Podcast Summary: Unlocking the Future of Energy Technology with Schneider Electric

Podcast: Supply Chain Now
Date: December 5, 2025
Host: Scott Luton
Guest Insights & Notable Mentions: Amir Paul, Manish Kumar, Steve Wilhite, Carlos Gutierrez Allard, Olivier Bloom

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of energy technology, focusing on how Schneider Electric and its partners are addressing the exponential growth in energy demand—especially as AI, automation, and electrification reshape supply chains globally. Reporting from Innovation Summit North America 2025, Scott Luton distills his top takeaways into the “why, what, and so what” of the emerging energy landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The “Why”: Surging Demand & the Energy Challenge

[00:14-02:50]

• The world’s demand for electricity is “growing exponentially”.
  • The US alone needs an additional 200 gigawatts of energy capacity by 2030.
    • “1 gigawatt hour would power roughly 750,000 homes for an hour.” (Scott Luton, 00:54)
• Artificial intelligence is a major driver:
  • Half of all new demand for power is AI-driven (e.g., booming data centers).
  • Data centers now consume 4.4% of all US electricity—more than some states.
    • “That 4.4% is expected to be doubled or even tripled by 2028. That's incredible, right?” (Scott Luton quoting Amir Paul, 01:47)
  • Data centers supporting AI generate up to 10x more heat than those that don’t, increasing cooling and management needs.

The “What”: Innovations & Partnerships at the Forefront

[02:51-08:45]

Schneider Electric’s Solutions:

• EcoStruxure Platform:

  • Open, AI-powered platform for integrating electrification, automation, and digital intelligence across sectors (buildings, data centers, power grids, industry).
  • “For buildings, who collectively use 40% of all US energy consumption.” (Scott Luton, 03:53)
  • “Energy saved in buildings can power the AI factories.” (Manish Kumar, quoted by Scott Luton, 04:06)

• One Digital Grid Platform:

  • Unifies planning, operations, and asset management for utilities, leveraging AI to improve reliability and manage rising costs.

Case Studies & Partnerships:

• Marks and Spencer & Schneider Electric - Respark Program:
  • A supply chain decarbonization program targeting net-zero emissions by 2040.
• Levi Strauss & Schneider Electric - LEAP Program:
  • The “Energy Accelerator” program to inject renewables into the supply chain and cut emissions by 42% by 2030.
• Knight Swift Transportation:
  • Surpassed its 5% CO2 reduction goal, reaching over 8%, by working with Schneider Electric.
• Boston Athletic Association:
  • Target: Reduce 42% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 (ties to Boston Marathon).

New Digital Solutions:

• Zigo Hub:
  • Launched to help companies of any size decarbonize supply chains.
  • Allows tracking progress supplier-by-supplier.
  • “Cleaner supply chains are almost always more efficient, more resilient and cheaper to operate.” (Scott Luton, 08:33)

The “So What”: Why This Matters & the Path Forward

[08:46-11:34]

• The energy transition is foundational:

  • “The future we want can't happen without a modern energy foundation.” (Scott Luton, 09:01)
  • “What AI is bringing is taking digitalization to the next level, giving us a massive opportunity to make energy much more efficient everywhere in the world.” (Olivier Bloom, CEO of Schneider Electric, quoted at 09:15)

• Energy efficiency is a competitive advantage:

  • Report collaboration with Parks Associates: 86% of US households want to reduce energy, but only 50% have made changes.
  • Companies that electrify and decarbonize outperform through resilience, cost reduction, and talent attraction.
  • “2026 will be the year AI moves from competitive advantage to competitive table stakes… energy efficiency is becoming much, much the same.” (Scott Luton, 10:58)

• Ecosystem collaboration over silos:

  • No single player can address the energy challenge alone—partnership is required across the supply chain.
  • “When one company reduces energy waste, that's great. When thousands do it together, that's transformational.” (Scott Luton, 11:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AI-powered Demand:
  • “As Amir Paul with Schneider Electric recently shared, data centers now consume 4.4% of U.S. electricity, which is more than some entire states.” (Scott Luton, 01:32)
• On Building Efficiency:
  • “Energy saved in buildings can power the AI factories.” (Manish Kumar, quoted by Scott Luton, 04:06)
• On Collaborative Transformation:
  • “The power of Schneider Electric’s approach is that it doesn’t stop at its own four walls or at the edge of the enterprise. It extends to suppliers, customers, utilities, buildings, data centers, entire industries.” (Scott Luton, 11:10)
• On Future Intent:
  • “This is no longer just about solving today's problems. It's about shaping tomorrow's opportunities and reality.” (Scott Luton, 11:49)

Key Segment Timestamps

• Why the Demand is Rising: 00:14–02:50
• Innovations and Schneider’s Offerings: 02:51–08:45
• Case Studies & New Platforms: 05:00–08:44
• Broader Impact and Call to Action: 08:46–end

Tone & Closing Thoughts

Scott’s energetic and optimistic delivery focuses on both urgency and opportunity. He underlines the pivotal role of digitization, electrification, and supplier collaboration in meeting future energy challenges—not just for cost or compliance, but as the backbone for innovation, climate resilience, and business competitiveness. The episode ends with an open invitation for listeners to reflect on their own “why, what, and so what” within this global transformation.

For actionable insights and leadership in energy tech, this Supply Chain Now episode is essential listening for anyone in supply chain, energy, or sustainability circles.