Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, hosted senior stakeholders from the utility industry at its first “Innovation Talk EcoStruxure Grid Dubai and Abu Dhabi 2019” series this week.
The events – attended by the key utility partners and customers of Schneider Electric – took place on 25th June in Dubai and 26th June in Abu Dhabi showcasing EcoStruxure Grid solutions, tailored for the regional utilities Grid market.
The UAE is fast-becoming one of the world’s smartest, most innovative, and sustainable countries. With UAE utility providers supporting Smart Cities and smart grids, the Gulf Cooperation Council’s smart grid market is set to triple to USD 1.7 billion by 2026, according to a recent report by TechSci Research.
Innovation at Entry Level
Utilities are looking for flexible and stepwise digital transformation that can optimize their operations and ultimately power the region’s economy. This is made possible by grid efficiency and demand management, with the help of digitized infrastructure and workforce, IoT and cybersecurity. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Grid enables this requirement by offering a comprehensive and modular portfolio of integrated solutions comprising IoT enabled architecture, data analytics and a framework that protects the new digital grid.
“As digitization progresses, massive amount of data has made it possible to develop smart solutions that are connected and cyber secure at the same time. In line with the UAE’s government-led agendas, utilities are constantly looking for reliable and secure solutions to manage assets efficiently and optimize their operations”, says Ahmed Khashan, President of Gulf Countries & Pakistan, Schneider Electric. “Plans to decentralize energy has triggered a need to restructure the grid architecture in the energy landscape. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Grid is the answer to the digital transition paving the way for a lower-carbon, smarter future for utilities and consumers alike.”
At the event, Schneider Electric showcased its newest offering, Easergy P5, the latest protection relay for medium-voltage demanding applications offering best-in-class safety, security, reliability, and connectivity. This allows users to make informed decisions using the data and analytics generated, enhancing their overall operations and promoting sustainability as a result.
“Utility operators want access to insights which help them achieve greater efficiency at a reduced cost. At its core, that is what Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Grid platform provides.”, said Ahmed Fateen, Gulf & Pakistan Cluster Power System VP, Schneider Electric. “The objective of this powerful analytics technology is to empower utilities in the UAE with an advantage in a marketplace experiencing transition and optimization challenges, leading to a more sustainable future. Utilities that are already successfully transforming their businesses started by having a vision, brand image, product and service portfolio that is in tune with “energy’s new normal” and resonates with the digital consumer for an enhanced experience.”
Local Outreach
A case in point is Schneider Electric’s deployment of EcoStruxure solutions which successfully helped reduce energy consumption in residential and industrial sites, under a Tarsheed program, part of Department of Energy (DOE) strategy, launched in 2017 with the ultimate objective of cutting 20 per cent of water and electricity by 2030.
“Schneider Electric places local ambitions at the center of its strategy to empower utilities through the digital transformation journey at reduced costs. We do this by leading educational initiatives that develop local competencies by training our key clients and partners, as well as providing access to Schneider Electric’s technologies and solutions.” says Sara El Fanidi, Marketing Director, Power Systems Schneider Electric. “Moreover, we also partner with local universities under the Go Green in the City Initiative, which is in its 9th year now, to promote innovation that will help shape the future of our industries and companies.”
Additionally, Schneider Electric works closely with government entities and corporates from the energy, building, transport, water, and solar segments by providing integrated and automated solutions and consultancy services.