Schneider Electric announced that it is joining the EPRI’s DCFlex initiative to explore how data centers can support the electric grid, enable better asset utilization, and support energy needs in the United States and around the world.
EPRI’s DCFlex initiative is a three-year research and development project that aims to demonstrate how data centers can support and stabilize the electric grid while improving interconnection and efficiency. The initiative will deploy five to 10 large-scale flexibility hubs, each serving as a living laboratory to showcase innovative strategies for integrating data centers with the grid under various conditions.
“With the potential of AI innovation and electrification in front of us, we face a defining moment in history. This potential will be unrealized if we cannot meet the energy demands of data centers, the heart of the innovation engine,” said Ruben Llanes, CEO of Digital Grid, Schneider Electric. “We are committed to bringing our unique perspective and deep domain expertise in data centers and grid modernization to the EPRI DCFlex initiative. Together we will build collaborative solutions that enable our communities to advance to their full potential.”
The EPRI DCFlex initiative includes more than 40 members, including Constellation Energy, Duke Energy, New York Power Authority, NRG Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Portland General Electric, Southern Company, and Vistra Corp. Utilities play a crucial role in the DCFlex initiative by collaborating with data centers, technology companies, and other stakeholders to enhance grid reliability and efficiency. They help demonstrate innovative strategies for integrating data centers with the grid, support operational flexibility, and streamline grid integration.
“Data centers play a critical role in today’s interconnected global information-sharing environment and economy, but along with increased manufacturing and movement towards electrification, they are placing additional power needs on the electric grid,” said EPRI President and CEO Arshad Mansoor. “Flexible data center design and operation is a key strategy for accelerating AI development and realizing its benefits while minimizing costs, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing system reliability.”
Schneider Electric’s commitment grid innovation is exemplified with the announcement of the One Digital Grid Platform, an integrated, AI-powered holistic grid management system designed to enhance grid resiliency, reliability, flexibility, and efficiency. The platform empowers utilities to accelerate modernization efforts through a secure, scalable ecosystem, enhance grid reliability to reduce outage frequency and duration, and integrate DERs to address increased energy demand. More details on the One Digital Grid Platform can be seen here.
“At Schneider Electric, we are on a mission to help our partners design, build, and operate data centers and power systems optimized for energy efficiency,” said Steve Carlini, Chief Advocate, AI and Data Centers Vice President, Schneider Electric. “EPRI’s DCFlex initiative explores how data centers can support the electric grid, enable better asset utilization, and improve interconnection and efficiency. It’s a collaborative effort—with Google, Meta, NVIDIA, and various utilities as founding members—and we are thrilled to be participating.”
