Schneider Electric, an energy management firm with operations in 100 countries, has called on Africa to generate “intelligent energy” to support its economic growth.

“The challenge is not only to produce more electricity but to produce intelligent energy in order to enable smart growth in Africa,” Mohammed Saad, President Africa, Schneider Electric, said on Tuesday.

He was speaking at the Africa Energy Forum 2013 which opened in Barcelona, Spain on Tuesday.

The Africa Energy Forum (AEF) is the annual gathering of energy industry global players.

During this meeting, these players talk with African governments, utilities and regulators. The discussions center on driving the development of Africa’s power sector.

Schneider Electric has what is called Smart Cities solution, which is aimed at combining the technologies that are needed to advance urban systems and urban efficiency.

Schneider Electric has claimed that it wants to modernize Africa’s existing grid, develop renewable energy and exploit the huge solar potential Africa gets each day.

It also wants to help African firms, industries and public authorities to be extra energy competent.

“Schneider Electric’s solutions aim at increasing the electricity available in Africa with limited investments,” Saad said.

In the future, African economic growth will be driven by existing and new cities. Thus, electricity will be a key factor to continue urbanization and economic growth in Africa.

According to Schneider Electric, the Smart Cities solution allows up to 30 percent energy savings, 15 percent decrease in water losses, 20 percent decrease in travel time and traffic holdups.