Andover Company Builds New Labs, Data Center

ANDOVER, MA — Schneider Electric recently opened a new data center and microgrid research laboratory at its Global R&D Center in Andover.

The new labs "are a part of $2.4 billion that the company invested in 2024 globally to support research and development," according to a statement from the company. Schneider Electric designs power distribution units and focuses on the digital transformation of energy management and automation.

The Andover location at 800 Federal St. is one of five research and development centers the company operates. Schneider now has 40 labs in Andover.

One 6,000-square-foot laboratory has three testing bays and allows researchers to test high-powered voltage systems that the company designs and develops for the AI data center market.

Another microgrid laboratory includes grid simulators and solar simulators, mimicking the power demands of about 300 homes and solar energy for 110 homes.

The lab enables researchers to test fully functioning microgrids under real-world conditions, allowing Schneider to more quickly design and deliver microgrids for its customers.

“As AI revolutionizes industries and consumers demand more data for digital services, the need for data centers continues to rapidly expand,” Pankaj Sharma, a company vice president, said in a statement. “Additionally, industrial environments, businesses, municipalities, hospitals, and schools are seeking resilient solutions for their energy needs, and microgrids offer a terrific solution. These new R&D labs will help us deliver future-proof, reliable and efficient energy solutions to our customers.”

Schneider Electric said it is the largest clean energy company in the state. The company employs 1,600 people in Massachusetts, including 700 in Andover.