ABB starts energy-efficiency project with GSI/FAIR, building on collaboration initiated through Big Science Sweden

CERN, ABB and Big Science Sweden

Building on its earlier success at CERN – where a 17.4 percent energy-saving opportunity in cooling and ventilation motors was identified – ABB is now applying similar solutions in this new project.

ABB’s collaboration with CERN began at a Discovery Day organised by Big Science Sweden, where the company first met CERN representatives,  a meeting that laid the foundation for a fruitful partnership.

In the CERN project, ABB experts carried out a detailed audit of some 800 cooling and ventilation motors. The study revealed that upgrading or optimising existing equipment could deliver major energy savings, cut operational costs, and reduce CO₂ emissions.

ABB and FAIR

ABB is now bringing the same expertise to FAIR. Together, ABB and GSI/FAIR will analyse motor-driven systems to pinpoint the greatest efficiency gains, aiming to cut the facility’s overall energy use and set new benchmarks for sustainable operation in large-scale research infrastructures.

A model for Swedish industrial return

The CERN and FAIR projects show how industrial partnerships can drive the Big Science community’s sustainability goals. Big Science Sweden will continue to facilitate meetings and collaborations that help Swedish companies take an active role in making Big Science facilities more efficient, and sustainable.

“These two projects are excellent examples of how Swedish industry can increase its return on the major investments Sweden makes in 13 Big Science facilities,” says Frida Tibblin Citron from the Knowledge Transfer Office at Big Science Sweden.

“This is only the beginning — we hope more facilities will follow and continue exploring how collaboration can lead to both scientific and industrial benefits.”