Interview with Amel Chadli, Gulf Cluster and Countries President, Schneider Electric

1. What is Schneider Electric bringing to WETEX 2026?

As Gulf energy demand grows alongside investment in cities, industry, digital infrastructure, and water security, WETEX brings the region’s leaders together to turn ambition into practical action. At our stand in Hall 3, GSP3, we are showcasing SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear, digital grid technologies, electrical digital twins, automation systems, and smarter water network solutions – showing how electrification, automation, and digitalization together help organizations build more efficient, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure.

2. Why are you focusing on SF₆-free technology at WETEX?

Medium-voltage switchgear underpins grids, industrial sites, and major infrastructure, and much of it has long relied on SF₆ for insulation. Yet SF₆ has a global warming potential approximately 25,200 times that of CO₂ over 100 years and remains in the atmosphere for more than 3,000 years. Our SF₆-free range uses pure air insulation and vacuum interruption, supported by digital monitoring – a commercially deployed alternative available today.

3. What does the new IDC research tell us about the Middle East?

The appetite for change is clear, but organizations need greater certainty to move at scale. 14% of Middle East organizations surveyed have begun transitioning to SF₆-free equipment, a further 32% expect to start within two years, and 99% consider national regulation likely within five years. The main barriers are technical readiness (58%), supply chain availability (47%), product availability (46%), and cost (42%). Customers need evidence, choice, and practical support.

4. What role can utilities play in accelerating the transition?

Utilities give the wider market confidence: globally, 73% of respondents said utility or grid operator guidance influences their procurement decisions. In the Gulf, utilities can shape technical specifications and investment priorities and, through clear roadmaps, pilot programs, and shared experience, help turn new technologies into established practice. WETEX brings these decision-makers together with solutions ready for deployment.

5. Is cost still a barrier to SF₆-free adoption?

Cost matters, but infrastructure built to last decades should be judged on its full lifecycle, not purchase price alone. Just 29% of Middle East respondents currently include end-of-life costs in their assessments, yet SF₆ monitoring, handling, reclamation, and disposal create long-term obligations. A fuller view of total cost of ownership narrows the perceived gap and supports better-informed capital decisions.

6. How does Schneider Electric address concerns about reliability?

Reliability must come first. In the IDC survey, 41% named reliability and performance as the most important purchasing factor, and 45% said proven reliability and safety would most increase their willingness to adopt SF₆-free equipment. With more than 150,000 AirSeT functions in service worldwide, backed by digital monitoring and lifecycle support, customers have tangible evidence of performance at scale.

7. What is your wider message to customers and partners at WETEX?

The energy transition is about more than adding clean generation; it also means modernizing how we distribute power and manage water. The technologies are available today, and the Gulf has both the ambition and the ability to lead. Our shared task is to set clear roadmaps, assess lifecycle value, build confidence through pilots, and scale what works. Schneider Electric is ready to bring global experience and local expertise to turn the region’s ambitions into lasting impact.