Solar panels generate DC power. Batteries store it. EVs, data centers, and industrial facilities consume it. The world's power systems are shifting to direct current. Linda Wennberg, Head of Sustainable Energy at ABB, explains how DC distribution will power the energy transition.
Why is Direct Current technology important for the energy transition?
Both power generation and storage are increasingly based on direct current (DC). Solar panels generate DC. Batteries store DC. Electric vehicles, LED lighting, data centers—they all consume DC. In the 20th century, we built systems around alternating current. But the actual sources and consumers have moved to DC.
The real opportunity is when power stays in DC throughout the system. When we eliminate AC-to-DC conversion steps, we reduce energy losses significantly. This means higher yields from renewable sources and lower losses when serving DC loads directly. DC system connecting solar generation, battery storage, and EV charging can operate 5-10% more efficiently than traditional AC systems with the same components. Every percentage gain accelerates the phase-out of fossil fuels.
How is demand for DC power expected to grow globally?
We’re projected to have 400 million electric vehicles on our roads by 2040. All need DC charging. Data centers will be consuming twice the electricity by 2030 and are moving to DC. Hydrogen production is ramping globally. And industrial facilities are integrating renewable energy and battery storage. DC will benefit large parts of the future economy.
Where are DC systems already deployed today?
DC systems are at work in most of the modern economy’s growth drivers. Electric vehicle charging stations; solar farms paired with battery storage; AI data centers are shifting to DC distribution; green hydrogen production facilities too. All are deploying now and are scaling to meet future demand.
The next step is DC microgrids. These are localized energy systems that generate, store, and distribute DC power to large buildings or industrial sites. They connect renewable generation, battery storage, and consumption in a single efficient system.
What innovations are needed to accelerate adoption of DC distribution?
Solid state devices—semiconductors—can respond at microsecond speeds. DC systems behave differently from the AC systems we've protected for 150 years. You need protection technology that can match the higher speed of their fault currents. Solid state circuit breakers can interrupt faults and manage power in DC systems with precision that mechanical switches cannot match.
How is ABB investing in DC distribution?
ABB is developing the components and systems that will help industries deploy DC at scale. Infinitus is the world's first solid state circuit breaker. With no moving parts, it responds 1000 times faster. It's safer and more reliable. And it works seamlessly in DC systems.
And we are continuously expanding the innovation ecosystem for Direct Current. We partner with startups and innovators developing the software tools, technologies and control systems making DC distribution viable. And our teams work with the industry giants committed to making their operations as efficient and sustainable as possible.