ABB launches innovative digital solution to reduce energy use and optimize operations in wastewater plants

• ABB Ability™ Smart Solution for Wastewater is the first in a family of digital solutions designed to optimize operations and reduce energy consumption in the water sector  
• New wastewater technology enables continuous monitoring, coupled with automation, to achieve energy savings of up to 25 percent during aeration and pumping and up to 10 percent reduction in chemical usage 
• Platform agnostic software designed as an additional layer to work with any automation package 

ABB launches ABB Ability™ Smart Solution for Wastewater, a digital solution which addresses the un-precedented challenge faced by wastewater treatment plant operators to achieve both the lowest energy use, and the highest operational standards. 

The innovative solution is composed of two main pillars, advanced process control (APC) and digital twin and simulation technology to forecast future operational needs. It will help wastewater treatment plants reach optimal operating conditions by reducing process variability and stabilizing operations through continuous monitoring and automation. This enables constant, incremental operational adjustments and gains, reducing energy consumption and chemical usage, alongside increasing profitability. 

According to the International Energy Agency, global electricity consumption in wastewater treatment reached 222 TWh in 2020, with electricity usage across the sector predicted to increase by 80 percent by 2040^[1]. This is in part due to the increasing demand for treated wastewater, which is now considered a valuable potential resource^[2].  

Marco Achilea, Global Segment Manager, Water & Infrastructure, ABB Energy Industries, said: “This new product leverages our long-standing expertise in advanced process control, performance optimization and digital twin technology. With the demand for treated wastewater rapidly growing around the world, our goal is to continue to develop sustainable solutions that reduce energy use whilst improving water quality and operational efficiency.” 

Developed with hydraulic modelling intelligence from the Danish water environment specialists, DHI Group, the ABB Ability™ Smart Solution for Wastewater creates a more stable treatment process by predicting wastewater inflow together with environmental factors such as weather patterns, reducing risk of overflow and fines.  ABB Ability™ Smart Solution for Wastewater will be the first in a family of smart solutions for the water industry. Building on the experience and solid performances of ABB’s Optimax® and APC, this first offering is designed to make wastewater treatment plants safer, smarter, and more sustainable. 

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com  

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. go.abb/processautomation .