We are witnessing one of the most profound energy transformations in human history. The way we generate, distribute, and use electricity is changing fundamentally. At Schneider Electric, we call this era Electricity 4.0—the seamless convergence of digitisation and decarbonisation. It’s not a distant vision; it’s unfolding now, laying the groundwork for a sustainable, inclusive future.
Why Electricity 4.0 matters
Electricity is already our most efficient energy form—up to five times more efficient than traditional sources. As urbanisation, EVs, and smart infrastructure advance, electricity demand is surging. Simultaneously, generation is becoming increasingly decentralised—rooftop solar, wind farms, and community microgrids are going mainstream.
Yet managing millions of distributed energy resources safely and efficiently is a complex task. That’s where digitisation becomes essential. Smart grids, AI-powered energy systems, digital twins, and real-time analytics enable precision orchestration of energy flows—enhancing resilience, maximising efficiency, and ensuring every watt delivers impact.
A view from home: Singapore’s energy evolution
In our city-state, solar is flourishing despite spatial constraints—installed capacity rose from around 210 MWp in 2018 to nearly 1,348 MWp by mid‑2024. Coupled with large-scale energy storage systems (ESS) and the nation’s first district-level smart grid pilots, we’re building a resilient, responsive grid capable of integrating renewables seamlessly.
Our national grid is even mirrored in digital twins—SP PowerGrid is developing Grid Digital Twins to model and manage assets in real time. This digital replica helps plan for EV rollouts, solar growth, and weather resilience without disrupting operations.
Digitisation for Southeast Asia’s energy transition
Across Southeast Asia, electricity demand is skyrocketing—projected to grow nearly 4% annually to 2035, led by cooling and transport. However, renewable energy adoption still lags global averages .
Experts agree: digitising electricity systems—through smart grids, virtual power plants, demand response, and digital twins—is critical to meet growing demands sustainably. The ASEAN Power Grid is also accelerating cross-border connectivity, supporting energy cooperation and resilience amidst climate risks.
Electricity 4.0 in action with EcoStruxure™
At Schneider Electric, our EcoStruxure™ ecosystem is powering Electricity 4.0 everywhere:
- Microgrids and virtual power plants that integrate renewables locally.
- Data-driven energy management enabling real-time optimisation.
- Smart infrastructure that responds dynamically to demand and weather.
These systems are deployed across sectors—from hospitals securing energy independence, to industrial parks dynamically sharing electricity, to urban districts stabilising supply with ESS. In Southeast Asia, each deployment is not just greener but smarter, more resilient, and community-centred.
Towards a personal, powerful energy future
I envision a future where energy is not a distant utility but a personal right. Where communities can ride out blackouts thanks to microgrids; where buildings manage their own consumption and generation; where digital twins simulate and optimise before anything goes live.
This future requires a shift—from passive consumption to active participation; from centralised control to distributed empowerment; from industrial-era models to resilient, climate-ready systems.
The call ahead
Electricity 4.0 is already here—but realizing its potential demands courage, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. From policymakers to corporations, from utilities to communities, we must embrace this transformation with speed and conviction.
The question isn’t if we reach Electricity 4.0—it’s how quickly and how courageously we will lead it.
Learn how Schneider Electric’s Electricity 4.0 vision and EcoStruxure™ platform are powering the energy transition across Southeast Asia—smarter, cleaner, and more resilient.
👉 Curious about the future of energy leadership? Join me and industry peers at the upcoming CXO Breakfast to explore these trends in depth.
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