At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 20, Schneider Electric Industrial Automation CEO Gwenaelle Avice Huet outlined the company's strategic emphasis on India, particularly targeting the water, steel, and energy sectors as key growth areas.

Industry Automation at Critical Juncture

Huet described the current state of global industry automation as being "at a turning point," driven by three fundamental factors: global competitiveness, sustainability imperatives, and advancing digitisation. She noted that companies are increasingly seeking concrete use cases to understand automation's value proposition, highlighting Schneider Electric's recent recognition through AI and sustainability awards in France and China.

Strategic India Operations and Workforce

The company's commitment to India is reflected in its substantial local presence and operations:

Huet emphasized that India serves not only as a significant operational base but also as a centre for global R&D, positioning the country to shape industrial automation trends worldwide.

Key Sector Initiatives

The CEO highlighted specific areas where Schneider Electric is making strategic investments in India:

• Water Management: Collaboration with Delhi's water industry to develop digitalisation solutions for water and wastewater management systems
• Hydrogen Deployment: Initiatives supporting India's hydrogen economy development
• Green Steel: Projects aligned with government priorities for sustainable steel production

Technology Scaling Challenges

Huet addressed the gap between available technology and its practical implementation, noting that while electrification and automation technologies exist, scaling requires focused investment in training, skilling, and local partnerships. She cited a striking statistic: "Only 5% of industry heating is electrified today, yet technology exists to reach 60%. It's about know-how and making it scalable."

Integrated Approach to Sustainability

The CEO emphasized the interconnected nature of modern industrial solutions, stating that "AI brings competitiveness, and sustainability is good business too." She explained how digitalisation, electrification, and sustainability work together to reduce operational costs while creating additional value for customers.

Future Outlook

Schneider Electric's expanding footprint in India represents a broader strategic push to leverage automation, sustainability, and digitalisation across key industrial sectors. The company's approach aligns with national priorities in energy transition and infrastructure development, positioning it to capitalize on India's industrial transformation while contributing to global automation trends.

Source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/davos-2026-schneider-electric-ceo-highlights-india-focus-with-eye-on-water-hydrogen-green-steel-ws-l-19824767.htm