Schneider Electric has announced the launch of the Accelerating Resilient Infrastructure Initiative, a nationwide effort to finance and deploy resilient, community-based energy systems across the United States.

The program brings together more than 20 organizations, including Microsoft, Zurich, Sunrock, AlphaStruxure, and the Resilient Cities Network, with the goal of unlocking $7.5 billion in financing for projects that strengthen critical energy infrastructure.

The initiative aims to support local governments, campuses, hospitals, schools, airports, and other facilities with solutions such as microgrids, solar panels, battery storage, geothermal heat pumps, and EV charging infrastructure. These distributed energy resources are designed to reduce reliance on centralized grids, lower long-term energy costs, and provide reliable power during outages.

According to Jana Gerber, North American President of Microgrids for Schneider Electric, the need for resilient infrastructure is increasing as aging grids face mounting pressure from extreme weather, rising demand, and cyber threats. Power outages are estimated to cost the U.S. economy $150 billion annually.

Darryl Willis, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, emphasized the role of digital technologies, saying the initiative shows how cloud and AI can accelerate deployment of resilient infrastructure.

Projects already underway include large-scale microgrid deployments in Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas, supporting public transit, schools, and municipal services while advancing clean energy goals.

Source: altenergymag.com