Schneider Electric accelerates renewables adoption with expanded NEO Network
- Schneider Electric opens its renewable energy and cleantech community to commercial and industrial companies globally
- Businesses can join more than 100 current NEO Network members to access exclusive offers, market intelligence and assessment tools
- New apps and analytics provide a data-driven, custom understanding of renewable energy opportunities
LONDON: Schneider Electric today introduced Accelerator Access for its New Energy Opportunities (NEO) Network™. The NEO Network is an online community that connects companies with resources and tools to identify, evaluate and advance renewable energy transactions and technologies.
Commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses can now join the NEO Network at no cost. Members receive exclusive offers from developers, such as below-market pricing, and preferred terms and conditions. They can also access industry experts, peers and tools to make smart energy decisions and quickly meet sustainability goals.
With over 100 members, the NEO Network is a fast-growing, global collective of corporations, developers and solution providers committed to buying and developing renewable energy and cleantech. The C&I companies in the network are responsible for more than 1.7 gigawatts of offsite power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Companies at any stage of the often-complicated buying process can gain access to up-to-date market intelligence, explore project opportunities, interact with peers, benchmark activities against competitors, and participate in exclusive contract offers and networking events.
“Rising electricity prices and the continued closure of large-scale power plants are just two examples of the shifting dynamics of the energy market,” said Philippe Diez, Vice President of Energy & Sustainability Services in Europe for Schneider Electric. “In this highly complex environment, renewable energy and clean technologies can be an effective investment. New prospects won’t bear fruit, however, unless supported by education, research and due diligence.”
“The NEO Network can provide the community and resources UK companies need to capitalise on these opportunities. It will help them push sustainability initiatives forward, and achieve their clean energy procurement and carbon-reduction goals.”
New platform features drive collaboration, education and innovation
Schneider Electric also unveiled a suite of new apps and analytics to the NEO Network portal. They provide a more tailored experience based on user interests and requirements, including:
- Strategy Calculator – An online assessment tool that provides a customised plan to improve a company’s environmental profile at the click of a button.
- Locale Analysis – Highlights the most attractive countries, regions and states to develop renewable energy projects based on local regulations, pricing and more.
- Customised Content & Reports – Members receive tailored market intelligence reports, news and exclusive contract offers based on individual preferences.
From 2016 to 2017, the amount of electricity bought by corporations in Europe through PPAs doubled to 704 gigawatt-hours. And almost two-thirds was purchased in the UK. However, that’s a small fraction of the opportunity — only 4 per cent of total renewables consumption. As more organisations set ambitious renewable energy targets, climate-action pressure from regulators, constituents and shareholders rises, and the corporate PPA market continues its expansion both in the UK and across Europe more widely, the need for intelligence and resources has never been greater. However, few outlets exist.
The NEO Network launched in 2016 to help companies make sense of renewable energy markets, and share insights and best practices. Corporate members represent an array of industries — from food and beverage (Brown-Forman) to manufacturing and consumer goods (Kimberly-Clark) to data centres (Equinix) and retail (VF Corporation).
Schneider Electric serves as the network moderator with support teams in Australia, Europe and the US. As the world’s largest renewable energy and cleantech consultant, the company lends its sustainability and energy management experience to educate and guide members.
“Working to deliver on our RE100 100 per cent renewable energy commitment, we have executed a number of cost-effective green power procurements in multiple global markets, including Europe and the UK” said Kevin Hagen, Vice President Environment, Social & Governance Strategy for cloud-services provider Iron Mountain. “As we continue to evaluate prospects and projects in other regions, we rely on the NEO Network as a proven, valuable resource.”
Complimentary participation in the NEO Network is available to qualified C&I buyers, and to renewable energy and cleantech solution providers via subscription. To learn more, visit neonetworkexchange.com.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries. With global presence in over 100 countries, Schneider is the undisputable leader in Power Management – Medium Voltage, Low Voltage and Secure Power, and in Automation Systems. We provide integrated efficiency solutions, combining energy, automation and software. In our global Ecosystem, we collaborate with the largest Partner, Integrator and Developer Community on our Open Platform to deliver real-time control and operational efficiency. We believe that great people and partners make Schneider a great company and that our commitment to Innovation, Diversity and Sustainability ensures that Life Is On everywhere, for everyone and at every moment.
