Powering the Future

The global energy infrastructure is being tested as grid operators and utilities face critical hurdles.

As the energy transition gathers momentum, electrical distribution networks are becoming more complex. Utilities and industries alike are under pressure to maintain stability and safety while integrating new energy sources, responding to rapid shifts in demand, and minimizing downtime.

Our medium-voltage distribution solutions help our customers build resilience into their infrastructure to keep pace with the challenges of the evolving grid.

Five challenges the grid is facing

  1. Increasing Electrical Energy Demand

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that electricity's share in total final energy demand will grow by more than 50% by 2050.

     

    Driven by industries, buildings and data centers, this surge in electrical energy demand underscores the critical need for stronger grid reliability.

  2. Renewable Energy Integration

    With renewable power sources projected to triple by 2030, grids play a critical role in integrating renewable sources like solar and wind into the energy mix.

     

    The grid needs to evolve and become smarter to cope with the increasing distributed energy generation, where consumers can also become producers.

  3. Severe Disruptions

    Severe disruptions encompass a wide range of events that can significantly impact the stability and reliability of power grids and critical infrastructure.

     

    Utilities worldwide must enhance their ability to predict, protect against, and quickly restore service following severe disruptions.

  4. Flexibility and Futureproofing

    Today’s product life cycles have become shorter and operating conditions change much quicker. There is a critical need to use low-impact materials to support a low-carbon society, maintain pace with changing regulations and energy policies, and safeguard against increasing cybersecurity threats.

     

    Now is the time to harness the power of digitalization.

  5. Equipment and Resources Availability

    With the increase in energy demand and evolving technologies, industries face challenges securing critical electrical equipment and recruiting talent with the right expertise.

     

    Affordability and standardization are paramount, as is the need to design equipment that is simple and intuitive to operate and maintain.

What we can do for you

<p><b>We are problem solvers for the evolving grid.</b>&nbsp;Driving innovation, our experts support our customers and partners in tackling the rising demands of electrification, providing the power to adapt to a rapidly evolving energy landscape.&nbsp;</p>

Leading Technologies

<p>Reliable, safe<br> and sustainable solutions</p>

Enable grid intelligence

<p>Predictive maintenance<br> and grid automation</p>

Partnering to build solutions

<p>Collaboration with channel partners,<br> solution providers and end-customers</p>

Our Solutions

Medium Voltage

ABB’s Distribution Solutions division offers medium voltage solutions that connect and protect the evolving grid. Our future-proof solutions detect and isolate potential grid disruptions, protecting utilities and industries from power outages.

Switchgear

Medium voltage switchgear largely serves utilities, industry and infrastructure often providing the required medium-voltage link between high-voltage trans-mission systems and low-voltage users.

SF6-free Portfolio

Representing the future of power distribution, SF6-free switchgear maintains the same trusted performance, size, and components as existing portfolios while completely eliminating the need for sulfur hexafluoride gas.

Leadership perspectives on the evolving grid.

In an era of rising demand, decentralization, and decarbonization, digitalizing the grid is no longer optional. It’s a requirement. As pressure mounts, the solution is clear: we must invest in technologies that make the grid smarter — capable of adapting in real-time, isolating faults, optimizing energy use, and supporting a more sustainable future.

Behind the Lens

The global energy landscape is shifting, and ABB is leading the charge. From decarbonization to digital resilience, our global leaders break down the technologies and strategies redefining the power of the grid. Watch as Adrian Guggisberg, Andrea Estrada-Hein, Stephen Doyle, and Sami Raitakoski share their insights:

Perspectives

Prepare for the SF6 Transition

In a few weeks, one of the most significant regulatory shifts in Europe’s medium-voltage grid landscape will take effect. SF₆-free technologies are advancing rapidly, but availability and standardization across markets are still evolving.

Grid Resilience: Key to a renewable and clean energy future.

Leading ABB's energy management, Adrian Guggisberg pushes smart grid digitalisation that enhances control, efficiency and resilience for renewable-heavy power systems.

Digitalizing the grid of the future

Listen to Adrian Guggisberg, President of Distribution Solutions sharing his thoughts on the disruptive dynamics facing utilities and why incentivizing change will be critical to deploying successful digitalization strategies.

What’s driving the MV switchgear evolution?

A medium voltage switchgear may not be the most visible part of the energy system, but it’s one of the most critical. Traditionally seen as a passive mechanical asset, MV switchgear is now experiencing a transformation in perception.

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