EV Charging and Renewables Crucial to ABB's Oiartzun Plant

ABB has advanced its sustainability objectives, transforming its Oiartzun factory into ABB's first site in Spain to attain zero operational emissions.

The facility, which manufactures wiring accessories and smart home solutions, now serves as a benchmark for industrial decarbonisation by running on 100% renewable electricity and installing electric vehicle infrastructure to support the transition to an electrified vehicle fleet.

The Oiartzun site’s achievement falls under ABB’s global Mission to Zero programme. The complete removal of fossil fuels from its operations was accomplished through a combination of on-site power generation and the procurement of certified renewable energy.

More than 580 kWp of photovoltaic capacity has been installed to support the factory's energy needs, demonstrating a tangible commitment to cleaner manufacturing processes.

Sustainable operations and EV infrastructure

The installation of EV charging infrastructure is a key component of the site's strategy, designed to speed up ABB’s move towards fully electrified operations. This aligns with the wider industrial trend towards electric mobility and sustainable logistics.

The 110-year-old facility’s modernisation shows how established industrial sites can be retrofitted to meet modern environmental standards.

“Achieving zero operational emissions at our Oiartzun site marks another important step on ABB’s Mission to Zero journey,” explains Mike Mustapha, President, ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings Division.

Mike says: “As our first facility in Spain to reach this milestone and one of many sites worldwide advancing toward the same goal, it shows how we are turning ambition into action: electrifying our operations, embedding circular design and using digital energy management to make decarbonisation real. Through this progress, we aim to set a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing and help customers accelerate their own transition to net zero.”

Energy reduction through smart technology

Since 2019, the Oiartzun factory has successfully cut its energy consumption by 42%. This reduction was achieved through a dedicated roadmap that prioritised electrification, the automation of processes, heat recovery systems and operational optimisation.

The implementation of ABB’s own building automation and energy management technologies has helped to optimise systems including lighting, heating and power distribution.

To further enhance performance, ABB uses its ABB eLink platform for real-time monitoring of energy usage. This digital solution provides the data needed to make faster and more effective operational decisions, contributing to the site's overall efficiency.

These measures show how digital tools can be used to manage and reduce energy demand in a complex manufacturing environment.

A focus on circularity and collaboration

Beyond decarbonisation, the Oiartzun facility has improved its approach to resource efficiency and circularity. The site holds an ISO 50001 certification for its energy management systems and has also achieved Zero Waste to Landfill status.

Under ABB’s EcoSolutions framework, its products are designed to meet specific environmental standards. This includes wiring accessories that use up to 95% recycled materials in painted finishes and incorporate switch inserts that are 100% recyclable.

The factory's strategy also extends to external collaboration with technology centres, suppliers and circular economy forums. These partnerships help to promote continuous improvement and ensure the facility remains aligned with evolving market expectations.

Employees also lead local community initiatives through a programme named Aukerak Sortzen ("Creating Opportunities"), which supports projects such as beach clean-ups and blood donation campaigns.​​​​​​