As we approached the top of the AVEVA 2025 occasion, I had the pleasure of interviewing Phanney Kim Brevard, the Chief Technique Officer of ETAP, a know-how chief specializing in software program options for the design, building, upkeep, and operation {of electrical} energy methods.
By way of digital twin know-how, ETAP empowers operators and vitality stakeholders to handle vitality methods confidently by simulating varied eventualities. Phanney mentioned the vital position of ETAP’s software program within the nuclear vitality sector, emphasizing its significance for the protected operation and administration of energy vegetation:
“We assist a variety of industries, with most U.S. nuclear energy vegetation counting on our know-how to mannequin, design, and simulate their electrical networks earlier than operation. By way of digital twin know-how, we allow operators to confidently handle energy methods by simulating completely different eventualities and variables, even testing modifications with out impacting precise operations,” defined Phanney.
Specializing in energy reasonably than simply processes, ETAP’s digital twin software program can successfully simulate and map vitality consumption throughout vegetation or refineries, demonstrating how particular modifications might have an effect on energy masses, vitality flows, and consumption—in the end guaranteeing optimum effectivity and security. In keeping with Phanney, there may be rising demand from vitality operators to grasp the protection of their operations and the necessity for software program coaching, akin to digital twins, for danger mitigation:
“Operations groups might not at all times have electrical engineers, however they should perceive learn how to run their vegetation and react safely to vitality modifications. The bottom line is situational consciousness—recognizing when one thing is unsuitable and understanding the context. Our partnership with Aveva performs a vital position in bridging the hole and coaching groups to deal with these eventualities.”
These challenges have gotten extra widespread as utilities face rising calls for and new vitality sources introduce further obstacles for vitality suppliers. Nevertheless, one factor is obvious: modernization should happen with out disrupting current processes and workflows to totally reap the rewards of additional digitization:
“Modernization should occur with out disrupting what already works. There’s little room for error in energy administration, however present challenges additionally open doorways for co-opetition and new partnerships. The long run lies in constructing mutual belief and collaboration between utilities and vitality suppliers to make sure a secure, adaptable grid,” Phanney remarked.
In March 2024, ETAP unveiled the world’s first digital twin that simulates manufacturing facility energy necessities from grid to chip in partnership with NVIDIA, using its Omniverse platform as a part of a broader effort to modernize current methods. Phanney shared his pleasure about this growth and its potential affect on the facility utilization of enormous AI-driven factories:
“NVIDIA’s Omniverse is making important strides in modeling {the electrical} calls for of enormous AI information factories, not simply information facilities. These amenities, that are essentially based mostly on AI know-how, change vitality masses and necessities, affecting what utility corporations can present. We’re witnessing thrilling progress on this space.”
As we wrapped up our dialog, we touched on using industrial AI inside ETAP’s providers. Phanney emphasised that the corporate goals to proceed coaching operators on learn how to use its AI-driven instruments, such because the newly launched ETAP AI studying module, enabling them to navigate the decision-support mannequin extra successfully and perceive the implications of their decisions from an influence perspective.
As I left the dialog, I used to be energized by Phanney’s enthusiasm and fervour for ETAP as a catalyst for digitization throughout the energy trade. By collaborating with companions like NVIDIA, ETAP goals to boost manufacturing facility security, effectivity, and sustainability in alignment with emission discount targets within the combat towards local weather change. ETAP’s options will play a vital position in realizing this mission with a large scope of affect.
