GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK) has partnered with ABB to upgrade legacy motors at its vaccine manufacturing facility in Tuas South, Singapore.
Through this strategic move, GSK is projected to save up to 615 MWh of electricity annually, reduce CO₂ emissions by 246 tonnes and lower energy costs by up to USD 130,000, exceeding the factory’s decarbonisation target by 25 percent.
The initiative supports GSK’s global ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030 and reinforces Singapore’s role as a hub for sustainable pharmaceutical innovation.
It will be delivered in two phases between September and December 2025.
Rooted in a comprehensive fleet-level energy appraisal, the project is seeing ABB deploy 65 IE5 ultra-premium efficiency synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM) combined with ACH580-01 heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) drives, leading to the first-ever installation of ABB VSDs at GSK Tuas South.
A VSD adjusts motor speed to the actual demand of the system — a bit like easing a car’s accelerator to control speed.
This prevents the motor from running harder than necessary and significantly improves energy efficiency, typically saving around 25% energy.
If just a fraction of the world’s motors were upgraded to more efficient models and paired with VSDs, we could unlock massive energy savings — without generating a single extra megawatt.
Magnet- and rare earth-free IE5 SynRM motors are part of the ABB EcoSolutions portfolio, which empowers industrial players to make informed and responsible choices through increased transparency about each product’s circularity credentials and environmental impact.
This holistic upgrade boosts the long-term reliability of motors and drives and provides actionable insights into energy performance.
It maximises ROI, with an average payback period across both phases estimated at two-and-a-half years.
"This upgrade was a strategic step in our decarbonisation roadmap," said William Tan, Sustainability Manager at GSK Tuas Singapore.
“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."
Across the globe, GSK aims to achieve an 80% absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1-3) from a 2020 baseline by 2030, transitioning to full value chain net-zero by 2045.
To meet this target, the Tuas South facility has embarked on a series of energy-saving upgrades, with a major focus on HVAC system optimisation.
By leveraging ABB’s SynRM and VSD technologies, advanced energy reporting and deep domain expertise, GSK is now able to validate measurable progress toward its sustainability goals.
"Working with GSK challenged us to deliver more than just equipment," added Mayly May, Energy Efficiency Market Development Manager, ABB Motion Services.
"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."