DALLAS, TX, Mar 27, 2025 – Schneider Electric has 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 globally.
EPRI’s DCFlex initiative is a three-year R&D project demonstrating 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 and technology companies to improve grid reliability and efficiency. They test new strategies to connect data centers to the grid, support flexible operations, and simplify 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 to grid innovation is shown with the announcement of the One Digital Grid Platform, an integrated, AI-powered grid management system designed to enhance grid resiliency, reliability, flexibility, and efficiency. The platform helps utilities support grid modernization through a secure, scalable system, improve reliability by reducing outages, and integrate DERs to manage growing energy needs. 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.”
Source: Schneider Electric
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric, founded in 1836, is a leader in energy management and automation. Headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France, the company delivers digital solutions that integrate energy technologies, real-time automation, software, and services across multiple sectors. Schneider Electric serves many industries, including buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and manufacturing, helping businesses improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Its offerings span electrical distribution, industrial automation, and smart grid and digital building technologies. As of 2024, the company reported annual revenues of €38 billion and a net income of €4.3 billion. Schneider Electric operates in over 100 countries and has approximately 168,000 employees. Its ecosystem includes over a million partners, making it a key player in delivering scalable, innovative solutions for an electric and digital world.
About EPRI
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), founded in 1972, is an independent, non-profit organization headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. It conducts research, development, and demonstration projects to enhance electricity generation, delivery, and utilization. EPRI serves a range of industries within the energy sector, focusing on areas like nuclear power, fossil fuels, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. Collaborating with over 450 companies across 45 countries, EPRI addresses challenges related to reliability, efficiency, affordability, health, safety, and ecological sustainability in the energy industry. As of February 2025, EPRI employs approximately 2,100 individuals globally.