February 13, 2024
Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions, recently moderated an informative discussion on the electrification of everything and the urgent need to counteract the effects of climate change.
Joining Scanlon at this Executives’ Club of Chicago event were Aamir Paul, president and CEO of Schneider Electric North America, and Gil C. Quiniones, CEO of ComEd. The executives discussed the many critical considerations to succeed and ensure equitable outcomes in this once-in-a-generation energy transition but also highlighted immediate actions that can be taken.
The Executives’ Club of Chicago hosted the “Electrification of Everything” event on Jan. 24, 2024. The group, which began in 1911, has helped to shape business throughout Chicago, advance the economy in the U.S. Midwest and develop the next generation of business leaders. Scanlon was pleased to lead such a critical conversation and support the group’s efforts to keep the topic at the forefront.
“Electrification of Everything” conversation
Scanlon addressed a packed audience at the University Club of Chicago, providing a brief overview of the global energy transition and UL Solutions’ expertise in electricity and safety throughout history — referencing the company’s connection to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893.
“When it comes to electricity, we have seen and tested it all,” Scanlon said. “Today, products that we help customers bring to market are powered differently, and we are operating our business amidst the world’s need for more sustainable energy sources.”
Scanlon highlighted numerous changes across the electricity ecosystem, discussing how technological innovation impacts the energy transition. She asked Paul and Quiniones about the key challenges and opportunities in the energy management and industrial electric utility industries.
Several key themes arose, particularly the urgent need to work together. Prioritization is the key — focusing on areas like on-demand efficiency, building micro and smart grids, and retrofitting existing buildings with new technologies, the executives said.
“Technology has contributed to our electrification innovation journey – from safety to security and toward artificial intelligence. Complexity has increased. Today’s challenges require greater collaboration, within and across governments and the private sector,” Scanlon said.
