Often overlooked, energy efficient motors controlled by variable speed drives will play a vital role on the road to net zero. ABB’s contribution to fighting climate change is clearly illustrated by recent projects deployed across Southern Europe
Today, the need for energy efficiency is more pressing than ever as the world looks to decarbonize industry and infrastructure. Electric motors are an integral part of daily modern life. And while you may not see them, they power the pumps that supply us fresh water, drive the HVAC systems that keep us cool, operate the presses that shape the sheet metal for the body of our cars, enable sustainable transportation and are used extensively in food production.
The challenge is that too many of the world’s motor-driven systems are based on outdated and inefficient technology that wastes energy. “Investing in the latest energy efficient technology can have a major impact,” said Morten Wierod, President of ABB Motion. “Research highlights that if the world’s 300 million industrial motor-driven systems were replaced with optimized, high-efficiency equipment, global electricity consumption could be reduced by up to 10 percent. That’s more than 90 percent of the annual consumption of the entire EU.”
ABB is at the forefront in delivering technology that is already helping customers across Southern Europe use less energy and cut carbon emissions.
In Serbia, the second largest hydro power plant, HPP Bajina Bašta is improving availability and increasing total energy efficiency. Thanks to the ABB MEGADRIVE- LCI (~21MW) and transformers for the soft start of 2 x 315MW synchronous machines in the reversible hydro power plant, ABB is helping HPP maximize the energy production by delivering additional 5-6 GWh per year through better efficiency and readiness of the hydro turbines.
45% of the world’s electricty is used to power electric motors in buildings and industrial applications
Italian firm, Farina Presse, has developed a new KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) press used in heavy industries, like metal. The system is equipped with a torque motor that recovers energy through an ABB regenerative drive, slashing consumption by more than 40 percent. The energy wasted by a conventional press in the form of dissipated heat amounts to 388,000 kWh: the KERS press eliminates 300 tons of CO2 emissions. It would require planting 4,500 trees to absorb that amount.
“These examples are strong evidence of ABB’s commitment to climate protection in close synergy with our customers in industry and infrastructure,” said Alessandro Pueroni, Lead Business Area Manager Motion Southern Europe & Italy at ABB. “One of the pillars of our 2030 sustainability strategy is the commitment to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our customer’s operations by more than 100 million tons, working side-by-side with institutions, governments and universities. In this respect, we urge all stakeholders in our countries, including businesses and media, to join their efforts to fight climate change and join the Energy Efficiency Movement.”
ABB is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. For more www.abb. rs