Enabling the energy transition

Through leading technologies, ABB is enabling the transition to a low-carbon society. We do so on a large scale, by implementing grid-level products and services, as well as changing how we power our every day. Our ambition is to address today’s greatest energy-related challenges, delivering comprehensive solutions that enable the transition to green energy and ensuring grid stability as renewable energy sources come on board.

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A significant challenge of the clean energy transition is ensuring that existing power grids are able to take on new distributed energy technologies while maintaining stability. ABB has been working with Red Eléctrica, the Redeia company responsible for the transmission and operation of the Spanish electricity system (TSO), to smooth the grid’s onboarding of intermittent energy sources on the Canary and Balearic Islands.

The advance of the energy transition in both archipelagos poses a challenge for the system operator which makes it necessary to reinforce the grid to maintain its balance and ensure reliable and resilient operations. ABB is working with Red Eléctrica to deploy a flexible, reliable and integrated solution through synchronous condensers. These rotating electrical machines mimic the operation of large generators to help stabilize the grid when loads and renewable energy production fluctuate.

The integrated solution, which also includes electrical and automation equipment, will be crucial for maintaining the stability, reliability and continuity of island grids as they integrate increasing levels of renewable energy.

The ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system will also play a key part in ensuring the stability of energy supplied from renewable intermittent sources.

The project is part of the Network Development Plan 2021–2026, the execution of which will allow the integration of 67 percent of renewable energy into Spain’s generation mix.

The maritime sector, responsible for about three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces challenging net-zero targets. The International Maritime Organization aims for a 20-30 percent reduction by 2030 and netzero emissions by 2050. Vessel electrification is part of the solution and is already well in use for vessels on shorter routes with access to charging infrastructure.

ABB is working with Washington State Ferries (WSF) which manages the largest ferry system in the United States, operating 21 auto-passenger ferries across 10 routes serving 19 terminals. ABB was selected as the single source vendor for the propulsion system of five new hybrid ferries. This partnership marks a significant step toward sustainable maritime transportation, with ABB playing an important role in the development and delivery of the five newly built vessels.

ABB will supply comprehensive hybrid electric propulsion systems that include the Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution solution, energy storage, advanced energy management, and integrated marine automation.

The innovative propulsion package is designed to enhance operational efficiency, help reduce emissions, and ensure reliable performance for the new vessels, thereby supporting our delivery of a low-carbon society. ABB will also deliver extensive design and engineering support, working closely with WSF to ensure seamless integration of the hybrid electric technology into the new ferries.

The five new hybrid electric ferries will be the first of 16 new vessels delivered as part of WSF’s $3.98 billion Ferry System Electrification plan. The new ferries will play a crucial role in WSF’s strategy to modernize its fleet and reduce its environmental footprint. By integrating ABB’s propulsion systems, WSF aims to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of a zero-emission ferry fleet by 2050 in alignment with the state's broader environmental goals.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, is the world’s largest laboratory for particle physics. ABB has partnered with CERN to reduce the laboratory’s environmental footprint and improve the performance of the research infrastructure.

ABB and CERN have identified a significant energy-saving opportunity of up to 17.4% in the cooling and ventilation motors used at CERN’s facilities, focusing on improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. By upgrading to high-efficiency motors and implementing advanced control technologies, the two organizations aim to dramatically improve the energy efficiency of systems critical to maintaining the cooling conditions for CERN’s particle accelerators and other experiments.

The energy-saving potential stems from replacing outdated motors with ABB’s energy-efficient models and utilizing digital monitoring systems for real-time optimization. This approach will not only reduce energy consumption but also minimize CO2 emissions, contributing to CERN’s sustainability goals. The energy savings will help lower operational costs and reduce the environmental footprint of the facility, preserving valuable resources.

The partnership highlights the importance of smart solutions for large-scale research facilities, where energy demand is high. ABB’s digital motor control solutions will enable real-time monitoring and performance optimization, ensuring continuous energy savings over time.

By enhancing motor efficiency, CERN can cut energy use, further aligning with its sustainability goals and improving the performance of its research infrastructure.

This initiative exemplifies the importance of digitalization, industrial automation and electrification technologies in driving energy efficiency, demonstrating how cutting-edge solutions can help reduce the environmental footprint of high-energy operations like CERN’s. The collaboration is a step toward greener scientific research demonstrating a substantial energy savings potential across various industries.

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