Schneider Electric unveils Africa's inaugural innovation center
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has unveiled its first registered Innovation Hub in Africa, located at its new head office in Midrand, Johannesburg. This state-of-the-art facility is a significant step forward in the company's long-term investment on the African continent.
The Innovation Hub offers a unique, interactive environment where visitors can explore Schneider Electric's integrated solutions across various sectors such as energy, buildings, data centres, industry, and power and grid. The hub provides a guided, tailored experience for each visitor, beginning with the company's story and delving into its comprehensive portfolio.
One of the key features of the Innovation Hub is its focus on sustainability innovations. It showcases solutions that reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. The hub embodies Schneider Electric's vision for sustainability and digitalization, reducing energy consumption by 37%, water usage by 34%, and CO₂ emissions by 32 tonnes per month.
The Innovation Hub is also a hub for collaboration and innovation, fostering local talent and partnerships to drive local solutions relevant to the African context. It embodies Schneider Electric's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation, valuing local talent and partnerships to drive local solutions relevant to the African context.
Schneider Electric is expanding its global Innovation Hub Ambassador Programme, training even more employees to bring a wealth of expertise from across the organisation, enhancing every visit to the facility. The hub is backed by a team of skilled Innovation Hub Managers and Operations Specialists, ensuring expert guidance and a tailored visitor experience.
The Innovation Hub is a part of Schneider Electric’s global network of over 40 registered Innovation Hubs, offering access to international best practices and expertise. It features the Software Portfolio, including AVEVA Operations Control, eTAP, and various EcoStruxure software solutions. Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Buildings Operation and Power Monitoring software seamlessly integrates into the Innovation Hub, providing intelligent control over lighting and HVAC systems in customer-facing areas.
The Innovation Hub demonstrates Building Solutions, showcasing advanced control technologies for access, lighting, HVAC, and room management. Industrial Automation Solutions are showcased, including live conveyor systems, EcoStruxure Plant, and Machine control units. Power and Grid Solutions are on display, featuring Schneider Electric's acclaimed SF6-free AirSet switchgear, protection relays, and microgrid solutions.
Plans are underway for a full microgrid solution with battery energy storage (BESS) at the headquarters, reinforcing Schneider Electric's drive toward renewable and sustainable energy practices. The new headquarters of Schneider Electric features a 200 kWp rooftop solar installation, mitigating 15 tonnes of CO2 emissions each month.
Each session at the Innovation Hub can be tailored to showcase industry-specific applications, ensuring that businesses and stakeholders receive real-world insights into how Schneider Electric's technology can drive success. The Innovation Hub is accessible to partners, consultants, and system integrators, who can book the space to demonstrate specific solutions to their clients.
The Innovation Hub is designed as a flexible, evolving space, constantly adapting to ensure the latest innovations from Schneider Electric are always on display. The hub brings Schneider Electric's vision for sustainability and digitalization to life, offering direct access to groundbreaking innovations that can transform industries and drive meaningful progress.
- The Innovation Hub, a significant part of Schneider Electric's global network, offers a tailored experience for visitors, showcasing technology in various sectors such as energy, buildings, data centres, industry, and power and grid.
- Underscoring Schneider Electric's commitment to sustainability, the Innovation Hub showcases solutions that reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals and embodying a vision for sustainability and digitalization.
- Schneider Electric, through the Innovation Hub, is fostering collaboration and innovation, training employees as Innovation Hub Ambassadors and providing a space for partners, consultants, and system integrators to demonstrate industry-specific applications, driving success for businesses and stakeholders.
