during the DTECH® expo, where demonstrations will illustrate the operational advantages of this transformative digital twin solution.
The One Digital Grid Platform, unveiled in 2025, solidifies Schneider Electric's position as a forward-thinking leader in the utility sector. It incorporates AI-driven capabilities to modernize utility operations, harmonize renewable integrations, and enhance overall decision-making efficiency without necessitating prohibitive infrastructural upgrades. By adopting this open, modular architecture, utilities can realize faster, more resilient operations while enriching customer engagement all from a consolidated, interoperable platform.
Schneider Electric's vision aims to lead the charge towards efficiency and sustainability in energy evolution, effectively empowering industries, businesses, and homes through electrification, automation, and digitization, thereby ensuring that future challenges can be readily met.