Schneider Electric, a major player in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has been recognised as the industry leader in energy-as-a-service (EaaS) solutions sector by premier market research and advisory firm Navigant Research.

Navigant Research in its report Leaderboard: Energy as a Service Solutions Providers put Schneider Electric at the top of the rankings because of the company’s “end-to-end energy procurement, energy management and DER (distributed energy resource) solutions” and EcoStruxure software architecture.

The analyst report evaluates the strategy and execution of 10 commercial and industrial EaaS suppliers.

EaaS is transforming the way organizations approach energy buying and management, largely driven by the transition away from rigid, centralized systems.

Using this model, businesses partner with solutions providers that oversee an energy portfolio, including innovative funding mechanisms and services that come with guaranteed performance such as energy cost savings or equipment uptime.

The result is reduced risk, decreased capital burden, and increased operational performance that can help companies meet efficiency, sustainability and other enterprise goals.

“Energy users are increasingly seeking cost-effective, customized, and comprehensive energy solutions to increase their operational efficiency and meet sustainability targets,” remarked Peter Asmus, the research director with Navigant Research.

Navigant Research rated the providers featured in the leaderboard report based on 10 criteria, including vision, go-to-market strategy, partnerships, technology, geographic reach and staying power.

Schneider Electric’s inclusion stems from several EaaS-enabled accomplishments, from delivering advanced microgrid solutions in Montgomery County, Md. and Foxboro, Mass., to helping T-Mobile and BlueScope Steel develop and sign long-term PPAs for renewable energy, to building a waste heat recovery system for ArcelorMittal and the city of Saint-Chély-d’Apcher in France.

“By using EaaS to increase the availability of abundant, reliable and renewable energy at a predictable cost, vendors like Schneider Electric can unlock benefits for businesses and communities,” he stated.

Schneider Electric provides comprehensive EaaS offerings delivered through subscription services, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and energy savings performance contracts.

This allows its customers to incorporate advanced energy management solutions — microgrids, renewables, demand response, automation and analytics — both on- and offsite, facilitating the adoption of flexible DERs and lowering cost barriers. These technologies can be centrally managed using the company’s EcoStruxure platform, and are supported by advisory services, and a strategic ecosystem of partnerships and alliances.

“EaaS empowers customers to solve critical challenges in today’s energy landscape that is more decentralised, decarbonised and digital,” remarked Frédéric Abbal, the executive VP of Schneider Electric's Services Business.

“We now have the resources to architect energy to meet modern needs. For example, our strategic partnership with The Carlyle Group empowers customers to stabilize long-term energy costs and upgrade critical energy infrastructure without capital outlay,” he stated.

As defined by Navigant Research, EaaS solutions help companies meet clean energy and operational targets, including a mix of traditional energy efficiency solutions alongside DERs and offer innovative options for funding.

Schneider Electric provides EaaS solutions in the portfolio advisory services; load optimisation and management; onsite and offsite energy supply besides energy efficiency and building optimisation.-TradeArabia News Service