Que: How is Schneider Electric contributing to the integration of renewable energy sources into smart grids for a more stable and reliable power supply?

Ans: You’ve touched on a crucial point because achieving sustainability heavily depends on renewable energy integration. When integrating renewable energy, the first thing that comes to mind is the increasing power density.

Today, we see power levels reaching 33 kV, and at the same time, rated current levels continue to rise. The second key aspect of solar integration is the transition towards a more flexible grid. As solar adoption grows, the energy landscape will evolve to include not only solar but also electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage." to “As solar adoption grows, the energy landscape will include more microgrids, energy storage and more electric vehicles (EVs).

This presents an opportunity to enhance efficiency by implementing microgrid approaches and demand response systems. As energy flow becomes more bi-directional, we can create differentiated and impactful solutions for consumers.

Finally, many customers are embracing renewable integration because they believe sustainability is the future. This is driving interest in SF6-free technology, as businesses aim to proactively align with future sustainability standards rather than react to them later.

In summary, three major elements shape renewable energy integration: higher power density, improved efficiency enabled by digital systems, and a forward-looking approach toward sustainability with SF6-free technology.

Que: The energy sector is witnessing a shift towards decentralised power systems. How do you envision the role of virtual power plants in the future energy landscape?

Ans: The rise of virtual power plants (VPPs) marks a significant shift towards a more digitalised, bi-directional network that integrates both AC and DC systems in a hybrid model.

In this evolving landscape, we anticipate an increasing number of hybrid solutions. At Schneider Electric, we are actively exploring advancements such as low-voltage DC solutions and solid-state technologies, including transformers and circuit breakers.

Another crucial aspect is seamless integration. Digital algorithms play a key role in optimising energy flow by determining the best times to store or distribute energy. This is essential for balancing energy demand and supply in a consumer-centric energy ecosystem.

VPPs can function at both micro and macro levels. On a smaller scale, they operate within localised energy networks, while at a larger scale, aggregators connect multiple microgrids to enable broader energy trading opportunities.
We are also developing solutions under the Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), which has been successfully piloted in the U.S. This system is designed to optimise distributed energy resources and enhance grid stability.

In summary, VPPs rely on hybrid energy models, digital optimisation, and aggregation to create a more resilient and efficient energy ecosystem.

Que: How are you leveraging AI and IoT to enable predictive maintenance, reduce downtime, and lower operational costs in power systems?

Ans: We see AI being utilised in two key scenarios.

First, as countries ramp up industrialisation, the contribution of manufacturing to GDP is expected to grow significantly. This shift involves transitioning industrial processes from oil and gasoline to electricity, making a stable power supply critical.

To ensure reliability, industrial customers are adopting comprehensive digital IoT solutions. At Schneider Electric, we provide advanced sensing technologies such as EvoPacT HVX circuit breakers, thermal sensors, mechanical characteristic sensors, and partial discharge sensors in switchgear. These innovations enable predictive maintenance and protect critical manufacturing assets.

The second scenario revolves around AI as a long-term competitive advantage. Most companies today recognise AI as a top priority for future growth. However, to fully leverage AI, businesses must first establish widespread IoT infrastructure to collect and store data in a structured manner.

By integrating AI-driven analytics with energy and process data, companies can enhance efficiency and gain deeper insights. Our EcoStruxure Power platform facilitates this journey by enabling digital IoT integration, edge control, machine learning, and AI-powered analytics.

Ultimately, we aim to be the best energy technology partner for industrial customers, helping them optimise energy management and leverage AI for long-term success.

Que: With the increasing connectivity of power systems, cybersecurity is a growing concern. How are you ensuring the security of IoT networks against cyber threats?

Ans: Cybersecurity is a top priority at Schneider Electric, and is always managed centrally with a unified protocol encompassing cybersecurity and product security.

Internally, we conduct rigorous cybersecurity training and awareness programs. For example our cybersecurity team runs phishing exercises to assess awareness and preparedness against cyber threats.

We believe cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s also about mindset, behavior, and company culture. Leadership plays a crucial role in embedding cybersecurity into the core of our operations.

By implementing strict protocols, centralised governance, and fostering a strong cybersecurity culture, we ensure that our IoT networks remain secure against evolving threats.”

Que: Recently, you introduced the SF6-free RM AirSeT. What makes this technology a game changer for the industry?

Ans: We have been collaborating with Tata Power on the RM AirSeT, an SF6-free technology. I believe that for most of the leading companies in this country, there is a clear understanding that we are transitioning from cost efficiency to value effectiveness.

From this perspective, elements like sustainability are becoming increasingly important to our customers—not just our direct customers but also their customers.

For example, Tata Power serves many industrial customers, some of which are multinational companies. These multinational companies operate in India and have their own ESG agendas. As India strengthens its manufacturing capabilities, we expect to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI). Many multinational companies want to maintain the same sustainability standards here as they do in the rest of the world.

In this context, we see strong momentum for RM AirSeT technology, which offers a key differentiator for our customers and the broader ecosystem, particularly for flagship clients.

Another important point I’m proud to share is that, as of 2024, we are the world's largest supplier of SF6-free technology. This success stems from our early investment in innovation, research, and development, spanning decades. Additionally, we have been proactive in aligning with regulations.

For instance, when Europe introduced new regulations on January 1st, we saw exponential business growth. Similarly, China implemented similar regulations two or three years ago, leading to rapid market expansion.

We believe India has significant potential to follow this trajectory. As a multinational company, we are excited to bring this innovation to India, collaborate with stakeholders, and raise the bar for sustainability and impact.

At ElectronMob, one of our key highlights is that, in addition to the RM AirSeT switchgear developed with Tata Power for secondary gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), we are also launching our primary GIS SF6-free technology. Our goal is to move beyond RM AirSeT and introduce GM AirSeT technology because we believe this will be the future.

We are committed to being pioneers in this space, working with ecosystem partners to push technological advancements and drive meaningful sustainability impact.

Que: Beyond the SF6-free RM AirSeT technology, what other major innovations are you working on to advance sustainable power systems?

Ans: When it comes to sustainable power systems, I would summarise our approach as focusing on two key areas: electrification and digitalisation. These are critical to achieving sustainability and decarbonisation.

On the electrification side, we are addressing renewable energy adoption and SF6-free solutions.

On the digitalisation side, we are enhancing efficiency through EcoStruxure Power and advanced asset management solutions for industrial applications.

Our approach integrates both electrification and digitalisation by leveraging energy data lakes. We are developing solutions that connect structured and unstructured external data with energy data lakes, creating a more intelligent and responsive energy ecosystem.

By combining these elements, we aim to become a true energy technology partner, helping our customers grow with AI-driven innovations and a differentiated approach to sustainability.