Physics-Based Digital Twin for Grid Operations

Schneider Electric and ETAP have launched a new physics-based digital twin designed to link power system planning with real-time grid operations, supporting faster energization, improved resilience, and risk-aware decision-making for utilities and critical infrastructure operators.

Bridging planning and operations in power systems
Utilities have traditionally managed grid planning and real-time operations using separate models and datasets. This separation can lead to inconsistencies between designed network behavior and live operating conditions, increasing risk during switching, fault response, and asset integration. The newly announced digital twin aims to eliminate this divide by maintaining a single, continuously updated system model that spans the full lifecycle of the electrical network.

The solution was announced at DTECH, where it was positioned as a tool to help utilities adapt to accelerating electrification, extreme weather exposure, and rising reliability expectations.

Integration with digital grid platforms
The physics-based digital twin is integrated with Schneider Electric’s One Digital Grid Platform and EcoStruxure ArcFM Web, which provides a location-based view of grid assets through geographic information systems. By linking spatial asset data with engineering-grade simulation, the system enables utilities to align network topology, asset condition, and live operational states within a unified environment.

This integration allows operators to move beyond static visualization toward predictive analysis, where switching actions and operational changes can be evaluated against real grid conditions before execution.

Engineering-grade simulation grounded in physics
Unlike visualization-focused digital twins, the ETAP-based model is grounded in electrical physics. This enables detailed analysis of network behavior under normal and contingency conditions, including load flow, short-circuit response, and protection system interactions.

Operators can use the digital twin to run contingency scenarios, validate protection coordination, and simulate switching operations prior to execution. Arc-flash studies can also be conducted within the same model to support compliance with NFPA 70E, reducing safety risks for field personnel.

A single authoritative model is maintained from initial design through daily operations, reducing data silos and minimizing errors associated with model handovers between engineering and operations teams.

Supporting a rapidly evolving grid
As distributed energy resources, electrification of transport, and climate-driven weather events place new demands on power systems, utilities require faster and more accurate insight into grid behavior. The digital twin supports proactive decision-making by anticipating fault conditions before they cascade and validating protection schemes before they are applied in the field.

Beyond utility networks, the same modeling approach is applicable to mission-critical environments such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and aerospace infrastructure, where power interruptions have significant operational and safety implications.

Measured outcomes in utility and infrastructure environments
According to the companies, ETAP’s technology has been validated across more than 50,000 installations worldwide, including high-availability facilities such as Tier IV data centers and nuclear sites. Reported outcomes include faster interconnection of distributed energy resources and reductions in nuisance protection trips through automated coordination.

By combining ETAP’s engineering-grade simulation with Schneider Electric’s digital grid and geospatial platforms, the new solution is positioned to support resilient grid modernization while reducing operational risk and accelerating time-to-power across utility and critical infrastructure sectors.