Schneider Electric Launches Physics-Based Digital Twin With ETAP to Connect Grid Design
Schneider Electric Launches Physics-Based Digital Twin With ETAP to Connect Grid Design and Operations
Synopsis- Schneider Electric and ETAP have introduced a physics-based digital twin to connect grid planning with live operations.
- The solution brings engineering-grade simulation into real-time decision-making for utilities and critical infrastructure.
- The platform is designed to accelerate modernization, resilience, and time-to-power across complex power networks.
Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, together with ETAP, a specialist in power system design and operational software, has unveiled a new physics-based digital twin aimed at helping utilities and operators of critical infrastructure strengthen resilience while accelerating time-to-power. The announcement, shared in a report distributed by PR Newswire, positions the solution as a bridge between grid design and day-to-day operations.
The new digital twin brings engineering-grade simulation directly into real-time operations, allowing utilities to modernize at a faster pace. A digital twin, in this context, is a virtual representation of the power grid that enables operators to test scenarios, anticipate potential issues before they materialize, and improve overall system reliability. By linking detailed engineering models with live operational data, the platform moves beyond static planning tools toward continuous, actionable insight.
ETAP forms part of Schneider Electric’s software portfolio following its acquisition in 2021. As a leading provider of electrical power system modeling and simulation software, ETAP extends Schneider Electric’s digital grid capabilities by delivering engineering-grade analysis and lifecycle modeling for utilities and critical infrastructure operators. Together, the companies are positioning the solution as a single source of truth across the entire grid lifecycle.
According to Tanuj Khandelwal, Chief Executive Officer of ETAP, utilities have historically been forced to operate in two disconnected environments: one focused on long-term planning and another dedicated to real-time operations. He noted that this divide has now been removed. Rather than a traditional simulation tool, the new system functions as a living digital twin that operates alongside the grid, validating protection schemes before execution and anticipating faults before they escalate. As electrification accelerates and extreme weather increases system stress, he emphasized that utilities require systems that can foresee outcomes rather than simply react to them.
The physics-based digital twin is integrated with Schneider Electric’s One Digital Grid Platform and EcoStruxure™ ArcFM Web, an advanced geographic information system that provides a complete, location-based view of utility assets. This integration connects network data with real-time operations, combining spatial intelligence with simulation-grade modeling. The result allows operators to move beyond visualization toward predictive insight, aligning planning decisions with live grid conditions before changes are implemented.
Unlike generic digital twins, ETAP’s model is grounded in electrical physics. This enables utilities to run contingency scenarios, validate protection coordination, conduct arc-flash studies in line with NFPA 70E requirements, and simulate switching outcomes before execution to reduce operational risk and improve safety. A single, unified model is maintained from design through operations, reducing data silos and minimizing the potential for errors.
The companies argue that these capabilities are increasingly critical as utilities face rapid electrification, extreme weather events, and rising expectations around reliability. Engineering-grade simulation supports more informed decision-making at a time when grid complexity continues to grow. ETAP’s technology is also used beyond traditional utilities, extending into mission-critical sectors such as data centers, healthcare, and aerospace, where downtime carries significant consequences.
Ruben Llanes, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Grid at Schneider Electric, said that combining ETAP’s engineering rigor with Schneider Electric’s geospatial technologies delivers a unified lifecycle model for operators. According to him, this approach reduces operational risk while accelerating modernization efforts across utility networks and critical infrastructure.
The solution has been validated across more than 50,000 installations worldwide, including Tier IV data centers and nuclear facilities. Reported outcomes include up to 40 percent faster distributed energy resource interconnection and 30 percent fewer nuisance trips through automated protection coordination. These results underline the platform’s focus on operational efficiency as well as resilience.
Schneider Electric and ETAP are also demonstrating the digital twin solution live to industry stakeholders, highlighting its role in bridging long-standing gaps between planning and operations and supporting a more resilient, modernized grid.
Source: PR Newswire – Have a Story? Address it to the Editor and submit it here
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader focused on driving efficiency and sustainability through electrification, automation, and digitalization. The company’s technologies support buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and power grids as open, interconnected ecosystems designed to enhance performance, resilience, and sustainability. Its portfolio spans intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, artificial intelligence-enabled systems, digital services, and expert advisory capabilities. With approximately 160,000 employees and a partner ecosystem of around one million worldwide, Schneider Electric operates in more than 100 countries. The company is consistently recognized among the world’s most sustainable organizations, reflecting its long-term commitment to energy efficiency, innovation, and responsible technology deployment.
Featured image Source: Engineering Pitt
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