Schneider Electric brings smart cities to life

The company displayed its intelligent sustainability portfolio, demonstrating the capacity of the Smart City solutions to reduce power consumption in buildings by up to 30%.

With the continued expansion of urbanization across the world, Schneider Electric's commitment to solving today's problems with tomorrow's technologies and accelerating the development of sustainable solutions is at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.

French President Francois Hollande delivered a keynote speech at the official inauguration of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which took place during the opening ceremony of the summit. During the speech he commended Schneider Electric's role in shaping the global discussion about the future of energy. President Hollande also took the opportunity to congratulate Schneider Electric on winning the Zayed Future Energy Prize 2012.

Goktug Gur, Country President - UAE, Oman & Pakistan, Schneider Electric, said: "Recognition from the French President during the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit validates our commitment to innovation and lasting solutions for sustainable development. While Schneider Electric strives to solve today's complex challenges with the cutting-edge technology of tomorrow, we are driven by a desire to affect meaningful changes in people's everyday lives. WFES offered the perfect platform to showcase our technology."

In addition to President Hollande, Schneider Electric's stand welcomed various other high-level visitors including His Highness Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who toured the demonstration areas and spoke at length with Schneider Electric experts. Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Taner Yýldýz', also exchanged views with senior Schneider Electric management at an exclusive meeting. A high level French delegation led by Delphine Batho - Minister of Ecology and Sustainable Development, also took a tour of the Schneider Electric booth.

Schneider Electric also welcomed key customers from the region including Masdar, the Intercontinental Hotel Group and the Hilton Group of Hotels, who praised Schneider Electric's energy management solutions for helping them overcome their respective energy challenges. Michel Crochon, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Schneider Electric worldwide, was also invited at the WFES conference to be part of the plenary discussion session on renewable energy.

Gur added: "The feedback offered by some of our key global clients during WFES has been an invaluable source of encouragement. It demonstrates that our work increases energy efficiency and drives sustainability, which vastly contributes to improving quality of life. Undoubtedly, we are successfully meeting our objectives."

Schneider Electric is currently working on projects in 230 cities and regions to help them improve urban infrastructure efficiency and sustainability, as well as set ambitious, yet commercially viable environmental targets.

According to the 'Smart 2020' report, published by Accenture in 2011, the use of smart technologies in electrical grids, transport, shipping, buildings and industrial motors could reduce global emissions by 15% by 2020 and save about $900bn a year in energy costs.