Wind and solar energy together accounted for a substantial share¹ of the 9,000 TWh of renewable electricity generated globally over the past two decades. Global renewable power capacity is expected to double between now and 2030, increasing by 4 600 gigawatts (GW), with solar PV accounting for almost 80% of the increase². Wind additions are anticipated to increase to 139-155 GW in 2025, as onshore wind is expected to break another record, with 124 GW becoming operational in 2025².

As the world races to meet growing energy demands – which doubled over the past two decades – wind and solar power stand as cornerstones of the clean energy transition.

From the first experimental turbines to today's large scale onshore and offshore installations, wind power has transformed how we generate electricity. Alongside rapidly expanding solar photovoltaic systems, these renewable technologies are reshaping the global energy landscape. At the heart of every wind turbine and solar installation sits a technology most people never see: the power converter.

The evolution of power conversion

Power converters transform one type of electricity into another. Wind applications convert the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity. However, as wind speeds fluctuate, the resulting electrical output varies in frequency. Solar photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into direct current (DC), which must then be transformed into alternating current (AC) for grid compatibility – a process handled by inverters that share the same core conversion principles.

Modern installations employ advanced semiconductor-based converters, typically using insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), to efficiently manage the conversion process. These devices switch thousands of times per second, using pulse width modulation to create clean AC output perfectly synchronized with the grid. Over the past decade, central processing units in converter controllers have become five times faster, while semiconductor packaging has grown more robust against thermal cycling and environmental stresses. Advanced converter control algorithms now optimize power output in real-time³, adapting to changing conditions while enabling predictive maintenance and enhanced grid compliance.

Modern converters actively support grid stability. During grid faults, they enable "ride-through" capability, keeping turbines connected during temporary voltage dips. Solar inverters provide similar grid support functions, enhancing overall power quality as renewable penetration increases.

Onshore advantages: mature technology meets efficiency

Onshore wind installations benefit from well-established converter technology and easier maintenance access. These converters typically operate at medium voltage around 3,000 volts, with transformers stepping up to grid connection levels. While power electronics last 15-20 years and control systems 10-15 years, mechanical parts can last 40+ years with maintenance.

Estonia

Baltic wind giant cuts CO2 emissions and improves uptime with ABB service

At Enefit Green's Estonian wind portfolio, ABB converters (ACS800) are utilized in 24 wind turbines at Enefit Green's Aulepa and Aseri wind farms, which account for almost a quarter of Estonia's wind energy output.

Offshore innovation: higher power, harsher conditions

Offshore installations push converter technology to new limits. Operating in corrosive marine environments with limited maintenance access, these systems must deliver higher power ratings while maintaining exceptional reliability. Many offshore converters employ parallel configurations to achieve higher power output while improving efficiency and reducing harmonic distortions.

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ABB power converters for the world's largest offshore wind farm

ABB will deliver 95 units to GE Renewable Energy. The converters will be installed in the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbines at the UK’s Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will play a key role in helping the country achieve its net zero ambition.

Offshore turbines transmit power over long distances to substations, making higher voltage conversion critical for minimizing transmission losses. The most significant offshore advancement is grid-forming technology. Unlike traditional grid-following converters that synchronize with existing networks, grid-forming converters can establish their own grid voltage and frequency, enabling offshore wind farms to power applications like hydrogen electrolysers directly without conventional grid infrastructure.

The modernization opportunity

Half of all installed wind turbines have been operating for 15-20 years and face critical decisions. Decommissioning costs 3 percent of lifetime expenses and creates environmental waste. Yet new converter technology offers an alternative: modernization.

By upgrading and retrofitting only the controller and power electronics while respecting original design principles, operators can double turbine lifetimes to 40+ years. These upgrades can also deliver 5-10 percent power increases through improved control algorithms, boost efficiency by up to 5 percent, and enable new functionality, such as grid-forming capabilities.

ABB MP3C advanced control methodology deployment showing 5 percent efficiency improvement in operational wind farms

For electric drive applications in marine, mining, metals, process, and hybrid industries, ABB has developed Model Predictive Pulse Pattern Control (MP3C) to maximize efficiency and motor friendliness while preserving the superb dynamic performance and robustness of Direct Torque Control (DTC).

Whether onshore or offshore, power converters remain the critical technology enabling wind turbines to integrate seamlessly with electrical grids. Solar installations depend equally on advanced conversion technology.

ABB continues to invest in engineering depth for power conversion and grid connection, expanding its capability to service a large installed base. As the industry matures, converter modernization promises to unlock decades of additional clean energy production – transforming today's aging renewable infrastructure into tomorrow's sustainable power generation backbone.

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Power Converters: driving renewable energy's future