Dejan Markovic, Schneider Electric: Creating Electric and Digital World, Electricity 4.0 Concept, is the Solution to Global Environmental Challenges

The climate crisis has been in focus in the past years, and the alarming data point to the need for urgent action and implementation of solutions which will contribute to the solving of this global challenge. Still, according to Dejan Markovic, the vice president for the sector of energy and services for Southeast Europe at Schneider Electric, a positive outcome is possible: “We are the first generation that truly understands climate change and we are able to fight it. The solution lies in the implementation of the existing technologies and the creation of a more electric and digital world. It’s called Electricity 4.0”.

What is Electricity 4.0 and why is it important?

– Electricity 4.0 is a proportional combination of electrical energy and the digital. We live in a time in which, I believe, we are all aware of the challenges that are threatening the survival of the planet, especially the climate change. In line with that, we need to reconsider our relationship to energy and start acting, since it is responsible for over 80% of global carbon emissions. At Schneider Electric, we firmly believe that the solution lies in a world that is more electric and digital, because electric energy is the fastest way to a cleaner, smarter and more efficient energy.

Have companies started adopting this model as one of the principles in their operations?

– Electric energy offers the most sustainable and cost-effective way to decarbonize our societies. It has been proven that it is three to five times more efficient than other sources, and a considerably higher production of energy from renewable sources is expected in the future. We expect six times more electric energy to come from renewable sources by 2040, which is a considerable progress from the current 6% to 40% in the next 20 years.

It is important for companies to realize that efficiency does not only have an ecological, but also a financial, impact. That is why I would say that, from the aspect of modern management, Electricity 4.0 is connected with optimized operations, costs and a good reputation. There are companies, such as Schneider Electric, which have implemented this model to the fullest extent, but there’s still a lot of room for its upgrade and improved implementation in most companies. For example, companies in the petrochemical or mining sector would have great use from the energy efficiency program. The same goes for the consumer goods industry and many others which need to be convinced to react. Still, I believe that the accelerated digitalization and Industry 4.0, which has brought us great technological changes, will contribute to a quicker adoption of the Electricity 4.0 concept.

Schneider Electric offers various products to its clients. These products enable the optimization of business operations, especially now, when the digitalization process is accelerated. Have you spotted any trends as to what your clients find the most important?

– The era of digital transformation affects all sectors, because organizations use technology to incite innovations, upgrade business agility and simplify their operations. In a recent study done by the company IDC, it was determined that organizations which look forward understand the connection between the optimization of their facilities and the realization of wider goals of cyber and physical security, sustainability and operating efficiency.

Schneider Electric is a global partner for facilities and operating management and optimization. We offer a wide range of services in basic product categories, as well as consulting in the fields of energy and sustainability, cyber security and services of digital and remote monitoring. As a reliable partner for facilities and operating management, we have developed strategic services which help users upgrade their operating efficiency, safety and security in the key and edge facilities worldwide. The latest item in our offer is SM AirSeT, a medium-voltage facility for commercial and industrial buildings and facilities, which uses the technology of filtered air instead of the SF6 gas.

In Southeast Europe, for example, we are noticing an increasing demand for digital services for the remote monitoring of the users’ facilities and we carry out timely servicing activities based on the events at our users’ facilities.

Considering that Schneider Electric has been present in Serbia for nearly 20 years, do you think that our country can become the regional leader in green technologies?

– Serbia has the potential, but, on that path, we need to set clear goals and trace the route we want to follow. There’s a lot of work there. Still, I am glad that, in our 20 years of doing business here, which is an anniversary that we are celebrating next year, we have developed a network of partners which currently encompasses over 100 local companies. We are especially proud of our license partners which produce equipment in line with Schneider Electric technologies.

On the other hand, as an environmentally and socially responsible company, Schneider Electric is there to support local companies to be more efficient, sustainable and resilient by bringing to the local market solutions for sustainability and efficiency for the key infrastructure, by carrying out the digitalization of the network and by preparing for the new demand in the field of mobility.

Finally, it is important to note that green technologies already exist and we are there to help accelerate their implementation, which will also contribute to having the countries realize the goals of the European Green Agreement.

Schneider Electric Srbija d.o.o. Beograd

Schneider Electric

IDC

Dejan Marković

climate crisis

electric energy 4 0

digital

electric energy

decarbonization

production of energy from renewable sources

business optimization

digitalization

SM AirSeT

medium voltage facility for commercial and industrial facilities and buildings

clean air technology

remote monitoring of facilities

green technologies

European Green Agreement