Power demand is expected to jump 26% by 2035, driven by explosive growth in data centers and widespread electrification. To keep up, we need to rethink how we generate, store, and deliver energy—and that takes smart investment and bold leadership. At the Reuters' Energy Industry Awards in New York City, ABB was honored to be recognized in the organization’s prestigious Technologies of Change category for two game-changing innovations: the IE6 Synchronous Reluctance motor technology and the LV Titanium Variable Speed Motor.
Technologies of Change
As the energy sector adapts to rising demand, innovation is key to progress. This award category celebrates solutions that are transforming how we produce, store, deliver, and use energy—from upgrading grid infrastructure to unlocking smarter storage and boosting efficiency. These aren't just good ideas on paper; they're commercially viable solutions that are building the energy system we need tomorrow.
Winner: Energy Efficiency Award: IE6 Synchronous Reluctance (SynRM) Motor Technology
ABB's IE6 SynRM motor technology is genuinely transformative. It delivers exceptional efficiency without rare-earth permanent magnets, available in standard sizes from 110 to 450 kW. These motors hit efficiency levels that were previously thought impossible at scale.
Here's the business case: upgrading a typical 110 kW motor from IE4 to IE6 saves more than $2,900 and 4,610 kg of CO₂ annually—paying for itself in about eight months. Over 20 years, that's more than $58,000 and 92,200 kg of emissions avoided. It's proven, available now, and helping industries become energy-efficient profitably. Learn more.
Shortlisted: Pioneering Decarbonization Award: LV Titanium Variable Speed Motor (VSM)
ABB launched the LV Titanium VSM commercially in June 2025, and it's a game-changer. The motor and drive are built into one compact unit with built-in speed control. Instead of running at full power all the time, applications only use the energy they need. Take a typical 15 kW centrifugal pump: it would skip 11,600 kg of CO₂ emissions annually, saving up to 174,000 kg over 15 years.
Better yet? Installation is genuinely simple. The plug-and-play design requires no specialized skills, making effective decarbonization technology accessible to everyone. Learn more.
We're honored by Reuters Events’ recognition and excited to keep advancing electrification and automation technologies that help industries outrun—leaner and cleaner.
Pictured above from left to right are employees from the IEC Low Voltage Motors team, which is part of ABB's Motion business: Debbie Cruz, U.S. Communications; Robert Boyce, U.S. Division Manager; Toni Niemi, Business Line Manager, Specialty and Application Specific Motors; and Ghanshyam Shrestha, Research & Development Technology Manager.
