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, development, upkeep, and operation {of electrical} energy programs.
By digital twin know-how, ETAP empowers operators and power stakeholders to handle power programs confidently by simulating varied eventualities. Phanney mentioned the crucial function of ETAP’s software program within the nuclear power 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 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 power consumption throughout crops or refineries, demonstrating how particular modifications could have an effect on energy masses, power flows, and consumption—in the end guaranteeing optimum effectivity and security. In response to Phanney, there’s growing demand from power operators to know the protection of their operations and the necessity for software program coaching, resembling digital twins, for threat mitigation:
“Operations groups could not at all times have electrical engineers, however they should perceive easy methods to run their crops and react safely to power modifications. The secret’s situational consciousness—recognizing when one thing is flawed and understanding the context. Our partnership with Aveva performs a vital function in bridging the hole and coaching groups to deal with these eventualities.”
These challenges have gotten extra frequent as utilities face rising calls for and new power sources introduce further obstacles for power suppliers. Nevertheless, one factor is evident: 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 power 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 improvement and its potential impression on the ability utilization of huge AI-driven factories:
“NVIDIA’s Omniverse is making vital strides in modeling {the electrical} calls for of huge AI knowledge factories, not simply knowledge facilities. These services, that are essentially based mostly on AI know-how, change power 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 easy methods 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 fervour for ETAP as a catalyst for digitization throughout the energy business. By collaborating with companions like NVIDIA, ETAP goals to reinforce 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.
