ANDOVER, Mass. — With rising corporate commitments and shifting regulatory requirements, companies across Europe are looking for ways to quickly advance renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. To help accelerate the pace, Schneider Electric announced it’s expanding the reach of the New Energy Opportunities (NEO) Network, a growing community of forward-thinking corporations committed to buying and developing renewable energy and cleantech around the world.

European organizations can now connect to the NEO Network to address science-based targets and clean energy goals across their footprint. The virtual community provides commercial and industrial (C&I) companies exclusive access to market intelligence, project and pricing information, and developers and technology providers, which helps to streamline the often-complicated buying process.

The NEO Network launched in North America in 2016. Since then, it has grown to more than 50 corporate purchasers and renewable energy and cleantech companies.

BiC, Danone, Ferrero, GSK, and Saint-Gobain recently joined the community, adding to the ranks that include founding members such as AEG, Equinix, and VF Corp. Developers EDF Renewable Energy and NextEra Energy are also now part of the network.

“We have a long-term goal of using clean and renewable energy for all our operations,” said Sam Kapoor, chief global operations officer, Equinix. “The NEO Network has delivered insight and connections in the Americas to further that vision. And with Europe accounting for more than 40 percent of our energy use, it will be a valuable resource to build on our progress in the region.”

Schneider Electric serves as the network moderator and lends its sustainability and energy management experience to educate, inform, and guide members.

In addition to regional support in Europe and North America, NEO Network members are able to get market research and reports on rapidly developing renewable energy and cleantech markets, including India, Mexico, China, and Australia among others.

“Even though there’s been a dramatic uptick in corporate adoption of clean, renewable energy, the complexity of today’s market can hinder many organizations,” said John Hoekstra, vice president of sustainability and cleantech services, Schneider Electric. “Technology, partners, financing, and location are all variables that provide an endless array of opportunities but can slow progress. The growing NEO Network community confirms the need for simplicity and clarity.”

Participation in the NEO Network is available to C&I buyers and renewable energy and cleantech solution providers via subscription.

For more information, visit www.schneider-electric.us.

Publication date: 9/20/2017

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