Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced its latest innovations at Enlit 2024. Against a backdrop of increasing pressure on the energy sector, the company is delivering end-to-end smart solutions across the energy chain, with the goal of enabling businesses to thrive.
Image Credit: Schneider Electric
Recent climate agreements have highlighted the urgency of modernising electric grids, aiming to phase out fossil fuels and enhance renewable energy adoption. With renewables set to contribute 35% of total electricity generation in Australia by 2030 , innovation is necessary to ensure that energy systems can integrate new technologies and meet future demands effectively. Transitioning to digitally equipped grids facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources while managing emerging energy demands with greater efficiency and reliability.
Schneider Electric announced the following innovations and partnerships at Enlit Europe 2024:
- Advancements in Schneider Electric’s Virtual Substations: As a member of the Edge for Smart Secondary Substation Systems (E4S) Alliance, Schneider Electric will demonstrate new technologies needed to optimise the management of energy flows in smart grids. The PowerLogic T300 RTU is virtualised on the E4S hardware platform, simplifying substation design and enhancing operational capabilities.
- Digital grid solutions for a sustainable future: Schneider Electric continues to strengthen its digital grid capabilities, including:
- Net Zero dashboard: Integrated with EcoStruxure ADMS and DERMS, the new Digital Grid Sustainability Service Net Zero Dashboard offers key net-zero measures and KPIs for monitoring grid decarbonisation, helping utilities quantify emissions and gain insights to guide sustainability strategies.
- Grid flexibility: Utilities around the world, including PG&E and Elektrilevi, are working with Schneider Electric, deploying EcoStruxure DERMS to help manage the increasing complexity of grid constraints from the rapid growth of distributed renewable assets. European utility Elektrilevi started with a proof-of-concept project and validated their own acceptance criteria. They are now in the process of rolling out a full project using Schneider Electric’s Stepwise approach.
- Grid resiliency: Schneider Electric is implementing strategies powered by the AiDash platform, using satellite and AI technology to provide real-time insights and analytics. These help utilities prepare for extreme weather conditions and reinforce grid resiliency.
- Holistic LV network monitoring: This addresses the complexities of integrating low-carbon technologies, ensuring efficient planning, monitoring, and operation of the low-voltage grid.
- Partnership with Unareti: Italian Distribution System Operator (DSO) Unareti is optimising costs and enhancing service delivery for its customers in Milan and Brescia by leveraging Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) platform. The unified platform provides real-time management, critical asset monitoring, analytics, and data-driven decision-making. Thanks to this project, Unareti has been able to significantly enhance the efficiency of its existing infrastructure by leveraging the integration of both ADMS and PowerLogic T300’s virtualisation capabilities. This has allowed for greater intelligence at the secondary substation level, further strengthening Unareti’s operational excellence. A demonstration of this solution will be presented at Enlit.
- New purchasing options: Schneider Electric is introducing subscription packages to support the digitalisation journey of DSOs, providing customers with access to the latest features upon each new release.
- Active Plus Medium Voltage switchgear with EcoCare: Demonstrated for the first time at Enlit, Schneider Electric’s Active Medium Voltage equipment, combined with EcoCare membership, a next-generation service plan, is a robust foundation for peak performance and extended lifespan. The natively connected equipment is designed for remote monitoring and advanced analytics, providing 24/7 oversight that helps identify early-stage issues and adopt a condition-based maintenance approach.
Frederic Godemel, EVP Power Systems and Services at Schneider Electric, said:
“As we navigate the complexities of the energy transition, our focus is on delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that speed up progress for all stakeholders in the electricity value chain. The integration of smart grids and innovative digital technologies is essential for achieving a sustainable future.
At Enlit Europe 2024, we highlighted our commitment to these advancements, inviting the collaboration of energy leaders to build a flexible and resilient landscape that maximises efficiency and deploys low-carbon technologies. By investing in the Grids of the Future, we unlock the full potential of renewable energy and create a cleaner, more reliable energy system.”