According to a report in China Daily on February 7, 2026
Shanghai — China’s long-term planning and massive infrastructure investment have positioned it as a “pioneer” in the global energy transition, according to Frederic Godemel, executive vice-president of energy management at Schneider Electric.
Speaking exclusively to China Daily, Godemel emphasized the French multinational’s deep integration in the Chinese market. “You can call us a foreign company, but we are extremely local,” he said.
China’s distinct advantage lies in its coordinated approach to electrification and green development, he explained. A recent UBS report predicts domestic power demand could grow by 8 percent annually from 2028 to 2030 — double previous estimates — signaling the start of a five- to ten-year “super cycle” for China’s power sector.
Schneider Electric identifies a “three-pronged” strategy behind China’s progress: simultaneous investment in power generation, grid infrastructure, and demand-side management. This aligns with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which targets fixed-asset investments of 4 trillion yuan ($556 billion) in new power systems and ultrahigh voltage transmission. The plan also aims for “West-to-East Power Transmission” capacity to exceed 420 million kilowatts by 2030.
Godemel highlighted China’s forward-looking approach compared to other countries. “If you want a resilient electrical system, you need to anticipate 10 years in advance. Not all countries have done that,” he said.
For Schneider Electric, China is not only a key market but also an innovation hub. Its Shanghai R&D center — one of the company’s largest globally — develops technologies both for domestic deployment and export. Partnerships with Chinese firms such as StarCharge and HyperStrong allow Schneider Electric to develop charging and storage solutions in China that are subsequently applied in Europe, reflecting a “China for Global” dynamic.
Global demand for electricity is rising sharply, driven by population growth and energy-intensive technologies like artificial intelligence. Godemel stressed that this surge highlights China’s strategic foresight.
AI is a central element of Schneider Electric’s strategy to manage complexity and enhance safety. Smart panels that communicate in natural language can alert technicians to live currents and hazards, reducing workplace accidents. AI integration has already helped the company cut carbon emissions at its Wuxi “Sustainability Lighthouse” factory and shorten new product development cycles by 63 percent at its Putuo, Shanghai, facility.
Looking ahead, Godemel said the focus will shift toward retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy efficiency. “We want to be at the forefront of this revolution,” he said, underscoring the company’s commitment to deepening partnerships and R&D in China to drive global energy innovation.