CIO OPINION
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 .
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 .
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 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 .
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 grid-to-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 , highdensity 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 highcapacity 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 . p
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