AmpaCity DC Microgrid
Current/OS Partners Involved:
Nexans; Schneider Electric, BackToDC, Tridonic, Mersen
Location
Lyon, France
Setup
2026
Context
Commissioned by Nexans at its AmpaCity global R&D and innovation centre, this installation transforms part of the site into a fully operational DC-powered environment.
Developed with Schneider Electric and VINCI Energies Building Solutions BacktoDC, the project is fully compliant with Current/OS.
The installation demonstrates a safe, efficient, and interoperable DC architecture under real-world operating conditions, integrating electronic loads, battery storage, electric-vehicle charging and on-site photovoltaic generation.
Implementation
• 700 VDC main distribution bus serving multiple building applications through a common DC architecture.
• Nexans dedicated DC bus cable and DC Series solutions, designed for DC building requirements and Current/OS interoperability.
• Connection to the existing AC grid via an AC/DC interlink converter integrated by Schneider Electric.
• Office workstations powered through USB-C and an indoor DC lighting system.
• 14.4 kWh battery energy storage system for flexible energy management and resilience testing.
• Two 30 kW DC fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.
• Protection, safety and system-level validation in a live environment, including monitoring of energy flows and system performance.
• Photovoltaic installation planned for phase 2, enabling more direct integration of on-site renewable generation.
Benefits
• Reduces unnecessary AC/DC conversion stages, improving overall system efficiency and reducing conversion losses.
• Enables flexible management of energy flows between the grid, battery, EV chargers and building loads.
• Facilitates the integration of DC-native equipment and future on-site photovoltaic generation.
• Supports peak-demand reduction and greater resilience through centrally managed energy storage.
• Provides a real-world platform to test and refine safety, protection, interoperability and installation practices.
• Demonstrates a replicable DC building architecture and helps accelerate market adoption through ecosystem collaboration.
• Validates Nexans DC Series cable solutions and supports the development of next-generation electrified buildings.
Quote
“This pilot is a key milestone in our ambition to accelerate the adoption of direct current in buildings. By working closely with partners such as Schneider Electric and Vinci Energies, we can test, validate and refine DC architectures in real-world conditions. This hands-on approach allows us to develop reliable, interoperable solutions that improve efficiency, performance and safety, while preparing our customers for the future of electrified infrastructure through industry-leading innovations..”
Jérôme Fournier, VP Group Innovation, Nexans
Direct current represents a major opportunity to rethink how energy is distributed and managed within buildings. Through this collaboration with Nexans, we are combining our expertise to deliver integrated, future-ready systems that enhance efficiency and enable smarter energy use.
Andrea Quarteroni, New Electrical Distribution League Leader, Schneider Electric
The transition to DC-powered buildings requires close collaboration across the industry. By contributing our expertise in microgrid engineering and design, we are helping to bring practical, scalable solutions to market that support more resilient and sustainable building infrastructure.
Eric Plumey, Managing Director, VINCI Energies France Building Solutions
With electrification needs on the rise, DC microgrids are establishing themselves as an effective solution to growing stress on the public grid. As one of the most active partners of Current/OS, Nexans is playing a leading role in establishing a uniform framework for the deployment of DC.
Vincenzo Salmeri, President, Current/OS
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