ABB strengthens China's footprint in energy transition

Swiss technology company ABB Group will deepen its footprint in China to support the country's rapid energy transition and industrial electrification during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, while leveraging locally developed innovations to deliver practical technical solutions to global markets, company executives said.

Speaking at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday, Adrian Guggisberg, president of ABB Distribution Solutions Division, said electrification and decarbonization are not just strategic options but viable paths for the world's sustainable future.

"Electricity is the most effective way to achieve decarbonization because it enables us to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources," said Guggisberg, noting China's leadership in renewable energy deployment, helping the global energy system to integrate clean power at a faster pace.

Looking ahead, he said stronger infrastructure for electrification, greater grid capacity to support decarbonization, accelerated renewable integration and enhanced grid intelligence will be essential to managing the surge in data and digital technologies worldwide.

Highlighting that China has become ABB's global anchor for innovation, talent and technology export, Guggisberg said ABB will expand both innovation and manufacturing capacity in China, increasing investment in flexible and digital power solutions.

Echoing that view, Luo Hui, local division manager of ABB Distribution Solutions in China, said China's power system is evolving along a unique path.

With strong national planning and large-scale renewable integration, the country is far ahead of its targets, said Luo.

"China has already achieved its 2030 goal of installing over 1.2 billion kilowatts of wind and solar capacity six years ahead of schedule — a remarkable pace that brings both opportunities and challenges," he said, adding that ABB will invest heavily in the country to deliver intelligent equipment and automation solutions that strengthen grid resilience and stability.

Under its long-term plan, ABB will work with Chinese partners to capture opportunities from urbanization, electrification and digitalization, using innovative technologies to drive the transformation of power grids, renewable energy, energy storage and data centers toward smarter and greener development.