Supercool Modernization Is Electrification: How Schneider Electric Builds at Gigawatt Scale
Jan 14, 2026
Jim Simonelli, CTO for Data Centers at Schneider Electric, and Vincent Petit, Senior VP of Climate & Energy Transition Research, delve into electrification's crucial role in economic modernization. Simonelli explains the transformation of data centers into AI factories and the necessity of modular, off-site solutions for rapid deployment. Petit highlights the need for robust grid infrastructure and predicts significant demand growth by 2050. They emphasize that maximizing efficiency not only benefits the environment but is vital for revenue in today’s tech-driven landscape.
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Modernization Equals Electrification
- Modern innovations almost always run on electricity, making modernization synonymous with electrification.
- Vincent Petit argues this shift forces a complete redesign of energy systems, not just more generation.
Design Around Compute First
- Jim Simonelli focuses on compute first because data centers exist to perform compute work.
- He says designing grid-to-chip systems and modular delivery enables faster, gigawatt-scale deployment.
Shift To Modular Factory Delivery
- Build subsystems in factories and deliver them modularly to overcome on-site labor shortages.
- Pre-test modular units offsite to cut installation time and enable gigawatt-scale builds.