A digital path to energy efficiency and sustainability

Hady Stephan, vice-president of power systems for the Gulf region at Schneider Electric, talks to The Energy Year about the company’s contribution to digitalisation and sustainability in the UAE’s energy industry and the key technologies it is deploying in this regard. Schneider Electric is a global provider of energy management and automation solutions.

How is Schneider Electric contributing to boosting digitalisation and sustainability in the UAE’s energy industry?
Schneider Electric is committed to the energy transition in the UAE and across the region. Our work is aligned with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050’s vision to diversify the energy mix and establish a sustainable and net-zero future. We actively participate in this transformation through our energy management and automation solutions deployed across homes, buildings, data centres and industries.
Digital transformation is drastically changing how we approach energy management and automation. Proactively leveraging digital technologies is now one of the fastest ways to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.
However, digital transformation doesn’t stop at technology. Schneider Electric continues to upskill the future workforce with digital tools and training to help them make informed, data-driven decisions. For example, the company has deployed advanced predictive analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning to ensure better energy usage, predict maintenance needs and prevent downtime, ultimately delivering enhanced productivity and efficiency.
We are committed to working with women and youth, too. Last year, Schneider Electric signed a new partnership with the Arab Youth Center to improve job prospects for young people seeking careers at the intersection of climate change and clean energy.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond products, software and services. It is deeply ingrained in our ethos and culture. We continuously strive to minimise our environmental footprint and maximise our positive impact on society.

Tell us about your recent agreement with ARDECO on manufacturing power and energy technology solutions.
Our strategic agreement with ARDECO, signed in November 2022, is a pivotal step that emphasises our commitment to spur energy innovation, stimulate productivity, strengthen industrial capabilities and support economic diversification.
Under the partnership, ARDECO and Schneider Electric will set up a licensed manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi. It will produce state-of-the-art energy automation and integrated power solutions, including switchgear, control panel integrations and design and engineering. Furthermore, the facility will harness UAE-based technical expertise, serving as a robust support for the local workforce. It seeks to enhance the energy expertise within the UAE, forging avenues for Emiratis, including women and youth, to develop technical skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based roles.
We are pleased that ADNOC has expressed interest in the resultant manufacturing technology we will make. It underlines the synergistic value of public-private partnerships in advancing the Emirates’ energy future.
This collaboration plays an active role in furthering the Make it in the Emirates initiative by establishing a manufacturing base that not only harnesses local talent but also brings cutting-edge technology and best practices to the region. In doing so, it bolsters the UAE’s stature as an emerging global industrial heavyweight.

What key technologies are you deploying to ensure more sustainable and efficient energy operations in the UAE? Which major projects have you worked on in this regard?
Effective energy management must be holistic, digital and secure. That is why Schneider Electric launched the EcoStruxure platform, an IoT-enabled architecture that supports interconnected and interoperable solutions across the energy value chain. EcoStruxure ensures a seamless connection from the end-point to the cloud, integrating products, controls and software.
One of the critical components of our deployment in the UAE is our edge control software, which provides real-time data, insight and analytics. This system is particularly relevant in an environment where rapid decision-making around energy use and management is crucial.
Digital twin technology is another key area. Schneider Electric has partnered with Microsoft and Emirates Health Services to launch EcoStruxure for Healthcare in the UAE, an innovative digital twin solution that enhances operational performance and energy efficiency in healthcare by up to 30%. Through digital replicas and real-time insights, the platform supports sustainable healthcare environments and improved patient care, and aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031.
As for key projects, one of the most notable would be our work with Expo 2020 Dubai for the French Pavilion. Schneider Electric provided a comprehensive energy management solution for the mega-project. This included smart grid technologies for effective energy distribution, as well as advanced building automation systems for efficient energy use.
Another impactful project was with Etihad ESCO, the energy efficiency and saving arm of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Schneider Electric provided an end-to-end energy efficiency solution, which included the retrofitting of thousands of buildings in Dubai. The project leveraged our IoT-enabled EcoStruxure platform to gather and analyse data, allowing for more efficient and sustainable energy consumption across the city.

How would you assess the UAE’s approach to tackling cybersecurity?
The UAE’s cybersecurity strategy is multidimensional, focusing on legislation, technology, and education. It has implemented robust cybercrime laws and regulations, established cybersecurity agencies, and invested significantly in cybersecurity technologies.
This is crucial as cyber-threats have become more sophisticated and pervasive. Experts warn it could get worse due to the proliferation of IoT devices, the adoption of artificial intelligence and private-sector digital transformation.
At Schneider Electric, we understand that a cybersecurity breach can have severe consequences for energy providers, affecting everything from daily operations to customer trust and regulatory compliance. To mitigate these risks, Schneider Electric provides a holistic suite of cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs of the energy sector. Our approach considers all aspects of cybersecurity, from prevention to detection and response, covering IT, operational technology and IoT devices.
Our cybersecurity solutions include consulting and risk assessment services; cyber-secure products, systems and solutions; software and applications security; and security management services, all reinforced by continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities.
This comprehensive approach enables our clients to maintain high levels of security while allowing them to focus on their core business activities. We are committed to helping our clients navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape, ensuring their infrastructure is resilient and future-proof against evolving cyber threats.

What short- to medium-term goals does Schneider Electric have in the UAE and in the GCC region? What opportunities does it aim to capitalise on?
We have several strategic short-to-medium-term goals in the UAE and the broader Gulf. Our aim is to capitalise on emerging opportunities that align with our mission to empower all to make the most of their energy and resources, whilst bridging progress and sustainability.
In the short term, we are committed to expanding our digital solutions in line with the region’s fast-paced digital transformation agenda. We see this as a significant growth area and a chance to support clients to improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs and accelerate their sustainability efforts.
The company is investing in training and development initiatives to bolster local talent and promote the digital skillset needed for the future. We aim to actively engage with local communities and academic institutions, thereby contributing to the development of a digitally enabled workforce that can sustain the region’s digitisation efforts.
In the medium term, our focus is on driving sustainable and efficient energy solutions, given the UAE and GCC’s ambitious sustainability targets. We plan to lead in providing renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions, pushing for more electric, smart and sustainable cities.
We are focused on becoming the preferred partner for smart city initiatives in the region. With rapid urbanisation trends in the UAE and GCC, Schneider Electric is geared to provide innovative, integrated, and efficient solutions that make cities more resilient and sustainable. The portfolio, which ranges from smart grid applications and building management systems to electric mobility solutions, positions us to make a strong impact in this regard.

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