ABB making waves in sustainable progress on and offshore

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to the Principality of Monaco this weekend, using an adapted version of the full iconic circuit for the first time thanks to increases in car performance and range. The event will follow strict COVID-19 protocols, created under guidance from the relevant authorities, to enable it to take place in a safe and responsible manner.

Twenty-four drivers will this year put their skills to the test through 19 turns on the fast and narrow 3.32km street circuit, tackling the famous corners of Casino Square, Mirabeau, the Grand Hotel Hairpin and Portier. Staged on a biennial basis, the Monaco E-Prix brings the thrill of all-electric racing to one of the world’s most recognizable vistas. ABB ambassador Sébastien Buemi is the most successful driver around the Monégasque streets in Formula E, having won two of the three races held.

Theodor Swedjemark, ABB’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, said: “Sustainability is at the very core of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. In Monaco this weekend, the series will once again actively promote electric mobility and alternative energy solutions to contribute to reducing air pollution and fighting against climate change around the world.”

The use of the adapted full circuit highlights the pace with which e-mobility technology is developing – a pace also highlighted in the latest solutions ABB is implementing to help create a more sustainable future. These advances in e-mobility and sustainability will be shown not only on Monte Carlo’s storied streets, but also in the harbor around which the Formula E cars will race: sustainable shipping is another technology in which ABB displays global leadership. Through developments in electrical propulsion, data-driven decision support and integrated solutions for ship and shore, ABB is driving progress towards a zero-emission marine industry.

center

Juha Koskela, Division President of ABB Marine & Ports, said: “ABB’s marine technology provides greater efficiency and reliability to shipowners, while preparing vessels to meet the demands of tomorrow, ultimately enabling them to operate more sustainably. One such example is Azipod® electric propulsion, one of our most transformative marine industry technology solutions, which this year celebrates 30 years in operation.”

Azipod® units enable both the saving of fuel and reduction in emissions. Their design is based around an electric motor, housed in a pod, which is suspended below the hull of a ship and capable of 360-degree rotation. Azipod® units increase manoeuvrability, efficiency and space available on board. Their increasingly widespread use in the ever-changing marine industry has brought higher performance to it, while enabling the cruise sector to make energy savings equivalent to 1,000,000 tons of fuel.

When in port, emissions from ships can have a significant impact on air quality, as diesel generators are still often used to provide energy to charge batteries in hybrid vessels. ABB’s Shore Connection can supply electricity generated ashore instead, helping deliver sustainability benefits from grid to propeller.

ABB is the title partner in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, an international racing series for fully electric single-seater racecars. Its technology supports the events at city-street tracks around the globe. ABB entered the e-mobility market back in 2010, and today has sold more than 400,000 electric vehicle chargers across more than 85 markets; more than 20,000 DC fast chargers and 380,000 AC chargers, including those sold through Chargedot.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

2021 ABB FIA Formula E Championship – Calendar (races confirmed to date)