Copyright thediplomat
“In the coming years, we’ll focus on modernizing the energy grid, supporting AI-ready and energy-efficient data centers and making industries and buildings smarter and more sustainable. Romania needs electrification, automation and digital transformation to happen simultaneously. That’s why we’re bringing in digital technologies that make energy use more visible, controllable and efficient,” Lucian Enaru, Country General Manager, Schneider Electric told The Diplomat-Bucharest. “We also aim to grow our ecosystem. From local partners to universities, to build the right skills and keep innovation here. Talent development will be a key pillar because the energy transition only works with skilled people driving it.” What are the key strategic priorities for Schneider Electric Romania in the next 3 to 5 years? “Our goal is clear: help Romania accelerate digitalization and decarbonization. In the coming years, we’ll focus on modernizing the energy grid, supporting AI-ready and energy-efficient data centers and making industries and buildings smarter and more sustainable. Romania needs electrification, automation and digital transformation to happen simultaneously. That’s why we’re bringing in digital technologies that make energy use more visible, controllable and efficient. We also aim to grow our ecosystem. From local partners to universities, to build the right skills and keep innovation here. Talent development will be a key pillar because the energy transition only works with skilled people driving it.” Can you share some of the most significant projects Schneider Electric Romania is currently working on that showcase innovation in energy management and automation? “We have several projects that I think really capture what innovation means for us in Romania. One of them is at Holcim’s plant in Aleșd, where we implemented an AI-based predictive maintenance system. It’s using advanced motor current analysis to detect issues before they cause downtime. It’s not just about technology, it’s about changing the way maintenance is done, making it proactive, instead of reactive. Another great example is De’Longhi’s factory in Jucu, which is a world class manufacturing facility for coffee machines and small appliances. There, we’ve built a fully digital energy management system with over 250 connected meters integrated through our Power Monitoring Expert and EcoStruxure platforms. The factory now has full visibility on how it uses energy, which helps them improve performance, cut costs and lower their environmental footprint. And I’d also mention our new Charge Pro solution for electric vehicles – it’s smart, flexible and built for Romania’s specific needs, whether we’re talking about residential buildings, fleets, or workplaces.” What are the biggest challenges the Romanian energy market is facing right now and how is Schneider Electric positioning itself to address them? “The biggest challenge still remains speed. We have great ambitions as a country, from renewables to electrification, but projects still take too long to materialize compared to Western Europe. That can slow down progress. We’re addressing this by providing digital, modular solutions that reduce engineering and implementation time and help speed up the decision making process. Another challenge is the capacity and resilience of the national grid. As more renewables and electric vehicles come online, the grid needs to be smarter and more flexible. This is where our automation and digital grid technologies come into play. They make it easier for operators to monitor, predict and manage demand in real time. And of course, data centers and AI infrastructure are another growing challenge. They are energy-intensive, as we all know by now. So we’re helping clients design them from the ground up, to be as efficient and sustainable as possible, by combining power, cooling and digital control systems, to optimize energy use. Sustainability and energy efficiency, especially when it comes to data centers, are no longer optional, they are critical.” How is Schneider Electric Romania helping businesses and public institutions accelerate their digital transformation, while also reducing their environmental impact? “We’re doing that through our EcoStruxure platform, which connects everything from sensors and meters to analytics and cloud software. That gives companies real-time insight into their energy consumption and helps them make smarter decisions. A good example is again the De’Longhi factory in Jucu, where digital energy management has led to real savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Another suitable example is Holcim, where predictive maintenance powered by AI is not just improving uptime, but also reducing energy waste. We’re also working with local authorities, companies and institutions that want to make their buildings more efficient or electrify their vehicle fleets. Solutions like our Charge Pro EV chargers and energy storage systems allow them to move toward electrification, without overloading the grid. And beyond the technology, we’re very active in education. Schneider Electric University offers free, open-access training on energy efficiency and digital transformation. We believe knowledge is key to real sustainability.” From a leadership perspective, how do you plan to attract and develop top talent to support Schneider Electric’s growth and innovation in Romania? “Talent is everything in our business. Romania has great engineers and digital specialists, but competition is tough. We focus on giving people purpose and a clear growth path. We work closely with polytechnical universities through internships and mentorships, helping students turn ideas into real projects and gain hands-on experience. Once they join us, learning never stops. We invest in development and offer global mobility through our Open Talent Platform. People want to work on things that matter. At Schneider Electric, our purpose: making energy safer, greener, and more digital, gives them exactly that.”
