ABB has achieved a significant milestone in India, surpassing 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects powered by its automation solutions. This accomplishment marks ABB’s deepening presence in the renewable energy sector, beginning with a 100-megawatt (MW) project around seven years ago and expanding to over 300 renewable energy installations across the country.
The core of it’s contribution lies in its PLC-based SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. This automation control solution allows real-time data collection and analysis, optimizing plant operations and reducing maintenance needs. As part of ABB’s Drive Products portfolio, the SCADA system helps minimize the investment risks and operational costs associated with managing renewable energy facilities.
As India works to meet its growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels, ABB’s technology plays a crucial role in supporting the nation’s goal of reaching 500 GW of installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Renewable energy plants equipped with ABB’s solutions are instrumental in reducing carbon emissions by over 24 million tons annually.
“We are proud to support India’s clean energy transition,” said AR Madhusudan, President of Drive Products at ABB India. “As the country accelerates its shift to a greener energy mix, our technology is at the heart of optimizing renewable energy capture and ensuring the seamless operation of hybrid plants, including solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).”
Renewable energy projects often involve complex safety and operational challenges, particularly in managing large amounts of data related to temperature, pressure, and other critical parameters. ABB’s secure SCADA system, powered by the AC500 PLC, is designed to monitor and regulate these processes, ensuring compliance with Indian grid codes and generating customized reports to meet the diverse needs of renewable energy facilities.
Solar and wind power continue to be major contributors to India’s renewable energy capacity, with the country boasting around 87 GW of solar power and 47 GW of wind power as of July 31, 2024, according to the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. ABB has established a strong presence in the solar sector, partnering with leading EPC firms to develop projects nationwide.
ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the forefront of advancing energy efficiency and decarbonization. With a history of over 140 years in electric powertrain innovation, ABB continues to drive sustainable solutions for industries worldwide, supported by its 22,000 employees across more than 100 countries. The company’s commitment to electrification and automation is paving the way for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
