• ABB has entered into a Leveraged Procurement Agreement (LPA) to serve as the automation partner for Dow’s Path2Zero expansion project in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

This collaboration will leverage ABB’s automation and digital solutions to enhance energy efficiency, streamline processes, and optimize operations at Dow’s manufacturing facilities. As part of the agreement, ABB will expand the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® Distributed Control System, adding around 25,000 new Select I/O channels and conventional I/Os. Additionally, ABB will supply all required hardware and oversee the design and engineering of cabinets.

Pioneering a Net-Zero Ethylene Complex

Dow’s Path2Zero project aims to become the world’s first ethylene and derivatives complex with net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative involves a brownfield expansion and retrofit of Dow’s existing manufacturing site, located 330 km north of Calgary. Once completed, this development is expected to decarbonize approximately 20% of Dow’s global ethylene production capacity and represents one of Alberta’s most significant private sector investments.

The site has been designed to recover and repurpose cracker off-gas into hydrogen, which will serve as a clean fuel for the site’s furnaces. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions will be captured and permanently stored, significantly reducing the facility’s environmental footprint.

Advancing Industrial Automation and Sustainability

Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “We are honored to contribute our automation expertise to help Dow advance toward a low-carbon future. Industrial energy consumption accounts for nearly a quarter of energy-related CO₂ emissions. As global demand for materials continues to rise, integrating innovative technologies is essential to achieving more sustainable manufacturing.”

ABB’s Adaptive Execution™ methodology will also play a key role in this project, supporting Dow’s ‘design once, build many’ approach. This standardized solution will help reduce risks, manage costs, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality automation solutions across future sites.

Expanding Capacity and Job Creation

Construction of the Path2Zero site began in December 2024, with an estimated increase of 1.8 million metric tons of ethylene capacity through a phased approach until 2030. At its peak, the project is expected to generate up to 5,000 jobs during construction and approximately 500 full-time positions once operational.

About ABB

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, committed to fostering a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By combining engineering expertise with digital innovation, ABB empowers industries to operate at peak performance while enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. With over 140 years of industry leadership and a workforce of approximately 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB continues to drive industrial advancements. ABB’s shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

ABB’s Process Automation division specializes in automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations across essential sectors, including energy, water, materials, and manufacturing. With nearly 20,000 employees and cutting-edge technology, ABB Process Automation is helping industries transition toward cleaner and more efficient operations.

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