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ABB's Variable Speed Drives Power Sustainable Operations at Sydney Fish Market
Over 130 ABB ACH580-01 drives optimise HVAC performance, cutting energy use by up to 30%, enhancing BMS integration, and ensuring durability in demanding plant environments.
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Some of ABB's ACH580-01 drives installed inside the New Sydney Fish Market plant room.
The New Sydney Fish Market, located at Blackwattle Bay, is a transformative redevelopment led by Infrastructure NSW. The new market will include world-class seafood retail and dining, community spaces, and improved public access to the harbour (Source: NSW Government).
The sustainability of large-scale facilities depends on the efficient and innovative management of HVAC-R systems, where precise control and optimisation are essential to supporting reliable and cost-effective operations.
Project scope
The New Sydney Fish Market is one of Sydney’s most significant public infrastructure projects and has been designed to set new benchmarks in sustainability, efficiency, and visitor experience. To support the project’s ambitious environmental and operational goals, Equilibrium Climatech Joint Venture (ECJV) partnered with IPD to supply and commission ABB's ACH580-01 Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) across the facility’s HVAC systems.
This case study explores how ECJV, with the support of IPD and ABB technology, achieved measurable progress toward reducing energy consumption and ensuring long-term operational resilience. It provides insights into project requirements, the role of ABB VSDs in delivering efficiency, and the broader implications for future infrastructure projects.
“It’s been a privilege to support ECJV on the iconic New Sydney Fish Market project. Their collaborative approach made it easy to align on goals and deliver ABB HVAC VSDs that met the project's unique requirements. We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this world-class development to life,” said Sattam Rahman, Sales Development at IPD.
Modern infrastructure projects must balance architectural excellence with environmental responsibility and operational cost efficiency. HVAC systems, which typically account for a significant portion of a building’s energy consumption, present one of the most significant opportunities for achieving these goals.
In the case of the New Sydney Fish Market, HVAC design was not merely a technical requirement but a central element of the facility’s sustainability strategy. Energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems were needed to support the project’s vision of reducing environmental impact while meeting the comfort, safety, and reliability standards expected of a high-profile public facility.
About the customer
Equilibrium Climatech Joint Venture (ECJV) brings together the expertise of Equilibrium Air Conditioning and Climatech, two leaders in climate control engineering. The joint venture was awarded responsibility for the HVAC and refrigeration design and delivery of the New Fish Market.
Key customer objectives included:
The New Sydney Fish Market, located at Blackwattle Bay, is a transformative redevelopment led by Infrastructure NSW. The new market will include world-class seafood retail and dining, community spaces, and improved public access to the harbour (Source: NSW Government).
The sustainability of large-scale facilities depends on the efficient and innovative management of HVAC-R systems, where precise control and optimisation are essential to supporting reliable and cost-effective operations.
Project scope
The New Sydney Fish Market is one of Sydney’s most significant public infrastructure projects and has been designed to set new benchmarks in sustainability, efficiency, and visitor experience. To support the project’s ambitious environmental and operational goals, Equilibrium Climatech Joint Venture (ECJV) partnered with IPD to supply and commission ABB's ACH580-01 Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) across the facility’s HVAC systems.
This case study explores how ECJV, with the support of IPD and ABB technology, achieved measurable progress toward reducing energy consumption and ensuring long-term operational resilience. It provides insights into project requirements, the role of ABB VSDs in delivering efficiency, and the broader implications for future infrastructure projects.
“It’s been a privilege to support ECJV on the iconic New Sydney Fish Market project. Their collaborative approach made it easy to align on goals and deliver ABB HVAC VSDs that met the project's unique requirements. We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this world-class development to life,” said Sattam Rahman, Sales Development at IPD.
Modern infrastructure projects must balance architectural excellence with environmental responsibility and operational cost efficiency. HVAC systems, which typically account for a significant portion of a building’s energy consumption, present one of the most significant opportunities for achieving these goals.
In the case of the New Sydney Fish Market, HVAC design was not merely a technical requirement but a central element of the facility’s sustainability strategy. Energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems were needed to support the project’s vision of reducing environmental impact while meeting the comfort, safety, and reliability standards expected of a high-profile public facility.
About the customer
Equilibrium Climatech Joint Venture (ECJV) brings together the expertise of Equilibrium Air Conditioning and Climatech, two leaders in climate control engineering. The joint venture was awarded responsibility for the HVAC and refrigeration design and delivery of the New Fish Market.
Key customer objectives included:
- Designing a central cooling plant to cut carbon emissions (Source: Equilibrium).
- Delivering an HVAC solution that achieved a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions and reduced energy consumption by 5–30% compared to conventional systems (Source: Equilibrium).
- Implementing a system capable of integrating seamlessly with advanced Building Management Systems (BMS) for optimal monitoring and control (Source: Equilibrium).
IPD and ABB Australia were engaged to supply ABB’s VSDs on the New Sydney Fish Market project due to their proven product reliability and ability to support a true 24/7 operational environment. The project required robust and dependable solutions to maintain continuous performance across complex mechanical and refrigeration systems.
More than 130 ABB VSDs were supplied for this landmark development, covering a wide range of plant and equipment. The technical support and product knowledge provided by IPD and ABB Australia were consistently strong throughout procurement, installation, and commissioning.
“We value IPD and ABB Australia's proactive approach to meeting program requirements and their responsiveness to technical queries. The performance of the ABB VSDs to date gives us confidence in their long-term durability and suitability for high-demand commercial environments,” said Dean Corkin, Project Manager at Equilibrium.
Technology supplied
At the core of the HVAC solution are more than 130 ABB ACH580-01 VSDs, supplied by IPD. These drives were selected for their ability to provide:
More than 130 ABB VSDs were supplied for this landmark development, covering a wide range of plant and equipment. The technical support and product knowledge provided by IPD and ABB Australia were consistently strong throughout procurement, installation, and commissioning.
“We value IPD and ABB Australia's proactive approach to meeting program requirements and their responsiveness to technical queries. The performance of the ABB VSDs to date gives us confidence in their long-term durability and suitability for high-demand commercial environments,” said Dean Corkin, Project Manager at Equilibrium.
Technology supplied
At the core of the HVAC solution are more than 130 ABB ACH580-01 VSDs, supplied by IPD. These drives were selected for their ability to provide:
- Energy Efficiency: Optimising motor speeds to match real-time demand, significantly reducing wasted energy.
- Seamless BMS Integration: Built-in communication protocols ensure smooth interoperability with central building systems.
- Durability: Protection classes up to IP55, enabling installation in diverse plant room environments without additional enclosures.
- Ease of Installation & Maintenance: Compact design, embedded EMC filters, and efficient cooling options reduce capital and operational complexity.
- Application-Specific Control: Tailored to HVAC loads, including pumps, fans, and compressors, ensuring reliability and performance in mission-critical systems.
"Energy efficiency is at the core of ABB Drives’ mission, and we’re proud to be part of the transformation of the New Sydney Fish Market. ABB's ACH580 HVAC VSD is designed for simplicity, dependability, and energy-efficient performance in landmark infrastructure projects like this," said Josh Paikada, Segment Manager for HVAC & Infrastructure at ABB Australia.
Application within the facility
The ABB ACH580-01 drives are deployed extensively throughout the Fish Market’s plant rooms to control a wide range of operations, including:
Application within the facility
The ABB ACH580-01 drives are deployed extensively throughout the Fish Market’s plant rooms to control a wide range of operations, including:
- Water Systems: Pumps for chilled water, condenser water, and cooling tower operations.
- Air Systems: Supply fans, return fans, and exhaust fans to maintain optimal indoor environments.
Each drive connects to the building’s central BMS, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and fine-tuned operational control. This integration maximises efficiency during partial loads and peak demands, reducing wear on equipment and extending system life.
Inside the New Sydney Fish Market plant room.
Unique challenges addressed
With energy costs already reaching significant levels during construction, efficiency was a critical priority to help contain the much larger expenses expected once the facility becomes fully operational. The project team was tasked with achieving measurable reductions in emissions and energy consumption and demonstrating compliance with stringent sustainability targets set for the development.
Beyond efficiency, seamless integration with the building’s advanced management system (BMS) was essential to ensure precise monitoring and control ofHVAC operations. At the same time, the drives needed to deliver reliable performance in diverse plant room environments, some of which are exposed to challenging conditions such as moisture and dust.
These requirements placed robust demands on technology, making the selection of ABB's ACH580 drives an ideal solution.
The outcome
In the New Sydney Fish Market project, the adoption of the value-engineered secondary design will deliver an estimated 5–30% reduction in energy consumption compared with the original CO2 reference design. While both design options incorporated variable-speed drives, the efficiency gains are primarily attributable to the revised system configuration. These energy savings represent a significant point of differentiation in the overall build, reducing long-term operational demand and supporting sustainability objectives.
Beyond environmental gains, the technology enhances financial sustainability by optimising motor efficiency and significantly reducing electricity costs, ensuring the project remains economically viable over the long term. Operational reliability is further strengthened through the drives’ robust protection ratings, minimising downtime, while seamless connectivity with the building management system allows proactive monitoring and control.
In addition, the built-in IP55 protection and integrated EMC filters reduce the need for external enclosures and auxiliary components, resulting in lower capital outlay and simplified installation.
“Great results start with the best team, product, and support. Congratulations to ECJV on delivering the mechanical services for a new Sydney icon that future generations will admire, featuring energy-efficient ABB HVAC variable speed drives,” said Michael Linden, National Business Development at IPD.
The success of the HVAC system at the New Sydney Fish Market highlights the critical role of partnerships between suppliers, contractors, and technology providers. By working with IPD and ABB Australia, ECJV ensured the project met its stringent requirements for efficiency, emissions reduction, and operational resilience.
This case provides a model for future infrastructure projects that balance environmental responsibility with long-term financial viability.
www.abb.com
Inside the New Sydney Fish Market plant room.
Unique challenges addressed
With energy costs already reaching significant levels during construction, efficiency was a critical priority to help contain the much larger expenses expected once the facility becomes fully operational. The project team was tasked with achieving measurable reductions in emissions and energy consumption and demonstrating compliance with stringent sustainability targets set for the development.
Beyond efficiency, seamless integration with the building’s advanced management system (BMS) was essential to ensure precise monitoring and control ofHVAC operations. At the same time, the drives needed to deliver reliable performance in diverse plant room environments, some of which are exposed to challenging conditions such as moisture and dust.
These requirements placed robust demands on technology, making the selection of ABB's ACH580 drives an ideal solution.
The outcome
In the New Sydney Fish Market project, the adoption of the value-engineered secondary design will deliver an estimated 5–30% reduction in energy consumption compared with the original CO2 reference design. While both design options incorporated variable-speed drives, the efficiency gains are primarily attributable to the revised system configuration. These energy savings represent a significant point of differentiation in the overall build, reducing long-term operational demand and supporting sustainability objectives.
Beyond environmental gains, the technology enhances financial sustainability by optimising motor efficiency and significantly reducing electricity costs, ensuring the project remains economically viable over the long term. Operational reliability is further strengthened through the drives’ robust protection ratings, minimising downtime, while seamless connectivity with the building management system allows proactive monitoring and control.
In addition, the built-in IP55 protection and integrated EMC filters reduce the need for external enclosures and auxiliary components, resulting in lower capital outlay and simplified installation.
“Great results start with the best team, product, and support. Congratulations to ECJV on delivering the mechanical services for a new Sydney icon that future generations will admire, featuring energy-efficient ABB HVAC variable speed drives,” said Michael Linden, National Business Development at IPD.
The success of the HVAC system at the New Sydney Fish Market highlights the critical role of partnerships between suppliers, contractors, and technology providers. By working with IPD and ABB Australia, ECJV ensured the project met its stringent requirements for efficiency, emissions reduction, and operational resilience.
This case provides a model for future infrastructure projects that balance environmental responsibility with long-term financial viability.
www.abb.com
