Future Energy Business in Transition

By Gergana Schrack , Sales Manager at 施耐德电气

You are probably wondering how the energy business relates to telecommunication?? Energy businesses, traditionally conservative, have seen remarkable changes recently. In the past, when we spoke about energy, it conjured images of electrical infrastructure on the supply and demand sides, typically a costly endeavor. However, the tide has turned in recent years, thanks to the digital transformation powered by IoT and cloud technology. Today, I'm thrilled to delve into the emerging trends and share Schneider Electric's commitment to staying at the forefront of this transformative journey.

Before we dive deeper, a brief introduction about me: I'm an electrical engineer at Schneider Electric. When I embarked on my career, digitalization and IoT were hot topics. Fast forward to today, the landscape has shifted significantly. Sustainability has taken center stage, not just in the energy sector but across industries. Regulations now compel companies to embrace sustainability, and more importantly, customers demand it. They desire products and services from environmentally responsible companies.

Now, let me introduce you to Schneider Electric, often referred to as the "unknown giant." We're a substantial organization, boasting 135,000 employees spanning almost every corner of the globe. Our focus is on two key sectors: energy management and industrial automation. You might not be familiar with us because we primarily serve the B2B market rather than the end consumer. However, my personal focus lies in the realm of energy efficiency, and the examples I'll share a stem from this domain. I'm proud to note that a significant 5% of our sales revenue is dedicated to research and development, enabling us to continually innovate for our customers.

If you do know us, it's likely due to our portfolio of connected products. We like to say we're everywhere electricity flows, from transformation stations to power outlets. In recent years, we've evolved our product portfolio; a whopping 80% of our devices are now smart. They can communicate with each other and elevate data to the edge for precise control. We've designed various solutions to cater to specific segments and customer needs. Atop this second level, we offer edge control, which can be on-premise or in the cloud. Beyond that, we provide a layer of apps, analytics, and services. Here, we harness data, analyze it, and offer recommendations, leveraging our expertise as manufacturers to optimize our customers' infrastructure.

Now, onto the global trends that are reshaping the energy landscape. We anticipate that by 2050, energy consumption will double, while the need to reduce CO2 emissions becomes increasingly critical. It's the energy paradox—we crave more energy but must emit less. Achieving this balance demands efficiency and sustainability, made possible only through technology. IoT and cloud technology hold the key, allowing us to optimize electrical efficiency by understanding current energy consumption patterns.

Another trend we've witnessed is the rise of decentralization in the energy sector. In the past, large power plants dominated, but today, numerous renewable energy sources require intricate control, once again relying on cloud and IoT technology to achieve power supply all around the clock.

Furthermore, we're on the brink of a world where devices outnumber people. Beyond the energy sector, we're grappling with energy crises and the pressing issue of climate change. These challenges confront us all, and action is imperative.

Post-pandemic, resilience is paramount, as demonstrated by the challenges we've faced. Additionally, we see a shortage of skilled individuals in developed countries, a problem that requires a technological solution.

Enter our solution, EcoCare. As the number of electricians and maintenance personnel dwindles, we turn to technology for answers. Our devices are now equipped with communication capabilities, providing real-time information and generating alarms if anything goes awry. This data feeds into a system with analytics, enabling preventive maintenance. It's a straightforward concept, but it works.

Through technology, our customers gain access to a global team of experts across various time zones. We also accumulate data on electrical equipment, from installation to the end of the device's lifecycle, allowing us to make informed decisions in real-time. We even utilize virtual reality for training and remote maintenance services. All of this, combined with our customer management team, forms part of our comprehensive solution. This is one of many examples how IoT can create a positive change. ?