GSI/FAIR partners with ABB to boost efficiency of its most energy-intensive research infrastructure

• GSI/FAIR, one of the world’s leading centers for heavy-ion research and discoverer of six elements on the periodic table, is collaborating with ABB to improve the energy efficiency of its particle acceleration facilities.
• The partnership leverages advanced analytics and energy appraisals, aligning with the call from International Energy Agency (IEA) for smart, data-driven upgrades as a cornerstone of modern industrial systems.
• With global leaders recently convening at NYC Climate Week to discuss climate action, ABB and GSI/FAIR are demonstrating how industrial energy efficiency can be a strategic lever for industry and research institutions to reduce emissions and enhance competitiveness.

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH (GSI), a unique accelerator center for heavy-ion research, is collaborating with ABB to improve the energy efficiency of its large-scale scientific infrastructure. The new international accelerator FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research), one of the world's largest research projects, is currently under construction at GSI. Already now, research at GSI is conducted in the framework of the “FAIR Phase 0” experimental operation.

Formally launched last week at GSI/FAIR’s headquarters 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 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.” 
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.

About GSI/FAIR
The GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates a globally unique accelerator facility for ions. Researchers from all over the world use the facility for experiments and to develop new applications in medicine and technology. The new international accelerator center FAIR, one of the world's largest research projects, is currently under construction at GSI. At FAIR, matter that usually only exists in the depth of space will be produced in a lab for research. Scientists expect to gain new insights into the structure of matter and the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present.  

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