The microgrid, together with other campus-wide energy saving initiatives, enabled the Wendell site to achieve fully carbon-neutral operations while reducing the overall grid energy consumption by 2.5 MWh annually. The project underscores Siemens\u2019 commitment to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030 and represents a significant advancement for sustainable manufacturing in the United States.<\/p>\n
![\"Siemens](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/germany\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Siemens.NC_.HQ_.jpg\")
As the largest solar + storage industrial microgrid on Duke Energy\u2019s distribution network in the Carolinas, the Siemens project sets a new standard for resilient, sustainable power amid rising demand. (Photo: Siemens)<\/p>\n
The Wendell microgrid significantly improves operational resilience, helping protect the factory from grid outages that threaten production of vital medium-voltage power equipment. As one of the largest solar + storage industrial microgrids interconnected with Duke Energy\u2019s distribution network in the Carolinas, the system can participate in net energy metering, exporting excess electricity back to the grid to support other customers. This capability not only strengthens energy reliability at the Wendell campus but also contributes to broader grid stability for the surrounding community.<\/p>\n
Built using Siemens products, the microgrid solution consists of the company\u2019s SICAM A8000 Microgrid Controller, fire protection solutions, low-voltage switchboards, low-voltage bolted pressure switches, KACO string inverters, SIPROTEC universal relays, among other hardware solutions. From the software side, Siemens\u2019 Desigo building management system and Electrification X cloud analytics enable seamless communication between the microgrid and the facility\u2019s building management systems. On-site Siemens VersiCharge electric vehicle chargers are also connected into the microgrid, enabling EVs to be charged via self-generated solar energy while showcasing real-time charging statuses and dynamic load management as part of the site\u2019s Customer Experience Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe microgrid that we\u2019ve integrated here at our Wendell campus is one of the more advanced microgrids installed in the market today,\u201d said Brian Dula, Siemens USA\u2019s President of Electrification and Automation. \u201cIt\u2019s a true showcase of Siemens\u2019 end-to-end portfolio of products, from generation to consumption and demonstrates not only how we\u2019re making our own operations more efficient but also displays what we can do for our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Advancing Energy Resilience, Sustainability<\/p>\n
Siemens is advancing energy resilience and sustainability not only within its own operations, but for industry and infrastructure customers across the U.S., and alongside partners like Wake Technical Community College. Together, Siemens and Wake Tech are developing a future on-campus microgrid that will support reliable, efficient energy while creating new opportunities for students and workforce training.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven the strong growth we\u2019re experiencing across the regions we serve, protecting customer reliability in a cost-effective manner is a core focus of Duke Energy\u2019s grid modernization efforts,\u201d said Venu Ghanta, Duke Energy\u2019s vice president of North Carolina regulatory affairs and policy. \u201cWe\u2019ve had a tremendous partnership for decades with Siemens, and we appreciate their focus on delivering solutions that improve grid resiliency.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to the on-site microgrid, the Wendell headquarters recently opened its interactive Customer Experience Center, workforce training Power Academy classrooms, conference center, and expanded manufacturing lines. The facility has added hundreds of new jobs over the past several years and plans to continue expanding its workforce through 2028 and beyond.<\/p>\n