I N D U S T R Y I N T E L L I G E N C E

Efficiency and safety by design principles for these complex applications is the one thing that can be applied from the energy sector .

On balance , there is probably more to learn for the energy sector from the data centre industry in terms of speed . I can see that the energy sector is finally starting to transform in terms of speed and how this is being seen with utilities , as with the UAE example . In the race for AI , there ’ s probably more cross learning opportunities . As we learnt to support demand , we will also learn in both industries how to apply it to drive efficiency , optimisation and transformation .

All the process industries and energy infrastructure are starting to look for opportunities to leverage AI use cases to improve the sustainability or efficiency of their own operations . There ’ s a wealth of opportunity there , which again would drive demand for more digital infrastructure around the region .

Use cases on how AI could help improve processes or efficiencies , whether it ’ s organisational efficiency , organisational processes , or production / manufacturing processes . In renewable energy plants too , it can be applied to forecasting . For example , how to improve the load , and demand forecasting in a grid . These are all leveraging AI . level of deployment plans . This will not happen unless we ’ re working in new innovative business models and new partnership approaches to achieve the ambition and the opportunity .

The next challenge is the energy and sustainability issue , and how do you build out these data centres in a more sustainable way .

Of course , regulation is a constant theme too . My impression is that regulation is in some ways driving more local / regional data centres to ensure data sovereignty .

For example , here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in the UAE , there ’ s a push around keeping data within the country .

We ’ re going to see a build out plan beyond the normal hubs of data centre deployments into a more local context .

Is there anything else you would like to leave our readers with as a final thought ?

Schneider Electric is doing a lot of work around the Electricity 4.0 concept of digitalising the whole energy infrastructure , with AI managing and optimising for efficiency and sustainability .

We are looking at the big picture of gridto-chip and chip-to-chiller to make sure we have solutions at every level .

There have been announcements just recently of new reference designs with NVIDIA , around the new GB200 NVL72 system , that are supported by our own Galaxy VXL UPS , the industry ’ s most compact , high-density power protection system for AI , data centre and large-scale electrical workloads . We are also building out our capabilities and Schneider Electric recently signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Motivair Corporation , a key global provider of advanced liquid cooling solutions . This will enhance our liquid cooling portfolio and strengthening our expertise in direct-to-chip liquid cooling and high-capacity thermal solutions .

Our Executive Vice President of Secure Power Division and Center Business at Schneider Electric , Pankaj Sharma , put it best when he said : “ The energy and environmental impact of AI is growing at unprecedented pace , and it ’ s paramount we bend the energy curve downward by finding new ways to decarbonise data centres and the digital infrastructure .”

That is the approach at Schneider Electric . We are committed to pushing boundaries , setting new standards and shaping the future of AI , whilst protecting the environment . This is the strategic approach I described from grid to chip , to the chiller and beyond .

The aim is to be a complete ecosystem partner for everyone to achieve that aim of responsible growth supporting a liveable future .

That ’ s very exciting for me as I take up this new role . �

There is a convergence here that means the tools and technologies can be spread across industries .

Looking forward in the near term , what do you see as the priorities for data centre owners and operators ?

Firstly , it is having the right partnerships in order to deliver these unprecedented

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