Polestar, ABB & GE Vernova: What is Electrification?
Electrification is one of the more important strategies for reducing CO₂ emissions from energy according to the IEA.
The IEA says it is being used as a key tool to reach the net zero goal by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement.
The organisation says the majority of reductions in electrification come from the shift towards electric transport and the installation of heat pumps.
To meet Net Zero Emissions by 2050 the IEA says that the speed of electrification needs to double by 2030.
Keisuke Sadamori, Director of Energy Markets and Security at IEA says: “The acceleration of global electricity demand highlights the significant changes taking place in energy systems around the world and the approach of a new Age of Electricity.”
What is electrification?
Electrification means replacing fossil fuel powered technologies and processes with electrical equivalents.
IEA says that the replacements tend to be more efficient, reduce energy demand and have a growing impact on emissions as electricity generation continues to be decarbonised.
However electrification can only reach its full potential in sustainability when generation is shifted to low carbon sources, such as renewables.
The US Department of Energy says that in utilities the benefits of electrification might be support system optimisation, improved efficiency and increased resilience.
What can electrification contribute to the Industrial sector?
The IEA says that the industrial sector is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, it is still dominated by fossil fuels and new technologies can be expensive to develop.
But there are several companies in the industry focusing on electrification to help decrease the sector's CO₂ productions.
ABB
ABB says it brings electrification solutions to support decarbonisation and increase energy efficiency.
The company manufactures technologies to electrify industries, houses, cities and distribution.
ABB also partners with utility, industrial and commercial customers across all industries to support the management of energy and electrical infrastructure.
Massimiliano Cifalitti, Smart Power President, ABB Electrification says: "Critical infrastructure needs resilient electrical systems.
“As demand for advanced electrification solutions continues to grow, the new SACE Emax 3 will help customers stay ahead of changing power requirements and protect business-critical uptime.
“Emax 3 is a breakthrough for energy resilience, helping solve some of the leading causes of power outages. Its built-in intelligence helps customers make their power management and maintenance proactive and predictive.”
Ge Vernova
GE Vernova says that electrification is the largest driver to reduce demand - side carbon emissions.
The company is using Advanced Research to engineer power conversion systems with the aim to deliver improved power quality through, motor, drive and control technologies.
Alongside this project GE Vernova are also creating microgrid concept development and advancing marine electric power.
Nicolas Gibergues, Grid Automation Senior Executive & Business Line Leader, at GE Vernova's Grid Solutions says: "With the ongoing emphasis on climate change, we are witnessing the most significant transformation of the grid in over a century.”
“In response, GE Vernova has rolled out GridBeats, a suite of Grid Automation software solutions designed to assist utilities in adapting to these changes while ensuring their grid operates smoothly."
The electrification of transport
The US Department of Energy says that electric vehicles can improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs and reduce emissions.
Electricity being the power source rather than fossil fuels which can improve public health and the environment.
Polestar
Polestar was created with the sole purpose of electrifying vehicles.
The company says it is defined by a minimalist design, technological innovations, sustainable solutions and a lack of compromise.
It is currently doing research into how it can make its entire value chain free from greenhouse gas emissions.
Range is a concern for many when it comes to EVs, but Polestar 3 won a range test hosted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and the car magazine Motor, it covered 531 km under harsh conditions.
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar says: "We are proud that Polestar 3 wins another big test! Range is an important criterion for customers – and this result underlines that Polestar 3 is a great choice for everybody seeking a luxury experience in an outstanding SUV.
“We are developing our cars above the Arctic Circle in Sweden, so it’s no surprise for us that Polestar 3 performs better than the competition in challenging conditions.”
General Motors
General Motors is doing various things to support the move to electrification.
The company reports that it has partnered with Pilot Travel Center and EVgo to put public chargers where people need them most.
It also opened its first fully dedicated million square foot EV assembly plant, alongside creating battery advancements in its innovation hub.
General Motors also reports that it has invested US$2.3bn into the future of EVs with its second battery cell manufacturing plant.
In August 2025 its vehicle broke the world record for range on an EV, with a work truck travelling 1059.2 miles on full charge.
Kurt Kelty, Vice President, Battery, Propulsion and Sustainability at General Motors, says “Getting this kind of range on a full charge doesn’t happen by accident.
“It takes deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software and vehicle engineering and that’s exactly what the team delivered.
“This achievement is a great example of how far our EV technology has come, and the kind of innovation we’re building on every day at GM.”
Fortescue Zero
Fortescue Zero is electrifying the mining industry in various ways.
It has focused on heavy industry power systems, creating battery powered heavy duty vehicles such as Haul Truck, Dozer power systems and grader power systems.
The company also provides charging systems that can fully charge a 250-ton haul truck in 30 minutes.
Ellie Coates, CEO at Fortescue Zero, says: “These innovative chargers are designed to be a safe, rugged, high power and scalable fast charging solution for multiple different vehicle applications.
“Leveraging our world-class capability in battery and charging solutions from motorsport, the fast chargers have been developed for the challenging conditions of the Pilbara.
“Equipped with robotic connection options, they will be able to power Fortescue’s future 240-tonne Liebherr T 264 battery electric trucks in just 30 minutes.”
