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Recently, Schneider Electric, a global leader in industrial technology, was invited to attend the GFC2025 (8th) Green Factory Management Conference and the International Green Factory Design, Construction, and Operation New Product and Technology Exhibition. During the exhibition, Schneider Electric showcased innovative digital products and solutions based on AI technology, shared the energy-saving and carbon reduction experience of Schneider Electric’s Wuxi “Sustainable Lighthouse Factory”, and benchmark transformation cases in the fields of electronics, life sciences, etc., providing valuable and practical references for helping the industry achieve digital and green low-carbon transformation.

Under the trend of new quality productivity and digital development, the pace of transformation in various industries is being accelerated. How to deeply integrate digital technologies such as AI with industrial applications to achieve coordinated promotion of energy conservation, carbon reduction, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement has become a major challenge faced by various industries. Among them, as the main carrier of industrial production, exploring digital technology to improve energy-saving management and operation efficiency has become a necessary path for factory transformation and upgrading.

At the Green Factory Intelligent Electrical and Operations Technology Forum, Wei Kun, the head of Schneider Electric’s Digital Energy Efficiency Business China Digital Building Market Department, delivered a keynote speech on “Energy Efficiency and Human Efficiency Improvement of Green Factories in the Era of AI Agents”. He pointed out that the arrival of the AI Agent era has injected new vitality into the development of green factories. As a key tool driving human AI collaboration towards advanced forms, AI agents have five key capabilities based on large-scale model construction: process input control, autonomous planning, memory system, reflection system, and tool invocation. They can deeply integrate into green factory operation and management, independently establish and maintain various building control systems, and comprehensively improve energy efficiency and operation efficiency. ”

With leading digital technology, Schneider Electric not only empowers customers and partners to create “efficiency” tools, but also upgrades and deploys them in its own Wuxi “Sustainable Lighthouse Factory”. For example, the intelligent HVAC system constructed by digital twins and artificial intelligence, combined with building automatic control systems, greatly improves the efficiency of energy and water resource utilization in factories. Among them, SpaceLogic ™ The application of AI Box (Building Energy Saving Box) has enabled the factory to achieve an actual operating energy saving rate of 21.5% in 2023, with an expected energy saving rate of 30% in the later stage. The proportion of air conditioning energy consumption has decreased from 46% in previous years to the current 36%; EcoStruxure, a building intelligent operation and maintenance expert ™ Building GPT has shortened the maintenance time of the factory’s HVAC system from 4 hours per day to 1.5 hours, significantly improving maintenance efficiency and achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

With the continuous iteration of AI digital technology, various industries are ushering in a new wave of upgrading led by intelligence, green, and low-carbon. Schneider Electric will continue to integrate its expertise in energy management and digital technology, closely focusing on the needs of enterprise transformation, and using innovative technologies, products, and solutions to help customers improve operational efficiency, achieve digital, green, and low-carbon development, and work together towards a sustainable future.

ABB and the Institute of Instrumentation and Technology are leveraging their respective strengths to jointly build a laboratory and promote the standardization and large-scale application of Ethernet APL technology in China.
The laboratory will focus on compatibility testing, technology demonstration, and training, providing strong support for process industry automation control and digital transformation.
By building an open ecosystem and promoting technology, the laboratory will collaborate with upstream and downstream partners in the industry chain to jointly promote the progress of global industrial communication technology, laying the foundation for moving towards autonomous operation and green sustainable development.
On April 16, 2025, Beijing – ABB, a leading global enterprise in electrical products, robotics, and automation technology, officially established the Ethernet APL+PROFINET Application Technology Joint Laboratory in Beijing in collaboration with the Institute of Integrated Technology and Economics of Mechanical Industry Instruments (hereinafter referred to as the “Institute”). This move marks a deep cooperation between the two parties in the field of intelligent industrial communication, aimed at accelerating the standardization process and large-scale application of Ethernet APL technology in the Chinese market, empowering industrial digital transformation and intelligent manufacturing. Mr. Ouyang Jinsong, Director of the Institute of Instrumentation and Technology, Ms. Li Lin, Deputy Director of the Institute, Mr. Anders Maltesen, President of ABB Energy Industry Asia Pacific, Mr. Fan Xiaopeng, Vice President of ABB China and Head of Energy Industry China Business, and other senior executives from both sides attended the event and jointly unveiled the plaque for the laboratory.

Anders Maltesen, President of ABB Energy Industries Asia Pacific, said, “The application and popularization of Ethernet APL marks the acceleration of the development of process industry automation and intelligence, and will lead us into a new era of self-reliance. In this process of transformation, automation and autonomy not only improve production efficiency, but are also closely related to the green transformation of global energy. We believe that by promoting the widespread application of Ethernet APL technology, enterprises will be able to better address the challenges faced by modern industry and achieve a more sustainable future. ”

Mr. Ouyang Jinsong, Director of the Institute of Instrumentation and Technology, said, “Standardization of industrial communication technology is the core engine driving the transformation and upgrading of intelligent manufacturing. Through this cooperation with ABB, we aim to provide a standardized testing and verification platform for domestic enterprises, helping them quickly achieve product technology upgrades and innovative applications. We look forward to accelerating the popularization and promotion of Ethernet APL technology, building a solid industrial Internet base and promoting the process of China’s new quality productivity through this laboratory. ”

The joint laboratory will focus on conducting compatibility testing, technical demonstrations and training, as well as promoting and exchanging technology. The laboratory will provide testing services for products based on Ethernet PL and PROFINET protocols to ensure compliance with international standards and enhance market competitiveness. At the same time, the joint laboratory will serve as a technology showcase platform to showcase advanced technologies such as Ethernet APL, PROFINET, FDI, and OPC UA to enterprise customers and industry experts, and provide relevant training. In addition, technical seminars and industry forums will be held to promote the popularization and application of Ethernet PL technology.

ABB has always regarded technological innovation as the core engine of enterprise development, and as a long-term cultivator in the Chinese market, deeply integrated into China’s high-quality development process. Based on insights into China’s industrial transformation and customer needs, ABB has launched a new Ethernet APL architecture process automation system, which meets the stringent requirements of modern industrial production for network performance with ‘efficient, accurate, and real-time’ data transmission capabilities.

In the future, ABB and the Institute of Instrumentation will continue to iterate technical specifications and enhance the global influence of the laboratory through a joint technical working group. The laboratory will become a core hub for technological exchange and market promotion between both parties, promoting the progress of China’s industrial communication technology, assisting China’s high-quality development, laying the foundation for accelerating the transition towards independent operation and energy transformation, and driving the industry towards a smarter and greener future.

Xiamen ABB Low Voltage Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. renewed contract with Huafeng Group to deepen cooperation and embark on a new journey of green development together
Since the first signing of the contract, Xiamen ABB Low Voltage Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. has provided approximately 900 MNS units to Huafeng Group ® 3.0 Low voltage switchgear
Both parties will explore broader cooperation models in areas such as green intelligent manufacturing, digital transformation, and intelligent power management

Mr. You Feiyu, Chairman of Huafeng Group, and Mr. Marco, Vice President of Smart Power and Global Market and Sales Head of Low Voltage Systems at ABB Electric, signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of both parties

Recently, Xiamen ABB Low Voltage Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. and Huafeng Group successfully held a renewal ceremony for the low-voltage cabinet procurement framework agreement at Xiamen ABB Industrial Center. Both parties will explore broader cooperation models in areas such as green intelligent manufacturing, digital transformation, and intelligent power management. Marco Tecchio, Vice President of ABB Electric Smart Power and Global Market and Sales Leader for Low Voltage Systems, and You Feiyu, Chairman of Huafeng Group, attended the event to witness this milestone moment of deep cooperation.

Marco, Vice President of Smart Power and Global Market and Sales Head of Low Voltage Systems at ABB Electric, stated: “ABB is committed to supporting Huafeng Group’s exploration and breakthroughs in intelligent manufacturing and green sustainable development with leading technology and solutions. In the future, we will continue to work together with Huafeng Group to promote the digital transformation and low-carbon process of the industry, and create greater social and economic value. ”

Mr. You Feiyu, Chairman of Huafeng Group, is also full of confidence in the future cooperation between the two parties. He said, “ABB has always been Huafeng Group’s most important partner in the field of low-voltage distribution. We look forward to exploring innovative models, sharing technological dividends, and achieving win-win development in a broader dimension through deeper exchanges and cooperation between both parties. ”

Building on trust, working together with sincerity to explore a green and intelligent future

Huafeng Group, as a top 500 Chinese enterprise mainly engaged in chemical new materials, adheres to the mission of “enjoying life with innovation”, comprehensively promotes digital upgrading, low-carbon transformation, and international development, and is committed to becoming a world-class new materials partner. Its brand development philosophy of “innovation, quality, green, and sharing” is highly aligned with ABB’s strategic direction. Since the first cooperation between the two parties in 2007, with outstanding innovative technology and products, Xiamen ABB Low Voltage Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. has provided Huafeng Group with highly reliable low-voltage distribution solutions, becoming a solid backing to ensure the efficient and safe operation of Huafeng Group.

In 2022, the two parties signed a framework agreement for the procurement of low-voltage complete distribution equipment for the first time. During this framework period, Xiamen ABB Low Voltage Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. provided approximately 900 MNS units to Huafeng Group ® 3.0 Low voltage switchgear.

This renewal is not only a recognition of the achievements of the past 20 years of cooperation, but also a new starting point for the future and promoting both sides to work together towards intelligent and green development. Against the backdrop of the “dual carbon” strategy and the accelerated development of global intelligent manufacturing, the cooperation between the two sides will not only stay at the level of product supply, but also focus on digital transformation and green manufacturing, deeply integrating their respective advantages, and jointly promoting industry innovation and sustainable development.

On that day, the guests who attended the event and witnessed the signing of the contract also included Mr. Li Bin, General Manager of Hangzhou Saifuwei Technology Co., Ltd., Mr. Hong Fei, General Manager of Zhejiang Ruixiang Intelligent Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Mr. Chen Qing, Deputy General Manager of Huafeng Group Procurement Center, Mr. Huang Jiexin, Procurement Manager of Electrical and Instrumentation Category of Huafeng Group Procurement Center, Mr. Marcin, Global Sales and Operations Manager of ABB Electric Smart Power Low Voltage System, Mr. Bei Zhen, China Market and Sales Manager of ABB Electric Smart Power Low Voltage System, Mr. Chen Pengtuan, Product Group Leader of ABB Electric Smart Power Low Voltage Complete System HUB Asia Pacific Region, and Mr. Zhang Chen, Sales Manager of ABB Electric Smart Power Low Voltage System West China and Central Region.

Clecim and ABB will collaborate to provide automation, electrification, and digitalization technologies for Tata Steel’s newly built 1.8 million ton pickling line
Port Talbot steel plant of Tata Steel invests £ 1.25 billion to upgrade blast furnace to electric arc furnace
This newly built pickling line will become the core of Port Talbot’s green steelmaking facility, ensuring that Tata Steel can provide high-quality low-carbon steel products to downstream enterprises and users

ABB collaborates with Clecim to provide automation, electrification, and digital technology for the 1.8 million ton pickling line at Port Talbot steel plant of Tata Steel. Image source: Tata Steel

ABB has partnered with steel processing line and rolling mill equipment supplier Clecim to successfully win the opportunity to cooperate with Tata Steel. They will provide comprehensive automation, electrification, and digitalization solutions for the advanced pickling line newly built at their Port Talbot steel plant in the UK. With professional technology, ABB will become a key support for the safe, efficient, and intelligent operation of this new production line, ensuring its synchronous operation with Tata Steel’s newly built 3.2 million ton electric arc furnace (EAF).

Tata Steel and the UK government have jointly invested over £ 1.25 billion in this steel mill located in Wales, including £ 500 million in special funding provided by the UK government, with a focus on decarbonizing the factory’s operations. ABB will complete the technical deployment and commissioning work as scheduled by the end of 2027, ensuring that the Port Talbot steel plant is fully operational before 2028. The new production line integrates high-quality machinery and process equipment provided by Clecim, which will mainly handle the oxide scale formed on the surface of hot-rolled coils during the rolling process, ensuring the cleanliness of the steel coil surface for further processing, thereby improving product quality and enhancing the adhesion of coatings or paint surfaces.

ABB will be responsible for providing automation technology and deploying it Roll@xA Digital solutions and industry-leading ABB Ability ™ System 800xA ® Distributed Control System (DCS), equipped with a customized application knowledge base for processing lines. It is worth mentioning that, ABB Ability ™ System 800xA ® The ability to integrate all automation functional modules into a unified work environment is crucial for achieving seamless business operations.

In addition, ABB will also provide a range of digital solutions to optimize the performance of new production lines, including ABB Ability for the steel and non-ferrous metal industries ™ Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) and ABB Ability ™ Data Analytics Platform, as well as EOW Extended Operator Workstation for enhancing human-machine operational efficiency. These systems can also be fully integrated with the automation system of Clecim pickling bags, creating a work environment with a good operating experience.

The system solution aims to promote the further development of digital elements such as intelligent manufacturing, asset management, and human-machine interconnection, and safeguard the future operational optimization of Tata Steel.

ABB’s electrification supply scope for this project includes medium voltage switchgear and transformers, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) equipment, a range of low voltage transmission and multi frequency conversion devices, energy-saving AC motors, and related control center infrastructure.

Our new pickling line will become the core of Port Talbot’s green steelmaking facility, ensuring that we can provide downstream businesses and customers with high-quality low-carbon steel products that society urgently needs, “said Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK

ABB technology will play an important role in ensuring safe, efficient, and optimized operation of Tata Steel’s new pickling line. Image source: ABB

We are proud to be involved in the advancement of this project, by integrating engineering solutions, procurement systems, and locally manufactured mechanical and electrical products in France, to help Port Talbot steel mill achieve critical transformation at this stage, “said Thomas Comte, CEO of Clecim.” This achievement demonstrates the strong partnership we have established with ABB over the past few months. We will work hand in hand to successfully complete the installation and delivery of the new pickling production line in an agile and innovative manner. ”

Frederik Esterhuizen, Global Head of Steel and Nonferrous Metals Business at ABB Process Industries, said, “Our team has a strong foundation in cooperation with Tata Steel. We firmly believe that through cooperation, we can build better operating models to optimize steelmaking processes. No organization can solve the common challenges faced by the industry alone. Therefore, we believe that working together with Clecim will significantly accelerate the process of customer value creation and industry technological innovation. We look forward to working together efficiently to promote the progress of this project