ABB has entered into a Leveraged Procurement Agreement (LPA) to become the automation partner for Dow’s Path2Zero project at Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta, Canada. The project, currently under construction, aims to establish the world’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions ethylene and derivatives complex, which will produce vital components for numerous everyday products and materials.
The expansion, which involves upgrading Dow’s existing manufacturing site 330 km north of Calgary, is set to decarbonize approximately 20% of Dow’s global ethylene capacity. The initiative represents one of Alberta’s largest private-sector investments.
To achieve net-zero emissions, Dow has designed the site to recover and convert cracker off-gas into hydrogen, a clean fuel for its furnaces. Additionally, carbon dioxide emissions will be captured and permanently stored, reducing existing emissions and offsetting most of the additional emissions from the expanded capacity.
The collaboration will leverage ABB’s solutions to support Dow’s efforts in decarbonizing its facilities, enhancing energy efficiency, automating processes, and optimizing operations with digital tools. As part of the agreement, ABB will explore expanding the existing ABB Ability™ System 800xA® Distributed Control System by adding around 25,000 new Select I/O channels and conventional I/Os, as well as providing hardware, design, and cabinet engineering.
“We’re excited to apply our automation expertise and work with Dow toward a more sustainable future,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries. “With industrial energy consumption contributing to a significant share of global CO2 emissions, it is crucial that technology plays a key role in enabling more sustainable production processes.”
To meet Dow’s automation needs and its ‘design once, build many’ strategy, ABB will also employ its Adaptive Execution™ methodology, which ensures consistent, high-quality solutions while managing costs and reducing risks for future sites. The project is set to increase ethylene production by about 1.8 million metric tons in stages by 2030. It will create up to 5,000 jobs during peak construction and around 500 full-time jobs once operational.
ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, is committed to advancing sustainable manufacturing practices. With over 140 years of experience and a workforce of approximately 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB continues to drive high performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability in industries around the globe.
