Schneider Electric Pledges for Smarter Energy in Africa at Africa Energy Forum 2013

Schneider Electric SA a Global Fortune 500 company and market leader in energy management, is attending the Africa Energy Forum 2013 which opens today at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), Spain.

The Africa Energy Forum (AEF) is the annual meeting place where global players from the energy industry meet with African governments, utilities and regulators to engage in dialogue aimed at collectively driving forward the development of Africa’s power sector.

According to UN HABITAT, African urban population will grow to one billion in 2040, and to 1.23 billion in 2050, by when 60 per cent of all Africans will be living in cities. As African growth will be driven mainly by existing and new cities, electricity will be a key factor to sustain urbanisation and growth on the continent.

“The challenge is not only to produce more electricity but to produce intelligent energy for smart growth in Africa. Schneider Electric’s solutions are aimed to increase the available electricity in Africa with limited investments,” said Mohammed Saad, President Africa, Schneider Electric.

Through its solution, Smart Cities, Schneider Electric brings together the technology to improve the efficiency of the urban systems, delivering “urban efficiency”.

“By modernising the existing grid, developing renewable energy, exploiting the huge solar potential Africa receives every day, and helping companies, industries and public authorities to be more energy efficient, Smart Cities approach delivers the short-term, visible, measurable, low-investment results that cities need,” added Saad.

Smart Cities solution allows up to 30% energy saving, 15% reduction of water losses, 20% reduction of travel time and traffic delays, as well as tremendous social and economic benefits.

“As a market leader in energy management and renewable energies, Schneider Electric is the only company being able to provide a comprehensive solution to produce intelligent energy for smart growth in Africa”, said Jean-Marc Darboux, President Schneider Electric International.