Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management, concluded its annual Power to the Cloud event reiterating the importance of cloud for globally flourishing smart cities. The company also launched the much-awaited prefabricated modular datacentre truck, a model of which was open to all attendees.
Held at Atlantis-The Palm on 4 and 5 November, Power to the Cloud this year convened some 1,600 industry professionals and regional customers who discussed the future of smart cities and Schneider Electric’s contributions to innovative, sustainable and energy efficient solutions. Prominent attendees included Schneider Electric’s UAE-based customers Masdar City, RTA, DEWA and Dubai Municipality.
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmad Bin Abdulaziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs, UAE Ministry of Economy, inaugurated the event and commended smart city projects that are aligned with the UAE Vision 2021.
Dr Manuel Sanroma, CIO of Barcelona City Council, in his keynote address focused on the ways in which smart cities enabled sustainable lifestyles, drawing on examples of Barcelona’s urban evolution. In addition, Knut Molaug, CEO, Green Mountain Energy Company, shared insights on the greenest datacentre in the world situated in Norway – implemented by Schneider Electric experts. Senior Schneider Electric spokespersons additionally reviewed cloud and ICT’s limitless possibilities in making smart cities a reality.
Benoit Dubarle, Country President – UAE, Oman & Pakistan, Schneider Electric said:
“Power to the Cloud has been a crucial educational forum for continuing the conversation on smart cities – currently a hot topic in this region. Participating delegates and visitors witnessed our demos at the smart city pavilion, and actively engaged with us through shared questions, visions and ideas of a smart city powered by the cloud.
“This year, we received an overwhelmingly positive response from end-users across EMEA, all of whom support urban efficiency as a strategy for long-term economic development. We were honoured to exchange dialogue with several international industry leaders, who shared their own dynamic views on smart cities and the opportunities such environments would present to the UAE.”
Thierry Chamayou, Vice President, Middle East, Africa, Central & Eastern Europe – IT Business, Schneider Electric, said:
“New technologies are helping us redefine efficiencies and optimization, with the greatest impact of this visible in smart cities. Schneider Electric is at the absolute forefront. Power to the Cloud showcases how Schneider Electric solutions validate the benefits of technology investment through improving the management of energy and utilities, saving costs, and adding business value – all with the datacenter at its core.”
The event featured 2,500 square meter smart city pavilion which included demos of smart buildings solutions, energy efficient home automation systems, smart public services such as security and mobility, smart grids and integrated cloud management platforms. End-users applauded Schneider Electric’s smart portfolio, which is a stepping stone towards improving the overall quality of life in urban ecosystems.
