Miloš Vuksanović, director of Schneider Electric for Serbia and Montenegro - We're building a new electrical world

Miloš Vuksanović, director of Schneider Electric for Serbia and Montenegro, reveals in an interview for eKapija how these projects will optimize the energy infrastructure, but also which software and innovative products from Schneider Electric are most in demand in various industries and how they help the economy to increase energy efficiency, and improve the quality of life for individuals and households.

As our interlocutor says, Schneider Electric, together with its customers, is building a new electrical world by providing smart energy in all segments - from homes, buildings and data centers, to industry, infrastructure and networks.

eKapija: Which software and innovative products of Schneider Electric are most in demand in Serbia and how do they help the industry and the economy to increase energy efficiency and improve business?

- The greatest interest in Serbia is focused on our energy management and automation solutions. The EcoStruxure platform is particularly noteworthy, as it enables real-time data monitoring and analysis, optimizing energy and resources consumption. The EcoStruxure solution is attractive because it plays a role in transforming different sectors through innovative technologies.

In buildings, there is an increasing demand for our Building Management System (BMS) and KNX system for lighting, heating and HVAC system automation.These solutions not only improve energy efficiency, but also enhance the overall comfort and functionality of the space.

In data centers, we position ourselves as a strong partner, providing comprehensive solutions. Our offer covers energy management for the building, as well as critical infrastructure within the white space, including Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), racks and other required equipment.

In networks, we cooperate with public enterprises in order to deliver smart grid solutions, optimizing energy management and distribution. Our expertise in this field helps to improve the reliability and efficiency of the network.

In industries, we offer tailored solutions, that deal with the unique challenges of various sectors, promoting operational efficiency and sustainability.

Besides hardware solutions, we also provide software and services in these markets. Our offer exceeds traditional maintenance and includes predictive maintenance. Using data analytics, we enable our customers to proactively manage and improve the health of their equipment, ultimately leading to increased productivity and reduced downtime.

eKapija: How do your solutions improve the quality of life for individuals and households?

- Our solutions significantly improve the quality of life of individuals and households through several key aspects, namely sustainability, safety and, finally, aesthetics.

In accordance with global trends and the need for environmental protection, we offer electric vehicle (EV) chargers that allow users to charge their vehicles easily and efficiently at home. These solutions not only reduce harmful gas emissions, but also promote the transition to a more sustainable mode of transportation.

Our solutions include products such as miniature switches and enclosures, which are essential for home security. These products protect people from electric shock and prevent damage to expensive household appliances caused by surges. In addition, we offer UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) for households, which ensures the continuity of the power supply in case of a power failure.

Our various wiring devices and sensors contribute not only to household functionality, but also their aesthetic. Smart sensors enable automatic lighting and temperature management, which further improves the comfort of everyday life.

By combining these solutions, Schneider Electric helps customers create safer, more sustainable and more comfortable living spaces, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of life in modern society.

eKapija: Which Schneider Electric projects in Serbia and Montenegro would you single out as the most significant? Do they include delivery of medium voltage equipment and network management software to improve the distribution network in Serbia?

- Schneider Electric realized a number of strategic projects in Serbia and Montenegro, with a focus on improvement of energy efficiency and modernization of infrastructure. Among the most important projects, we emphasize the delivery of medium voltage equipment and implementation of software solutions for managing distribution networks, which is key to the modernization and optimization of energy infrastructure in Serbia. One of the important steps towards the improvement of the distribution network is the digital transformation of the medium voltage and distribution system operators (DSO) at the national level. This project, supported by funding through the Intergovernmental Agreement between France and Serbia, will significantly contribute to reducing losses, to increased efficiency, reliability of the network and reducing outages and duration of failures.

eKapija: Schneider Electric recently won the first place in the list of "Most Sustainable Companies in the World for 2024" by TIME magazine and Statista. What should a company have in order to be sustainable and how do you see companies in Serbia on the road to sustainability?

- This award reflects the ambitious goals of Schneider Electric to reduce its emissions, but also its commitment to helping customers become more energy efficient. Statista has identified the world`s most sustainable companies for 2024. The process was started by analyzing more than 5,000 of the largest and most influential global companies. After the evaluation, the final ranking considered factors such as external sustainability ratings, corporate reporting and environmental and social performance indicators. This comprehensive approach has resulted in a list of 500 companies from over 30 countries.

Time and Statista have recognized Schneider Electric`s technological expertise, as well as its Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program. This transformative program drives and measures the company`s progress towards the global sustainability goals for 2021-2025, focusing on six key commitments that encompass all three dimensions: environmental protection, social aspects and governance (ESG). Within that program, the company has helped customers reduce their carbon emissions, achieving savings of 605 million tonnes of CO2 since 2018.

The company has also made significant progress in transforming its supply chain, reducing the carbon emissions of the top 1,000 suppliers by 27% since the program started. In addition, 21% of the most important partners in the supply chain met the high performance standards set by Schneider Electric.

The company`s effort to responsibly manage resources has resulted in 63% of product packaging now being free of single-use plastic and made from recycled cardboard. A long-standing commitment to closing the energy access gap has also advanced, with 46.5 million people now having access to clean and reliable electricity thanks to Schneider Electric`s initiatives worldwide, while more than 578,000 people acquire new skills to meet their communities` energy needs.

This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, which is an integral part of all our activities. In our daily decisions, we take into account the environment, society and good governance, and we continue to push hard towards achieving even greater progress in our sustainability goals in order to ensure positive and lasting effects.

ESG has become a key segment, core of any company, and I believe that other organizations all over Serbia are increasingly moving towards those standards, because without them, serious business is not possible.

eKapija: Is energy transition possible without digitalization?

- Digitization plays a key role in the energy transition. It increases the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of energy systems by enabling smarter and more flexible grids that enable more efficient integration of renewable energy sources. And on the other hand, digitization helps to optimize energy consumption.

A more electric and digital world is key to solving the climate crisis. Digitization of energy systems is the basis for the integration of renewable sources whenever necessary. At Schneider Electric, we offer a wide range of energy saving solutions. Our products enable significant savings with modest investments, thus positioning ourselves as leaders in creating a more sustainable, resilient and efficient future.

Digital technology, such as metering and consumption monitoring, allows us to better understand how we use energy. In conjunction with smart devices, apps, analytics, and software, we are going one step further in the efficient application of smart energy, revealing numerous untapped potential for savings.

This should be the core strategy of any company. Those organizations only that manage to achieve maximum results with minimal energy costs, and which are promoting similar models to their partners, can look forward to a bright future. This approach also attracts young talents, because companies must go through a digitalization and transformation renaissance in order to attract a new generation of workers.

Together with our customers, we are building a new electric world by providing smart energy in all segments - from homes, buildings and data centers, to industry, infrastructure and networks.

eKapija: How do you see the development of artificial intelligence, and is Serbia lagging behind Europe and the world in this field?

- At Schneider Electric, we believe that AI has the potential to transform entire industries. It requires a clear, bold strategy and management attention. Schneider Electric powers AI innovation at scale, both internally, as well as for customers and partners, to ensure greater overall efficiency and sustainability through data-driven insights.

Building on the foundations of our EcoStruxure IoT architecture, from connected products to software via edge control, we continuously develop our portfolio to support our clients and partners in their digital transformation and sustainability ambitions with the latest technologies and data platforms. Delivering full AI capabilities to a large extent is the next step in this journey and the next milestone in our digital transformation at scale.

Serbia has a significant role in the global partnership for artificial intelligence and we believe it is on the right track in this area.

This was one of the key topics during the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Serbia, when he visited our Development Center in Novi Sad in the company of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. On that occasion, the preparation of the Law on Artificial Intelligence was discussed and IT company representatives were invited to give their opinion and actively participate in its creation. In 2025, Serbia will chair a group of countries in the field of artificial intelligence, which will open up new opportunities for investment in our country.

Second, AI can be used to optimize the demand for energy over time and mitigating energy peaks and optimizing the energy mix. AI-driven solutions can efficiently manage microgrid operations and electric vehicle (EV) charging, ultimately reducing total carbon intensity associated with power generation during high demand periods during the day.

For example, Ecostruxure`s Microgrid Advisor software connects to your distributed energy resources. Automatically predicts and optimizes the display and when it needs to consume, generates and stores energy.

Our company already uses artificial intelligence in various fields, moreover, we also use AI in several internal cases to improve our own efficiency and productivity.

AI is used in all stages, from ideas, research and pilot projects, to industrialization and operational application.

eKapija: What are Schneider Electric`s further plans in Serbia and Montenegro?

- Schneider Electric strives to do business as a socially responsible company at all levels —from the attitude towards the community in which we operate, to care for current and future generations, as well as about our employees. Our company has contributed to the development of the IT industry in Novi Sad and Serbia, having built up a reputation over 20 years of successful work, which enables us to invest more in this sector.

In the coming year, we will continue to invest in developing green solutions and we are strategically directing our business towards sustainability and reducing the negative consequences of global warming, which are our key objectives. We plan to become synonymous with personnel development and the company that contributes to a better tomorrow, enabling employees to stay here and contribute to the development of their country.

Our plans are still based on continued investment and the development of innovative solutions which provide immediate and permanent decarbonisation in line with our Net-Zero commitment. We will act responsibly and make the most of digital technology to preserve our planet, with the support of high social, management and ethical standards.

As the leader in the field of digital transformation of energy management and automation, Schneider Electric has become and intends to remain a key partner for numerous global projects. The latest proof of this reputation is the signed cooperation agreement with Alstom at the InnoTrans 2024 fair. This cooperation is based on a long-term partnership between the two companies. In addition to the global impact, this partnership has an impact at the local level as well, that is, to all countries in the region.

Partnering with Alstom, a leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, clearly shows how strategic alliances can contribute to the progress of infrastructure projects. Schneider Electric is not just a provider, but a true partner who understands the complexities and challenges of large infrastructure initiatives. Successful global projects implemented by Schneider Electric confirm that the company is a reliable partner in infrastructure projects, ensuring success through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Also in the future we want to ensure that all employees are uniquely valued and work in an inclusive environment, that encourages learning, improvement and development. In doing so, we pave the way for each subsequent generation. Ultimately, our goal is that by promoting local initiatives and supporting individuals and partners, we help sustainability become a reality for everyone.