In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Stuart Thompson, president of ABB’s Electrification Service Division, to discuss how industrial companies are simultaneously rethinking energy security, reliability and sustainability.
Stuart brings a grounded perspective from running a global service business that supports millions of electrical installations in dozens of countries, often in environments where uptime is non-negotiable. Our conversation focuses on the practical choices leaders are making right now as they try to balance financial pressures with long-term climate commitments.
We explain why modernization has become such a powerful lever. Rather than ripping out entire systems, Stuart explains that upgrading the intelligent components within existing electrical infrastructure can extend asset life, improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions without the costs and disruption of full replacement.
We also discuss the extent of unplanned outages across industries, why they are so common, and how predictive approaches are changing maintenance economics by shifting attention from capital-intensive projects to smarter operating models.
Technology plays a major role in this shift. Stuart explains how ABB uses AI to anticipate disruptions, take into account external signals such as weather and energy prices, and enable faster decision-making. We also discuss the growing role of augmented reality in service delivery, where remote expertise can reduce downtime and improve safety.
From there, the conversation turns to energy security and the rise of Battery Energy Storage as a Service, including how on-site behind-the-meter storage can help organizations manage volatility, protect operations and even create new financial advantage through intelligent energy trading.
We conclude with a look ahead to 2026 and beyond, including trends Stuart is tracking in electrification, safety standards, advisory services and asset intelligence, as well as a preview of a significant ABB investment in asset management technology. After listening I would like to know your opinion.
Are modernization and service-oriented models the missing link between the sustainability ambition and the actual results, and how is your organization currently dealing with the energy challenge?
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