Schneider Electric has strengthened its collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of AI-powered, software-defined automation across industrial sectors, including green hydrogen. The partnership aims to help enterprises modernize operations, move beyond legacy systems, and deploy scalable, intelligent automation solutions.
At the core of the collaboration is a shift toward open, software-driven industrial systems that mirror the transformation seen in enterprise IT. Many factories and energy facilities continue to rely on hardware-bound control systems that limit flexibility and slow innovation. By introducing open architectures and AI-enabled tools, the two companies are enabling a more adaptable and future-ready approach to automation.
A key milestone in this collaboration is the deployment of India’s first fully autonomous solid oxide electrolyzer system in partnership with h2e POWER. The system has demonstrated over 6,000 hours of stable operation under varying load conditions, showcasing enhanced efficiency, predictive maintenance capabilities, and the potential to reduce electricity consumption by up to 10%—a critical factor in hydrogen production costs.
The initiative combines Schneider Electric’s expertise in automation with Microsoft’s cloud and AI capabilities delivered through the Azure platform. A central component is the Industrial Copilot, which simplifies engineering processes by automating tasks such as control logic development, system configuration, and data navigation. This has enabled engineering teams to significantly reduce development timelines, with certain operational changes completed in hours instead of weeks.
The solution is built on Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert platform, which separates software from hardware, allowing applications to run across diverse systems and equipment. This flexibility enables industrial operators to modernize incrementally without disrupting existing infrastructure.
The collaboration has been successfully implemented in h2e POWER’s 20 kW solid oxide electrolyzer system, where AI-driven controls continuously monitor and optimize performance. The system manages thermal balance, energy input, hydrogen output, and equipment health in real time, improving operational efficiency and reducing wear on critical components.
According to industry estimates, the solution has contributed to a reduction in the levelized cost of hydrogen by up to 10%, translating into significant annual savings for large-scale installations. The deployment also demonstrates how open, AI-enabled automation can enhance scalability and reliability in complex energy systems.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, continues to drive innovation through digital technologies that improve efficiency and sustainability across industries. Through its collaboration with Microsoft, the company is advancing the development of intelligent, connected systems that support the transition toward cleaner and more efficient industrial operations.
