Representative End User Clients
Representative Automation Clients
Representative Software Clients
During the recent Schneider Electric Innovation Summit in Las Vegas, the energy landscape's massive and rapid transformation was a key topic. Worldwide, the portion of total energy consumed as electricity is projected to double by 2030. This global shift is engendering systemic change, especially in heavy industries. Schneider Electric, with its unique positioning across the entire value chain—from grid modernization and T&D solutions to industrial enterprise software and end-point devices—is ideally positioned to manage this complexity.
A major component of the transition to greater electrification is optimizing motor load, which accounts for a dominant portion of industrial energy usage.
We recently sat down with Deepu Chawla (SVP of Control & Drives) and Sophie Borgne (Water & Environment Segment President) at Schneider Electric to explore the strategic support they are providing end-user organizations, notably with respect to the accelerating role of system drives (VSDs) in optimizing the benefits being derived from industrial electrification. The conversation confirmed that the system drive portfolio, now featuring the ATV6000 and the new ATV6100, is an important growth area for the company.
For Deepu's team, the ExxonMobil Permian Basin project is a flagship example of how their technology directly supports net zero goals. To help ExxonMobil meet its net zero target for its Permian Basin operations by 2030, Schneider Electric implemented an "Electrification in a Box" solution. This solution replaced traditional gas turbines with electrified compressors, using the ATV6000 MV system drive. This specific technology offers a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of up to 20 percent and improved operational effectiveness compared to traditional turbine-driven systems.
Beyond initial deployment, the ATV6000 features embedded analytics to enable preventive and predictive maintenance, reduce downtime, and enhance ROI within two to five years through energy savings and reliability.
For Sophie's team, the focus is on specializing the portfolio to address critical industry needs, particularly in the water and wastewater segment. The new ATV6100 system drive was introduced to complement the ATV6000, specifically targeting applications that require a smaller footprint and lower cost. This expansion has increased Schneider’s portfolio coverage from 65 percent to an estimated 80 percent of the addressable market.
This focus is essential because the water and wastewater segment faces unique challenges:
High energy consumption: Pumping and desalination processes are energy-intensive.
Operational resilience: The segment requires high reliability and minimal downtime.
Cost optimization: Drives help optimize both capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx).
The success of integrated solutions—combining MV and LV drives, power distribution, and digital tools—was demonstrated in the Algeria SWRO desalination program. Schneider’s approach, which included a digital twin and asset management tools, not only addressed water scarcity but also empowered the local workforce and minimized shutdowns. Digital offerings like EcoStruxure Services and Altivar Predict reduce downtime and extend asset life through predictive maintenance.
To ensure they can replicate these wins globally, Deepu outlined a strategy focused on specialization and partnership:
Shift from generalist to specialist sales: Moving to a specialist sales approach is key to capturing opportunities.
Capture team model: Dedicated teams are deployed for early engagement and prescription.
Service attachment: Bundling services such as EcoCare, commissioning, and extended warranty is boosting profitability.
Localization: Localized operations and manufacturing, such as the ATV6100 being made in Vienna, provide a strategic advantage.
The strategic differentiators that have allowed Schneider Electric to grow faster than the market are not just technology, but also integrated solutions combining drives, power distribution, and digital services. The focus remains on driving efficiency and sustainability.