GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK) has advanced its net-zero ambitions at its Tuas South vaccine manufacturing facility in Singapore by partnering with ABB to upgrade legacy motors across the site.

The initiative is projected to save up to 615 MWh of electricity annually, reduce CO₂ emissions by 246 tons, and lower energy costs by up to USD 130,000 — exceeding the factory’s decarbonization target by 25 percent.

The project, delivered in two phases between September and December 2024, included a fleet-wide energy appraisal and deployment of 65 ABB IE5 ultra-premium efficiency synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM) combined with ACH580-01 heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) variable speed drives (VSDs). VSDs adjust motor speed to actual system demand, preventing motors from running harder than necessary and typically improving energy efficiency by 25 percent. The upgrades are part of ABB’s EcoSolutions™ portfolio, which provides industrial operators with transparency on product circularity and environmental impact.

William Tan, sustainability manager at GSK Tuas Singapore, said: “This upgrade was a strategic step in our decarbonization roadmap. ABB’s solution helped us go beyond our original emissions reduction target at Tuas South — delivering financial savings and reliability improvements while cutting 246 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. It is a tangible example of how we are translating our 2045 net-zero ambition into action.”

ABB’s IE5 SynRM motors are magnet- and rare earth-free, boosting long-term reliability while providing actionable insights into energy performance. The site’s average payback period for the upgrade is estimated at 2.5 years, and the initiative supports GSK’s global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2030, on the path to full value chain net-zero by 2045.

Mayly May, energy efficiency market development manager at ABB Motion Services, added: “Working with GSK challenged us to deliver more than just equipment. We are proud to help them unlock significant savings and environmental gains via a thorough energy efficiency strategy, laying the foundation for deeper collaboration in sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.”