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, development, upkeep, and operation {of electrical} energy programs.
Via digital twin know-how, ETAP empowers operators and vitality stakeholders to handle vitality programs confidently by simulating numerous eventualities. Phanney mentioned the essential position 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. Via digital twin know-how, we allow operators to confidently handle energy programs by simulating completely different eventualities and variables, even testing adjustments 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 adjustments might have an effect on energy masses, vitality flows, and consumption—finally guaranteeing optimum effectivity and security. Based on Phanney, there may be rising demand from vitality operators to know 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 the way to run their crops and react safely to vitality adjustments. The hot button 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. Nonetheless, one factor is evident: modernization should happen with out disrupting present 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 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 present programs. Phanney shared his pleasure about this improvement and its potential influence 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 knowledge factories, not simply knowledge facilities. These services, that are basically based mostly on AI know-how, change vitality masses and necessities, affecting what utility firms 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 the way 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 selections from an influence perspective.
As I left the dialog, I used to be energized by Phanney’s enthusiasm and keenness 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 struggle towards local weather change. ETAP’s options will play a vital position in realizing this mission with a large scope of influence.
