Schneider Electric Opens New Data Center and Microgrid Testing Labs in Massachusetts

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, held a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of new data center and microgrid research laboratories in the heart of its Global R&D Center in Andover, Mass.

The new labs are a part of €2.26 billion (approx. $2.4 billion) that the company invested in 2024 globally to support research and development. Andover is one of five R&D Centers operated by the company.

With the addition of the new spaces, Schneider Electric now has 40 labs in Andover. The 6,000-square-foot Power Distribution Unit (PDU) laboratory contains three testing bays and allows researchers to test high-powered voltage systems that the company designs and develops for the AI data center market. The 1,500-square-foot microgrid laboratory includes four 90kW grid simulators and three 45kW solar simulators, simulating the power demands of roughly 300 homes and solar energy for 110 homes. The lab enables researchers to test fully functioning microgrids under real-world conditions, allowing Schneider to more quickly design and deliver microgrids for its customers.

The new labs solidify Schneider Electric’s position as the largest clean energy company in Massachusetts. The company employs 1,600 people in the state, including 700 at the Andover facility. Schneider Electric’s many investments in the Boston region include sponsoring all Boston Athletic Association events as the organization's “Official Sustainability Partner,” including the iconic Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, as well as the Boston 5K, Boston 10K and Boston Half.