At VivaTech 2026 Schneider Electric’s senior managers discussed how energy-technology measures can help meet the sharply rising power needs caused by the rapid spread of artificial intelligence (AI). The company used the event to share experience with other technology leaders and to strengthen cooperation on developing intelligent energy solutions.
Case study: Credit Human and the Energy Technology Coalition
The Bloomberg New Economy Energy Technology Coalition published a case study on Credit Human, a Texas-based credit union. The study describes how the organization built a resilient, high-performance operational center by rethinking energy demand and long-term value creation. Schneider Electric supported the case study with its research and expertise, offering guidance on which energy-technology measures can help organizations adapt to the changing energy landscape.
Mindset and the role of demand-side efficiency
Frédéric Godemel, Executive Vice President responsible for the “Energy Management” business at Schneider Electric, emphasized that mindset is one of the biggest obstacles to change. He said many assume the solution to “not enough energy” is simply to produce more, while demand-side efficiency and infrastructure flexibility are equally important. According to Godemel, misconceptions around costs, complexity and payback slow progress toward AI-enabled, flexible and electrified systems.
"Within the Energy Technology Coalition we demonstrate that the technologies needed to build intelligent, flexible, efficient and sustainable energy systems already exist. Today the challenge is to rethink how we manage energy demand," Godemel said. At VivaTech Schneider Electric is working with technology sector leaders and startups so that available solutions can spread more quickly, supporting sustainable AI development and more affordable energy.
Two announcements on next‑generation AI data centers
Immediately prior to VivaTech, Schneider Electric made two significant announcements related to next‑generation data centers that support AI. The company said it will participate as a strategic technology and industrial partner in an investment by SoftBank aimed at accelerating AI infrastructure development in France. Schneider Electric also announced a collaboration with Foxconn to offer integrated, turnkey solutions that enable customers to deploy and operate AI infrastructure more quickly, efficiently and predictably across regions.
Why this matters
Schneider Electric’s engagement and the highlighted case studies underline the importance of collaboration between technology and energy players in addressing the energy implications of widespread AI deployment. The company’s approach—focusing on demand-side efficiency, system flexibility and faster uptake of existing technologies—provides a practical pathway for operating AI systems in a more sustainable and affordable way.
