Pioneering Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and industrial automation, has strategically established Global Innovation Hubs to drive technological advancement, foster collaboration, and promote sustainable development. These hubs serve as innovation ecosystems where cutting-edge solutions in energy efficiency, digital transformation, and automation are developed, tested, and deployed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Key Focus Areas of Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hubs

1. Energy Management and Industrial Automation

With hubs strategically located worldwide, Schneider Electric is dedicated to developing smart, connected, and sustainable solutions across various sectors, including:

• Data Centers – Ensuring resilient and energy-efficient infrastructure.

• Smart Buildings – Enhancing operational efficiency through automation and energy management.

• Renewable Energy – Advancing decarbonization efforts with clean energy integration.

• Industrial Automation – Utilizing IoT and AI to optimize manufacturing processes.

2. Collaboration and Co-Innovation

Schneider Electric’s hubs function as open ecosystems where the company collaborates with startups, industry leaders, and research institutions to accelerate innovation. These partnerships drive rapid development and deployment of new technologies.

3. Digital Transformation and Automation

By leveraging IoT, AI, and cloud technologies, Schneider Electric enhances energy efficiency and system reliability. The use of digital twin technology allows for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making.

4. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The hubs focus on developing solutions that contribute to:

• Net-zero emissions strategies.

• Energy-efficient systems for buildings and industrial environments.

• Resilient microgrids for decentralized energy management.

5. Customer-Centric Innovation

Schneider Electric offers customers access to live demonstrations, simulation environments, and test labs, allowing them to evaluate solutions tailored to their industry challenges and regulatory requirements.

Andover R&D Lab: A Center for Cutting-Edge Innovation

As part of its global innovation network, Schneider Electric has expanded its R&D capabilities in Andover, Massachusetts. The 53,000 sq ft Innovation Hub attracts over 18,000 visitors annually, providing hands-on access to Schneider’s latest technologies. Over the last year, Schneider Electric has invested $2.4 billion in R&D, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering advancements.

With the addition of two new R&D labs, Andover now houses 41 research labs, supporting in-depth testing and validation of Schneider’s solutions under real-world conditions.

State-of-the-Art Testing Labs in Andover

Power Distribution Unit (PDU) Lab

• Specializes in high-power voltage systems for AI data centers.

• Features 6,000 sq ft of testing space with three configurable testing bays.

• Enables flexible configurations to meet customer requirements for power distribution and efficiency.

Microgrid Lab

• Includes a 1,500 sq ft facility for testing decentralized energy solutions.

• Features four 90 kW grid simulators and three 45 kW solar simulators.

• Simulates real-world conditions equivalent to powering 300 homes.

• Tests battery energy storage systems (BESS) for grid integration.

Schneider Electric has designed, built, and managed over 350 microgrid projects, overseeing 100 GW of power across the United States.

Real-World Testing for Custom Microgrids

The Andover Microgrid Lab allows customers to test solutions under real-world conditions, ensuring:

• Efficient microgrid designs tailored to customer needs.

• Faster deployment of decentralized energy solutions.

• Integration of diverse energy sources, including renewables, generators, and battery storage.

Industry Leaders Endorse Schneider’s Microgrid Innovations

The Future of AI-Powered Data Centers

“As AI revolutionizes industries and data demand skyrockets, the need for scalable data center solutions is more critical than ever,” said Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Data Centers & Networks at Schneider Electric. “Our new R&D labs will help deliver future-proof, reliable, and efficient energy solutions to our customers.”

Accelerating Microgrid Adoption

“By integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) with grid connections, our lab enables validated and documented architectures for faster deployment,” said Khaled Fakhuri, Senior Vice President of Global Microgrids at Schneider Electric.

Government Support for Clean Energy Innovation

Massachusetts energy officials emphasize that microgrids are essential for resilient energy infrastructure. According to Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, “Schneider Electric’s innovative technologies will help meet growing energy demand while advancing clean energy solutions.”

Similarly, Yvonne Hao, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development, highlighted microgrids as a “game changer” for integrating energy-intensive industries into local communities.

Conclusion

Schneider Electric’s Global Innovation Hubs are at the forefront of shaping the future of energy management, automation, and digital transformation. These hubs provide businesses and governments with the tools to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in an increasingly digital and energy-conscious world. Through continued investment in R&D, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge facilities like the Andover Innovation Hub, Schneider Electric is driving the next generation of smart energy solutions for a sustainable future.