ABB Ltd has announced plans to invest approximately $200 million across its European medium-voltage manufacturing operations over the next three years to strengthen grid infrastructure capabilities, expand production capacity, and accelerate deployment of next-generation power distribution technologies. The investment programme is aimed at supporting rising electricity demand, grid modernisation initiatives, renewable energy integration, and the rapid growth of data centre infrastructure across global markets.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity’s share in final energy consumption is expected to increase from around 20 percent currently to nearly 30 percent by 2030, underlining the growing need for resilient and scalable grid infrastructure. Commenting on the announcement, Morten Wierod, Chief Executive Officer of ABB, said the investment will enhance the company’s manufacturing and technology capabilities in medium-voltage systems while helping customers modernise power infrastructure in response to evolving energy demands.
He noted that major structural trends including electrification, renewable integration, digital infrastructure expansion, and industrial decarbonisation are significantly increasing the need for advanced grid technologies and reliable power distribution systems. ABB stated that the investment programme includes construction of a new $100 million manufacturing facility in Dalmine, Italy, focused on production of air-insulated and SF₆-free switchgear and circuit breakers designed for next-generation grid applications.
An additional $100 million will be allocated toward expanding manufacturing capabilities across ABB facilities in Rakovski, Bulgaria; Vaasa, Finland; Ratingen, Germany; Skien, Norway; and Przasnysz, Poland. The expansion projects will support increased production of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), vacuum interrupters, relays, and grid automation technologies aimed at improving power system resilience, reliability, and operational flexibility.
ABB stated that the programme builds on earlier investments across its European operations, including approximately $15 million invested in Kecskemét, Hungary, where the company expanded research, development, and manufacturing capabilities for medium-voltage connector technologies supporting utility and renewable energy customers.
In the United Kingdom, ABB also invested around $35 million in its Nottingham facility to expand manufacturing of earthing and lightning protection systems used to protect critical infrastructure, transportation systems, communications networks, buildings, and data centres from electrical surges and lightning-related damage.
The company said the investments reflect its long-term strategy of strengthening resilient manufacturing ecosystems for technologies supporting the energy transition and digital infrastructure expansion globally.
ABB operates as a global technology leader across electrification, automation, robotics, motion systems, and industrial digitalisation technologies. The company employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and maintains operations across more than 100 countries. ABB Motion and the company’s electrification business continue to play a central role in enabling energy-efficient and digitally connected industrial and utility systems globally.
