Adaption of automation in power will continue to increase

 Right from power generation, transmission, distribution and consumption, Schneider Electric solutions help entire power value chain become more efficient. In an interview with EPR, Sonali Kaushik shares how Schneider Electric brings its global solutions while keeping the Indian requirements in mind.
What are the key market trends?The power generation industry is undergoing critical changes: vast unconventional gas stores, evolving ecological regulations, and growing energy demand have led to increased investment in power plants. The need of the hour in power generation sector is smart grids. Smart grid vision is responsive to the need of high distribution losses, poor service quality and reliability in urban areas, and electrification in rural areas. It is possible to bring down the distribution losses to 6-8 per cent in India with the help of smart grids in the electrical power distribution sector which will enable better monitoring and control.
What makes Schneider Electric different from its competitors?Schneider Electric solutions help make entire power value chain more efficient — right from generation, transmission, distribution and even consumption by individuals or industries. Our solutions make energy safe, reliable efficient, productive and green. Schneider Electric’s PowerStruxure solutions deliver integrated power management systems that improve the reliability of the power distribution system while increasing the financial and operational efficiency of the enterprise.
What is driving this market?Power utilities are continuously facing the challenge of producing more power for less and less fuel consumption. The government and T&D entities face the challenge of ensuring that losses are minimised when this expensive power reaches final consumers. Entities tasked with ensuring energy efficiency (e.g. BEE) face the challenge of getting real time and authentic data of energy consumption.
What are the market opportunities and threats?In today’s world nothing runs without power, and a reliable supply of electrical power on demand is the task of automation. Keeping in mind the requirements of their consumer base, the power sector is looking for a process control system which should be reliable, energy efficient and an integrated solution. As far as the threats are concerned, the only major area of concern for the automation solution providers is the cyber security vulnerabilities as automation solutions are largely dependent on IT systems.
Where do you put Schneider Electric in the next 5 years? Strengthening our presence further in the automation space and ensuring best quality products to our customers always is our aim.
“Strengthening our presence further in the automation space and ensuring best quality products to our customers is always our aim,” assures Sonali Kaushik, Vice President – Industry Business, Schneider Electric India