Schneider calls for AI-Climate policy alignment

Schneider Electric has called on Nigeria to ensure its digital ambitions, including its fast-growing artificial intelligence (AI) sector, does not derail efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

Ajibola Akindele, country president of Schneider Electric Nigeria, said AI is transforming key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and manufacturing.

However, he warned that these innovations come with significant energy demands.

“Artificial intelligence drives innovation and growth across critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and manufacturing. However, it is important to recognise that running AI systems, particularly data centres, servers, and networking equipment, requires substantial amounts of electricity. These systems often operate around the clock, consuming large quantities of power and generating carbon emissions if supplied by non-renewable sources,” he said.

Beyond operations, the environmental impact also stems from the production of AI hardware.

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Nnadozie Ogbuehi, vice president, Services at Schneider Electric, noted that manufacturing components like semiconductors and processors consume vast resources and energy, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

“The growing energy requirements for AI risk placing additional strain on Nigeria’s already fragile energy infrastructure, which predominantly depends on fossil fuels. Without a decisive transition to renewable energy, this expansion could jeopardise the country’s progress toward its net-zero goals,” he cautioned.

Nigeria’s commitment to reducing emissions aligns with global climate goals and could open doors to international support and investments in green projects. Akindele said achieving net-zero is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity.

“It positions Nigeria to attract financing and partnerships that can accelerate job creation and sustainable development,” he added.

The country’s digital economy is projected to reach $88 billion by 2030, with AI playing a central role.

Nigerian companies and startups are already leveraging AI to boost productivity, from precision farming platforms to AI-powered diagnostic tools in healthcare. However, Schneider Electric emphasised that the environmental footprint of these technologies must be managed responsibly.

Read also: Schneider Electric drives Nigeria’s energy demands with data centres

To support this, the company is helping Nigerian businesses adopt energy-efficient digital infrastructure, including smart power management, renewable energy integration, and sustainable cooling systems for data centres.

“Our goal is to enable the development of AI ecosystems that are both innovative and sustainable,” Ogbuehi said.

Schneider Electric is also urging policymakers and stakeholders to implement regulations that promote energy-efficient AI technologies and renewable energy use.

The company is calling for measures such as setting energy performance standards for data centres, encouraging low-power computing algorithms, and supporting infrastructure aligned with global sustainability benchmarks.

Akindele also said, “Innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand. Nigeria has a unique opportunity to become a leader in AI innovation in Africa while setting an example for responsible energy use. With collaborative efforts between government, industry, and investors, we can build a smarter, greener future for all Nigerians.”