Schneider Electric debuts Catalyze initiative for semiconductor value chain

Schneider Electric, a frontrunner in digital energy management and automation, has launched ‘Catalyze’, a novel partnership program aiming to hasten renewable energy access across the global semiconductor value chain.

Revealed at SEMICON West 2023, Catalyze represents an unprecedented collaboration among semiconductor and technology industry heavyweights to tackle supply chain emissions. It augments Schneider Electric‘s existing initiatives, including the Energize program for the pharmaceutical industry and Walmart’s Gigaton PPA program.

Intel, a global semiconductor design and manufacturing giant, and Applied Materials, Inc., the largest semiconductor and display equipment company worldwide, have been announced as the inaugural corporate sponsors of the Catalyze program. Together with Schneider Electric, these firms will motivate suppliers from the semiconductor industry to join Catalyze, thereby expediting the industry’s shift towards renewable energy and a low-carbon future.

Global semiconductor leaders partner with Schneider Electric to accelerate renewable energy access. Photo courtesy of Schneider Electric/Wikimedia Commons.

As global semiconductor demand surges due to its increased usage in consumer and commercial products, so does the carbon footprint, necessitating collaborative efforts from industry leaders to enhance renewable energy usage and forge a sustainable growth path. The Catalyze program’s collective aim is to inspire thousands of industry suppliers to take robust climate action through decarbonization, a formidable challenge given the intricate value chain, data reliability, and issues in demarcating emission boundaries.

Key elements of the Catalyze program include consolidating energy purchasing power across the semiconductor value chain to hasten renewable energy project deployment and providing suppliers with opportunities to participate in utility-scale power purchase agreements (PPAs). It also aims to heighten renewable energy awareness in specific global regions where the semiconductor value chain is operational, assist committed suppliers in reducing carbon emissions, and educate companies on the importance of operational models in supply chain programs to bridge net-zero ambition gaps.

“At Schneider Electric, our purpose is to empower companies to make the most of our energy and resources, bringing progress and sustainability together for everyone. Our mission is to be a digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency, and the Catalyze partnership program is an excellent example of how companies in key global industries can collaborate to accelerate decarbonization,” said Peter Herweck, CEO of Schneider Electric.

Intel’s Chief Global Operations Officer, Keyvan Esfarjani, said, “Switching to renewable energy is an important step to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Intel has achieved 93 per cent renewable electricity in our global operations and remains committed to reaching 100 per cent by 2030. Intel is proud to be a founding member of Catalyze to help remove barriers to choosing greener energy. Ultimately, we want our entire value chain to achieve net-zero as we continue to deliver leading technologies that power our digital world.”

Initially, the Catalyze program will target suppliers with energy loads in specific markets in the semiconductor value chain where renewable energy is currently available. The program’s objective is to expand globally, aligning with specific interests and renewable energy market opportunities.