News & events


Schneider steps into the future

2nd Quarter 2014 News & events

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



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.

Read more...
Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.

Read more...
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
News & events
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.

Read more...
A racing partnership
SKF South Africa News & events
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.

Read more...
German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe
Beckhoff Automation News & events
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.

Read more...
Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment
Festo News & events
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.

Read more...
SANSA Hartebeesthoek provides critical support for lunar mission
News & events
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is providing vital tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) support for Intuitive Machines-2 (IM-2) lunar mission from its Hartebeesthoek ground station.

Read more...
Siemens and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate 20 years of innovation
Siemens South Africa News & events
Siemens Digital Industries Software is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing, representing one of the longest standing technical partnerships in Formula 1 today.

Read more...
A new generation of solar professionals
News & events
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: The new space race
Technews Publishing News & events
The other day an interesting report captured my attention. Within four days, two different private American companies recently succeeded in landing their spacecraft on the moon. Intuitive Machines landed ...

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved