Electrical Power & Protection


Smart power solutions for a low-carbon future

May 2026 Electrical Power & Protection

As the world marked Earth Day 2026, ABB is highlighting the role of low-voltage (LV) smart power solutions in improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and enabling more sustainable infrastructure. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, mobilising millions of people across more than 190 countries to drive environmental action. In 2026, the focus remains on accelerating the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems.

Mission to zero

ABB continues to advance technologies that support a low-carbon future. Central to this is its Mission to Zero initiative, which demonstrates how industrial and commercial sites can achieve net-zero emissions through energy efficiency, renewable integration and intelligent energy management.

Low-voltage (LV) electrical systems play a critical role in this transition. From commercial buildings and industrial facilities to data centres and infrastructure, LV solutions are responsible for the safe distribution, control and the optimisation of electrical energy at the point of use.

Improved reliability and reduced environmental impact

“ABB’s smart power technologies are designed to help customers use energy more efficiently, improve reliability and reduce their environmental impact. By combining advanced protection, control and digital monitoring, organisations can gain greater visibility and control over their energy consumption,” says Elvis Khumalo, product marketing specialist for Low Voltage Products.

ABB’s LV portfolio includes circuit breakers, switchgear, distribution boards and energy management systems, all increasingly enhanced with digital capabilities. These solutions enable real-time monitoring of energy use, power quality and system performance, helping users to identify inefficiencies and optimise operations.


Elvis Khumalo, product marketing specialist for Low Voltage Products at ABB.

LV systems with embedded intelligence and connectivity

Through embedded intelligence and connectivity, smart LV systems can detect anomalies, predict potential faults and support condition-based maintenance. This reduces unplanned downtime, extends equipment life, and lowers overall energy consumption.

In buildings, smart LV solutions enable more efficient energy use by aligning power distribution with actual demand, and in industrial environments, they support stable operations while minimising energy losses. Across all applications, the result is improved performance with a reduced carbon footprint.

Efficient energy use at point of consumption

As electricity demand continues to grow, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions, the importance of efficient energy use at the point of consumption becomes increasingly critical. Low-voltage smart power technologies are therefore a key enabler of both sustainability and resilience.

“Earth Day is a yearly reminder that achieving sustainability goals requires practical, scalable solutions. By improving how energy is distributed and used at a low-voltage level, organisations can make meaningful progress in reducing emissions and operating more efficiently,” concludes Khumalo.

ABB Electrification remains committed to supporting this transition through innovative LV smart power solutions that enhance safety, reliability and sustainability across sectors.

For more information contact ABB South Africa, +27 10 202 5523, [email protected], www.abb.com/smartcities


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Unpacking the technoeconomic case for cleaner power in wastewater plants
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Behind every reliable wastewater plant is an electrical system exposed to the effects of harmonics, voltage distortion and overloaded networks caused by fleets of variable speed drives on pumps and aerators.Together, they steadily drive up maintenance demands and elevate the risk of failure.

Read more...
Energy strategy as a competitive advantage for African businesses
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy is no longer simply something that businesses consume. When managed effectively, it becomes a controllable asset that supports resilience and efficiency and sets the foundation for long-term competitiveness.

Read more...
World’s fastest 14 bit arbitrary waveform generator
Vepac Electronics Electrical Power & Protection
The ARB Rider AWG-700 from Vepac is the world’s fastest 14 bit arbitrary waveform generator, with a 20 GS/s real-time update rate and 14 bit vertical resolution.

Read more...
Transformers for mining house in Botswana
ACTOM Electrical Machines Electrical Power & Protection
LH Marthinusen is completing the manufacture of two 30 MVA transformers for a mining house in Botswana.

Read more...
DIN-rail power supplies for reliable and efficient AC/DC conversion
Conical Technologies Electrical Power & Protection
The Claf Power AD75-2BxxS series DIN-rail power supplies are designed for industrial automation, control systems and process environments.

Read more...
Rethinking power for Africa’s data centres
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s digital economy is scaling faster than its power systems. If it wants resilient, competitive and sustainable data centres, the starting point must be a grid-to-chip architecture rather than a genset-first mentality.

Read more...
The growing decentralisation of power grids
Electrical Power & Protection
The decentralisation of power generation is changing how national grids function. For electrical engineers, several new challenges and opportunities are on the horizon.

Read more...
Custom mini substations for Zambian copper mine
Electrical Power & Protection
Recent orders to supply seventeen specially engineered mini substations for an underground copper mine in Zambia reinforces Trafo Power Solution’s track record in delivering customised electrical solutons for challenging environments.

Read more...
Unifying building information into a sea of insight
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Facility managers realise that in order to gain the most from building automation, they can longer deploy and operate technologies in isolation. Modern, integrated building management solutions address this challenge by bringing data from multiple sources and dispersed locations like HVAC, lighting, access control, lifts, generators, field devices, energy and

Read more...
Why digital LV switchboards matter
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Today’s buildings account for up to 40% of global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. However, buildings are also expected to deliver higher availability and stronger safety performance while also being sustainable. Digital swirchboards make a difference in the way buildings are developed, upgraded and managed.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved