GSI/FAIR partners with ABB to boost efficiency of energy-intensive research infrastructure
01.10.2025 |
This news is based on a press release by ABB
GSI/FAIR is collaborating with ABB to improve the energy efficiency of its scientific infrastructure. Formally launched last week on site in Darmstadt, Germany, the collaboration project with ABB focuses on the highly advanced technical infrastructure within the existing and operational GSI accelerator complex.
Powering groundbreaking scientific research at GSI typically requires a significant amount of energy, so efficiency improvements are a clear priority – accelerating environmental gains while reducing operating costs. As part of the collaboration, ABB will carry out a detailed assessment of GSI’s motor-driven systems, aiming to identify the most impactful opportunities to optimize energy use and develop a clear path forward to help GSI/FAIR achieve its energy reduction target.
“GSI/FAIR is offering a valuable benchmark for how energy-intensive facilities can drive return on investment through measurable climate contributions,” said Erich Labuda, Division President, ABB Motion Services. “By pinpointing fast wins, identifying long-term savings and creating a roadmap for sustained impact, this project demonstrates that motor-driven systems are not only the beating hearts of industry and research but also one of the greatest untapped opportunities for energy demand reduction.”
The project has three core goals:
- Energy mapping and roadmap: An appraisal of electric-driven motor systems within the existing GSI accelerator complex, with the objective of cutting overall facility energy consumption by 15 percent.
- Application of efficiency software: Testing savings potential from intelligent optimization, including digital tools which assess and improve the performance of motor-driven pumps, fans, and cooling systems.
- Knowledge sharing: Publishing results of the project to inform and encourage other research centers and energy-intensive industries worldwide.
The partnership comes at a time when global discussions on climate action are intensifying, including at last week’s Climate Week, in New York City, where energy efficiency has been highlighted as one of the most immediate and cost-effective strategies for reducing industrial emissions.
“This collaboration aligns with our long-term commitment to scientific excellence and environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Katharina Stummeyer, Administrative Managing Director of GSI and FAIR. “Energy efficiency clearly has a transformative role. By joining forces with ABB we want to contribute to the challenge of simultaneously strengthening energy security and achieving the established climate targets. Together, we aim to pioneer solutions and share best practices with the wider research and industrial community.”
GSI/FAIR Technology Transfer initiated the project together with ABB in the framework of the Big Science Business Forum in Trieste in 2024. It is being carried out primarily by the Plant and Facility Engineering Department and the department for Sustainability and Energy Management. The initiative not only makes a significant contribution to the continuous improvement of energy management within ISO 50001 and to the long-term anchoring of energy efficiency at GSI/FAIR, but is also an example of successful cooperation between industry and big science. It shows how the combination of smart technologies, efficiency gains, and sustainability goals creates synergies that benefit research as well as industrial applications.
The GSI/FAIR-ABB initiative is expected to deliver initial recommendations within the next year. Results will be shared publicly to encourage adoption of similar measures across research centers and industrial operations. (CP)
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services we support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability. To help the world’s industries outrun – leaner and cleaner, we deliver motor-driven solutions for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Building on over 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 23,000 employees across 100 countries learn and improve every day. go.abb/motion
