How to Decarbonise Industry Without Breaking the Grid (or the Bank)

Climate Confident

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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I sat down with Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service, to unpack one of the most overlooked but critical fronts in the climate transition: industrial decarbonisation.

Industry accounts for around a quarter of global energy-related carbon emissions, and much of that stems from outdated infrastructure, unreliable grids, and a historic reliance on cheap fossil fuels. Stuart leads a $1.4 billion division with 5,000 engineers working across 50 countries to modernise that very infrastructure, and in this conversation, he shared exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.

We explored:

• Why energy security, cost, and carbon goals often pull in different directions
• How modernising old assets can cut both emissions and costs - without ripping everything out
• Why battery storage “as-a-service” is taking off, especially when paired with AI for energy optimisation
• The role of the circular economy in electrification, from recycling components to extending asset life
• What’s holding companies back (hint: underinvestment and inertia), and how ABB is helping them move faster

If you’re a business leader navigating energy volatility, emissions targets, and infrastructure risk, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at how to align climate goals with operational needs.

Listen now to hear why electrification isn’t just about new tech - it’s about rethinking ownership models, resilience, and risk.

Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Chapters

1. How to Decarbonise Industry Without Breaking the Grid (or the Bank) (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson (00:30:17)

3. (Cont.) How to Decarbonise Industry Without Breaking the Grid (or the Bank) (00:30:55)

4. (Cont.) Untitled Episode (00:30:55)