Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has launched its EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex product – a standardised microgrid system for many use cases – in the Anglophone Africa region.

Anoop Hariparsad, Offer Marketing Manager, MGRID, MEA at Schneider Electric, says that while the Microgrid Flex is a product within the broader range of the company’s microgrid solutions, it is differentiated by its defined architectures.

“The Microgrid Flex consists of preconfigured, standardised systems that can be purchased as ready-to-use solutions. We have designed, tested and verified these configurations, ensuring they are effective and reliable,” he says.

“Through extensive research, we have identified the optimal microgrid setup for facilities of a certain size. We have determined the necessary components and developed a pre-tested solution that users can implement seamlessly.”

Managing energy efficiency

Microgrids utilise energy generated on site, from sources like solar and wind, and control how and when it is used. They can operate independently as a singular source of power, in parallel to a conventional grid connection or entirely off-grid. For businesses, microgrids help facilitate the journey to decarbonised, independent electricity and meet today's energy challenges.

The Microgrid Flex offer is named for its flexibility, allowing businesses to integrate it into their daily operations with minimal customisation. While slight adjustments may be needed based on specific site requirements, the core architecture remains tested and validated by Schneider Electric.

Hariparsad explains that the Microgrid Flex is primarily designed for medium to large-scale applications, particularly within key industries such as manufacturing, automotive and large industrial facilities. It caters to sectors that require robust energy management solutions, including consumer packaged goods (CPG) facilities, retail buildings and large-scale industrial operations.

“The system provides a tested, validated and adaptable energy architecture that can be integrated seamlessly into various operational environments. Its flexibility allows businesses to optimise energy usage efficiently while maintaining sustainability and cost-effectiveness,” he says.

Modular and scalable

The Microgrid Flex is both modular and scalable, meaning it can adapt to a wide range of applications, from small-scale systems to large industrial setups. The flexibility of the architecture allows users to expand their energy solutions as needed.

For example, if a facility initially implements a Microgrid Flex solution at a certain capacity but later expands its operations, additional modules can be integrated seamlessly to increase energy capacity. This scalability ensures that businesses can optimise their energy use as demands grow, without requiring a complete system overhaul.

“In South Africa, where load shedding poses significant challenges, Microgrid Flex provides a way to manage peak demand, ensuring energy availability during outages. Similarly, it helps businesses navigate high tariffs by optimising energy consumption to reduce costs,” says Hariparsad.

“At its core, Microgrid Flex supports energy efficiency, cost savings and sustainability, offering a scalable, modular approach that aligns with the growing need for green energy solutions. Its flexibility allows industries to integrate renewable sources and manage consumption effectively, adapting to changing energy demands.”