1. Water scarcity and the push for future-proofing
The company warns that increasing water shortages could become a decisive industrial constraint.
After the driest start to a year in nearly four decades in 2025, industries from manufacturing to data centres face mounting risk from water scarcity.
“Increased demand and climate pressures are driving a need for smarter water management,” Kelly explains.
The rise of AI-powered data centres, many adopting liquid cooling systems, is compounding the strain on local supplies, particularly in the Thames Water region.
In response, Schneider predicts a pivot toward digital water management technologies and software-defined automation, which shifts system intelligence to the software layer.
This digital flexibility allows for faster, more efficient upgrades even in plants constrained by ageing infrastructure.
The outcome, Kelly argues, could be “a more resilient, future-proof industrial base” better able to withstand climate and resource pressures.