Schneider Electric and Positive Zero Collaborates: Developing the Path to Net-Zero Energy
Moving towards advancing sustainable energy solutions in the Middle East, Schneider Electric, has joined forces with Positive Zero, a decentralised decarbonisation infrastructure business headquartered in the UAE. The collaboration, formalised through a MOU, aims to raise the adoption of clean energy technologies and propel the transition towards a net-zero future in the region.
Under the terms of the agreement, Schneider Electric and Positive Zero will collaborate on a range of initiatives aimed at promoting decarbonization-as-service programs across the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. These initiatives include exploring synergies across distributed microgrid projects, clean mobility solutions, energy efficiency, and sustainability measures.
David Auriau, CEO and Co-founder of Positive Zero, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This collaboration represents a strategic alignment of our shared vision for decarbonisation and sustainability. Positive Zero is dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable world, and our cooperation with Schneider Electric will accelerate this movement in the commercial and industrial sectors."
Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Countries at Schneider Electric, emphasised the company's commitment to raising the energy transition in the region. "We are looking forward to the outcomes of this collaboration with Positive Zero," Chadli stated. "It underscores another important step for Schneider Electric’s journey towards empowering organisations and communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions."
The partnership between Schneider Electric and Positive Zero comes on the heels of investment from BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, which announced its commitment to invest US$400 million in Positive Zero through a diversified infrastructure fund in December 2023.
The collaboration also addresses a pressing need highlighted in a report by the World Economic Forum in October 2023, which found that only 12 percent of businesses in the MENA region have committed to net-zero targets, with just 6 percent having published clear roadmaps to achieve those goals. The report emphasises the advantages the GCC countries possess in reducing carbon emissions through energy efficiency and solar power solutions.
Moreover, a report by SkyQuest Technology in January 2024 forecasts substantial growth in the global Energy-as-a-Service market, with projections exceeding US$112 billion by 2030. This growth is led by the adoption of distributed energy resources, microgrid technologies, and the integration of AI and Machine Learning for predictive energy analytics.
The partnership between Schneider Electric and Positive Zero signifies an important moment in the quest for sustainable energy solutions in the Middle East, with implications for global efforts to combat climate change and achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future.
