Embracing the low-carbon future

Please note: this article was written before the coronavirus crisis.

On the outskirts of the charming northern Italian city of Bergamo sits the European manufacturing hub of major electrical and automation business ABB.

Bergamo, near the Swiss border, is roughly equidistant from the high-life of Milan, and the beauty of Lake Como. This juxtaposition between Italy’s design capital and the dramatic scenery of Como arguably plays well for ABB - a global heavy hitter, with annual revenues of over £20 billion.

Ultimately there’s no real reason why we can’t upscale [...] installations in many parts of the world 

ABB has two operations in Bergamo – the first being just a just a stones’ throw from Serie A football club Atalanta, while the second plant is based on the south side of the city, in the Dalmine suburb.  ECAtoday visited both facilities during early November, to find out more about their ambitions for the future.

Electrifying society 

ABB clearly have a story they wish to tell about how they are seeking to utilise green technology to help enhance our built environment and create a more sustainable future, while growing their business.

One project they invested in recently is an electric bus network in German city Hamburg. The initiative, which is the first of its kind in the country, is already transporting over one million passengers per year, and could be replicated elsewhere.

We are making the whole topic of e-mobility much more visible in the eyes of the public

“Ultimately there’s no real reason why we can’t upscale those kind of installations in many parts of the world”, says Oliver Iltisberger, managing director of ABB’s smart buildings business, speaking exclusively with ECAtoday.

For this to work elsewhere, Mr. Iltisberger adds, “it comes down to making sure you have the proper equipment that can be scaled, from medium to low voltage power, digitalisation, and the high-power chargers”.

While ABB are keen to speed-up development and uptake of e-mobility, Oliver notes that obstacles remain. “Everyone wants this to happen, but the charging infrastructure for cars and commercial vehicles needs to be put in place…but the return may not currently be good enough from a business perspective for the operators...it’s a chicken and egg scenario”.

Nevertheless, ABB have sought to position themselves as market leaders, through their sponsorship of the Formula E car racing series. Mr. Iltisberger hopes this commercial and technological partnership will help develop the market globally and raise their profile.

“We are making the whole topic of e-mobility much more visible in the eyes of the public…they can see electric vehicles performing at their best, it raises the awareness for energy efficiency, not just for cars but also buildings etc., so it’s fantastic we are there”.

Shifting trends 

While strongly committed to renewables, notably wind power, ABB have though divested solar from their portfolio. “The market has developed further, and in the solar space there are many new entrants from Asia”, remarks Mr. Iltisberger. “It became more difficult for many established players, not just ABB, to compete successfully on pricing and technology”.

Despite this shift in their investment strategy, the concept of creating highly sustainable buildings is very much on the agenda for ABB. Earlier in 2019, they initiated work on creating a zero-carbon factory in Germany.  

The education piece is important. Electrical installers do so much more these days

“We call it ‘mission-to-zero’”, comments Oliver. “We are self-sufficient on some days of the year, but we have put technology in place to become completely self-sufficient in 10 years. You take the first step, as becoming emissions zero takes several”.

Oliver also said that he was “optimistic” the UK itself could reach net zero by 2050. “If you look at the technology advancements in the past 10 to 20 years, it’s phenomenal. I’m confident we will find technologies in many industries to get close to zero.”

Mr. Iltisberger, who has a background in engineering himself, also had advice for installers who wish to take advantage of new these opportunities and technological advances.

“The education piece is important. Electrical installers do so much more these days…with automated products in buildings, you need two skills – the electrical skills for putting the wires and equipment in, and the second is the communication flow, and that requires training. There is an opportunity for electricians to expand the services they offer”.

Oliver Iltisberger, managing director, ABB smart buildings business

Oliver is responsible for the performance of ABB’s smart buildings business. 

This includes a broad portfolio of market leading home and building automation solutions. 

Oliver holds a joint masters’ degree in mechanical engineering and business administration.

A committed user of smart technology, Oliver owns a range of systems, including an electric car, a fully smart and automated home, a solar generation rooftop, and a storage battery in the cellar.