Schneider Electric recently held an international forum to present its goals and vision. The highlight of the occasion was the Paris Marathon, which Schneider now sponsors. Schneider closely associates its mission and values with this legendary race. Just as runners consider their own efficiency and energy consumption, Schneider’s mission is to help people and organisations make the most of their energy.
“In the next 40 years world energy consumption will double, CO2 emissions need to be halved and we must become four times more efficient,” said senior vice president for corporate marketing, Jonathan Hart. “The solution is a combination of cleaner generation, greater efficiency and a smarter grid. Schneider commits 4 to 5% of its €25 billion in sales to R&D and is on a 10 year transformation path. We are three times larger than 10 years ago.”
The world is getting smarter and this is causing massive challenges. Today 10 billion devices are connected but in six years there will be 60 billion. This convergence of IT and energy is opening a wealth of new opportunities for Schneider. “We see three key elements: save through energy efficiency, connect through intelligent devices and share energy and information,” Hart added. “We enable up to 30% energy savings, 5% reduction of water losses, 20% reduction of travel time and traffic delays, with all the associated environmental, social and economic benefits.”
Schneider has a solution
Whether it’s smart buildings, smart cities, data centres, major industrial projects or microsystems for rural areas, Schneider has a solution. The company recently provided the electrical distribution and digital solutions and services for the impressive Majunga Tower in the heart of La Défense business district, with 560 hectares of glass and steel skyscrapers. Schneider’s SmartStruxure solution facilitates the exchange and analysis of data from energy, lighting, fire safety and HVAC to optimise the building’s performance.
Data consumption is growing by 25% a year; and when Neo Telecoms built a new generation data centre with a transport capacity of over 1 Tbps, Schneider integrated all the systems. “We are building the core of the Internet together with Schneider,” said a Neo Telecoms engineer.
“We don’t sell energy we manage energy,” Hart emphasised.” From smart devices through to big data, we provide our customers with services, systems and technology. We reduce energy consumed, reduce the cost per kWh, reduce operating expenditures and produce energy locally across the grid.”
A Hive of innovation
The company’s Paris headquarters, the Hive, is a showcase for its innovative energy efficiency solutions. The building’s annual energy consumption has fallen from 150 to 78 kWh/m² in three years, a massive reduction of 47%; and it was the first building in the world to be awarded ISO 50001 certification.
Smarter energy for Africa
Africa is an important growth area for Schneider and the company has a strong presence in 16 countries, experiencing double digit growth on the continent. Georges El-Mir, country president for Schneider Electric International, outlined Africa’s many energy challenges. “Schneider offers a unique landscape of solutions for Africa. Our answer is to tackle challenges on the grid through increased productivity, access to energy, smart grids, smart buildings and the development of micro-industries in rural regions.”
Technology is at the heart of Schneider Electric’s offering but it delivers services as well. In major smart grid projects in Morocco, Madagascar and Nigeria, Schneider carried out auditing, testing, commissioning, technical and staff training in addition to providing a solution. The value was way beyond that of the technology.
At the other end of the scale, an important area for Schneider is the development of micro industries in rural African areas through its BipBop programme. “Schneider can integrate solar solutions with standard solutions to bring energy to disconnected areas,” continued El Mir.
First introduced in Kenya in April 2014, Microsol is a microsystem that transforms solar power and water to bring heat, potable water and power. This can bring a revolution to a village. Villasol is a microsolar station which is an economical lighting kit and can also charge a cell phone. Both of these offer opportunities to partner with local entrepreneurs to co-develop the energy market. “The contribution of Schneider Electric goes beyond access to energy, it gives people competencies,” concluded El Mir. “This is a unique proposition and Schneider’s contribution is huge.”
For more information contact Ntombi Mhangwani, Schneider Electric, +27 (0)11 254 6400, [email protected], www.schneider-electric.com
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