As we approached the tip 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 programs.
By digital twin know-how, ETAP empowers operators and vitality stakeholders to handle vitality programs confidently by simulating varied situations. Phanney mentioned the essential function of ETAP’s software program within the nuclear vitality sector, emphasizing its significance for the secure operation and administration of energy crops:
“We assist a variety of industries, with most U.S. nuclear energy crops counting on our know-how to mannequin, design, and simulate their electrical networks earlier than operation. By digital twin know-how, we allow operators to confidently handle energy programs by simulating totally different situations 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 crops or refineries, demonstrating how particular modifications might have an effect on energy masses, vitality flows, and consumption—in the end making certain optimum effectivity and security. In line with Phanney, there’s rising demand from vitality operators to grasp the protection of their operations and the necessity for software program coaching, similar to digital twins, for threat mitigation:
“Operations groups might not all the time have electrical engineers, however they should perceive find out how to run their crops and react safely to vitality modifications. The secret’s situational consciousness—recognizing when one thing is incorrect and understanding the context. Our partnership with Aveva performs a vital function in bridging the hole and coaching groups to deal with these situations.”
These challenges have gotten extra frequent as utilities face rising calls for and new vitality sources introduce further obstacles for vitality suppliers. Nonetheless, one factor is obvious: modernization should happen with out disrupting current processes and workflows to completely 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 steady, adaptable grid,” Phanney remarked.
In March 2024, ETAP unveiled the world’s first digital twin that simulates manufacturing unit energy necessities from grid to chip in partnership with NVIDIA, using its Omniverse platform as a part of a broader effort to modernize current programs. Phanney shared his pleasure about this growth and its potential impression on the ability utilization of huge AI-driven factories:
“NVIDIA’s Omniverse is making important strides in modeling {the electrical} calls for of huge AI knowledge factories, not simply knowledge facilities. These amenities, that are basically primarily based 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 companies. Phanney emphasised that the corporate goals to proceed coaching operators on find out 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 business. By collaborating with companions like NVIDIA, ETAP goals to boost manufacturing unit security, effectivity, and sustainability in alignment with emission discount targets within the combat in opposition to local weather change. ETAP’s options will play a vital function in realizing this mission with a large scope of impression.
