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Schneider Electric Expands R&D Facilities in Massachusetts

Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, has marked a significant milestone with the opening of new data center and microgrid laboratories at its Global R&D Center located in Andover, Massachusetts. This event, celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, underscores the company's commitment to innovation and investment in sustainable energy solutions.

In the past year, Schneider Electric has allocated approximately €2.26 billion (around $2.4 billion) towards research and development globally, with a substantial portion directed at enhancing its capabilities within the fast-growing AI data center sector. The Andover facility is now home to a total of 40 labs, aiming to set new standards for power distribution and microgrid deployment.

The new Power Distribution Unit (PDU) laboratory, spanning 6,000 square feet, features three testing bays where engineers will rigorously test high-voltage systems tailored for AI data centers. These PDUs are designed for robustness and efficiency, integrating seamlessly with Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure software platform for optimizing power usage.

Additionally, the microgrid lab, which covers 1,500 square feet, houses advanced equipment including four 90kW grid simulators and three 45kW solar simulators, collectively capable of simulating the energy needs of about 300 homes while providing solar energy for 110 units. This facility allows researchers to evaluate microgrids under realistic conditions, thereby enhancing the speed and efficiency of product delivery to clients.

Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President for Data Centers and Networks, highlighted the surge in demand for data centers, driven by the rapid expansion of digital services fueled by AI. He pointed out that industrial sectors, municipalities, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions are all in search of resilient energy solutions, which microgrids can effectively provide.

In the last year, Schneider Electric's energy management division experienced remarkable growth, with plans set to release new data center reference designs in collaboration with Nvidia to support advanced AI infrastructures. The company has also maintained over 350 microgrid projects across North America, demonstrating its leadership in energy solutions that managed upwards of 100 gigawatts of power—enough to support around 75 million homes.

This new laboratory initiative reaffirms Schneider Electric's position as the premier clean energy company in Massachusetts, where it employs 1,600 individuals, including about 700 at the Andover site. The company’s partnership with the Boston Athletic Association and other local events highlights its commitment to sustainability within the community.

On the political front, Schneider Electric's investments align with Massachusetts' Mass Leads Act, seeking to bolster the state economy through emerging industries including climate technology, life sciences, and AI. During the opening ceremony, state officials emphasized the role of microgrids in enhancing energy resilience across various sectors.

The advancements within the data center lab encompass high-voltage test stations and innovative 3D printing capabilities for PDUs. This strategic move will ensure that Schneider Electric can continue to lead the way in providing modular and adaptable power distribution systems, tailored to meet diverse client needs.

In terms of microgrid testing, the lab's capabilities extend to various Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), encompassing solar, battery storage, and backup generators, tailored for building applications in both corporate and educational environments. Khaled Fakhuri, Senior Vice President of Global Microgrids, underscored the utility of these facilities in validating the EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex solutions, facilitating a standardized and efficient approach to microgrid control deployment.

The facility's comprehensive testing protocols also include battery energy storage systems, ensuring they perform optimally during peak demand or grid outages. Schneider Electric's innovations in this area, including the newly introduced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), are critical in fostering the next generation of energy solutions within urban and industrial settings.

Schneider’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency continues to be the guiding ethos of the company, with ongoing efforts to foster advancements in electrification, automation, and digitization as part of a broader strategy to support sustainable growth globally.

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For more information about Schneider Electric and its initiatives, please visit www.se.com. Follow the company on social media for the latest insights and developments.