MoU will explore open digital infrastructure to connect energy assets, consumers and ecosystem participants.
MUMBAI (India CSR): Schneider Electric and Networks for Humanity (NFH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore applications for India’s emerging Digital Energy Grid. The partnership combines Schneider Electric’s energy technology capabilities with NFH’s expertise in open, interoperable digital networks. The organisations will identify, design and evaluate selected pilot applications that can connect energy assets, end users and other participants across the energy ecosystem. “India’s energy transition will increasingly be defined not just by how much energy we generate, but by how intelligently we consume, manage and share it,” said Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India, MD and CEO, Schneider Electric India.
Demand Meets Digitalisation
India’s power system is entering a period of rising and increasingly complex demand, driven by data centres, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy and distributed energy resources. Peak demand is expected to approach 300 GW in 2027, according to estimates cited by Reuters. This makes grid flexibility, real-time energy intelligence and coordinated demand management increasingly important. “Energy is becoming increasingly digital and distributed. The ability for different systems and participants to work together will be critical to unlocking this potential,” said Sujith Nair, Co-Founder, Networks for Humanity. The collaboration seeks to examine how open digital infrastructure can support a connected, responsive and flexible energy ecosystem.
Pilots Shape Deployment
The Digital Energy Grid aims to create an open digital layer through which energy assets, consumers and other ecosystem participants can interact. The initiative aligns with the broader India Energy Stack vision for common digital infrastructure supporting energy applications and services. Schneider Electric will contribute capabilities across digital grids, energy management, automation, distributed energy resources, building and home energy management, EV charging, microgrids and industrial load management. Initial pilots will explore utility energy intelligence, industrial and building demand flexibility, home energy management, EV fast-charging flexibility, and carbon footprint accounting and trading. The pilots will assess technical and operational requirements and identify opportunities for wider deployment, subject to their outcomes and subsequent agreements.
