Extending asset life to support circularity at Belgian nuclear power plant
Belgium’s Doel 4 nuclear power plant was commissioned in 1985 and originally set for decommissioning in 2025. Yet in response to shifting energy needs, the plant’s lifespan has been extended by a decade, prompting a major modernization of its electrical infrastructure.
Following a holistic assessment that recommended both retrofit and replacement of obsolete switchgear, ABB developed a retrofit strategy with French electrical utility company ENGIE that demonstrates how circularity can be applied to large-scale energy infrastructure. This approach allowed more than half of existing equipment – such as cabinets, plates, and busbars – to remain in circulation, while upgrading critical components, including circuit breakers and relays.
By choosing retrofitting over full replacement, the project minimized downtime, reduced resource dependency, and advanced decarbonization goals. The project also demonstrates how circularity can be embedded in future infrastructure decisions, keeping materials in use longer and supporting safe and sustainable energy supply.
Water positivity site helps water depleted community in India
The southern Indian city of Bangalore experiences severe groundwater depletion due to rapid urbanization, over-extraction, and inadequate groundwater recharge.
ABB’s Nelamangala site, located northwest of Bangalore, has helped to increase groundwater levels in their community while recycling their treated water on site. Their operations recycle around 85% of their treated water, replenishing their water ~1.25 times faster than it is consumed. Through rainwater harvesting, they have reduced runoff and increased groundwater levels in their community by more than 30 meters over the past three years. Nelamangala was the first ABB location globally to be certified as a water-positive facility in 2021, going beyond just conserving water to returning more freshwater to the environment than they use. In 2025 this site was also the first ABB site globally to gain AWS Standard certification (Gold) from the Alliance for Water Stewardship.
Monitoring water stress from space with ABB infrared-sensing technology
Using advanced satellite-based thermal imaging, ABB is helping to identify early signs of drought and inefficient irrigation. Installed on a Hydrosat VanZyl-1 satellite, ABB’s infrared camera delivers high-resolution and calibrated surface temperature data that helps detect water stress in agricultural fields. By measuring minute temperature variations, the system enables timely interventions to prevent crop loss. The technology also supports monitoring of vegetation health, industrial heat output, and deforestation.
Honed over decades of space missions, ABB’s expertise in infrared instrumentation is now helping governments and industries make smarter decisions about water use. In addition, this collaboration with Hydrosat demonstrates how space-based sensing can support sustainable resource management and climate resilience.
Modernizing water infrastructure at a UNESCO site with ABB automation
ABB is modernizing the water infrastructure of Zagori, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northwestern Greece, through advanced automation solutions. The project includes 31 control and monitoring stations equipped with SCADA telemetry, PLCs, high-efficiency pumps, and water quality sensors. These systems enable real-time monitoring, leak detection, and optimized distribution, reducing operational costs and enhancing environmental protection.
ABB’s technology supports the municipality’s goals of sustainable tourism and reliable service for residents, while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The solution integrates centralized control, electromagnetic flowmeters, and variable frequency drives to ensure efficient, resilient water management. The project reflects ABB’s commitment to supporting municipalities in building smarter, more sustainable infrastructure in ecologically sensitive areas.