ABB’s Dedication to Energy Efficiency and Innovation in China

Mr. Metta, the Global President of ABB‘s Motion Control Division and a member of ABB’s Group Executive Committee, recently visited China. During his visit, he held extensive discussions with the government, customers, media, and employees. He also toured ABB’s newly established Transmission R&D Center in Beijing and the ABB Motor and Generator Factory in Shanghai. He praised ABB’s accomplishments in China and expressed optimism about its future growth.

Driving China’s Shift to an Efficient, Low-Carbon Society

China actively pursues its “Dual Carbon” objectives, with technological innovation serving as a vital driver for green and high-quality development. Mr. Metta remarked, “I’m delighted to witness China’s rapid progress towards an efficient, low-carbon society. From the introduction of new energy efficiency standards to recent customer feedback, various Chinese industries are translating the concept of low carbon into tangible actions. This trend strongly aligns with our business direction. ABB continues to heavily invest in research and development to create more energy-efficient products and solutions, supporting China’s journey towards a low-carbon future.”

Investing in Local Innovation

Innovation lies at the heart of ABB’s competitive edge in the market and stands as a focal point of ABB’s investments in China. Over the years, ABB’s Motion Control business in China has consistently enhanced its local research and development capabilities. Presently, it boasts approximately 450 research and development professionals in Beijing and Shanghai who have taken a leading or collaborative role in developing various innovative products, including inverters, cloud-connected control panels, high-voltage motors, and low-voltage motors. In 2022, ABB’s Transmission and Control North Asia R&D Headquarters opened in Beijing, enabling quicker and more efficient responses to market demands with customized products and services that support long-term business growth. Additionally, ABB established the Servo Product R&D Center in Nanjing, focusing on the development of next-generation servo products.

Acknowledgment for Technological Leadership

ABB’s innovation capabilities and technological leadership in the Chinese market have garnered widespread recognition. In 2022, Beijing ABB Electrical Transmission System Co., Ltd. became one of the initial foreign-funded research and development centers certified by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park Management Committee. ABB High Voltage Motor Co., Ltd. and Shanghai ABB Motor Co., Ltd., both located in the Minhang Development Zone in Shanghai, received recognition as foreign-funded research and development centers from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce. These three companies have been repeatedly selected as the “Top 100 Enterprises in the Chinese Electrical Industry” and have earned industry accolades.

Empowering Green and Sustainable Development

Pursuing the mission of “driving the world and promoting energy conservation,” ABB’s Motion Control Division empowers various industries to achieve energy savings and emissions reductions through innovative frequency converters, motors, generators, and integrated digital drive chain solutions. This perfectly aligns with China’s vision for “Dual Carbon” objectives. As of the end of 2022, ABB has delivered over 11 million frequency converters and high-efficiency motors in China, resulting in energy savings of over 510 billion kWh. This is equivalent to reducing approximately 500 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and saving electricity equivalent to three years of total electricity consumption in Shanghai.

Toward Achieving Carbon Neutrality

Simultaneously, ABB aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2030. This commitment involves sustainable development through the use of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency enhancements, and emissions reductions. Recently, Beijing ABB Electrical Transmission System Co., Ltd. and its Nanjing Servo R&D Center received “Carbon Neutrality” certificates from the Beijing Green Exchange. This marks ABB Motion’s achievement of its operational carbon neutrality goal in 2022. As assessed by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, two ABB companies, ABB High Voltage Motor Co., Ltd., and Shanghai ABB Motor Co., Ltd., were recognized as “Zero Carbon Benchmark Factories,” advancing the group’s sustainable development objectives.

Global Initiatives for Energy Efficiency

To increase awareness of energy efficiency on a global scale and address climate change, ABB launched the “Energy Efficiency Action” campaign worldwide in 2021. As part of this initiative, ABB conducted an Energy Efficiency Seminar in China in March this year, engaging in in-depth discussions on energy efficiency with experts and representatives from the government, academia, and the business sector. They explored novel models for transitioning to a low-carbon future and collaboratively established a framework for green development. More Chinese companies are joining this initiative and taking tangible steps to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Leading the Way in Energy Efficiency Investments

A global survey commissioned by ABB last year revealed that China is at the forefront of energy efficiency investments, with 86% of surveyed Chinese companies planning to enhance their energy efficiency in operations. These survey results underscore the accomplishments of the Chinese government’s “14th Five-Year Plan” and its efforts to combat climate change. ABB firmly believes that technology is the linchpin for enabling future prosperity and sustainable development.