EU Votes In Energy Efficiency For Electric Motors

Posted on 17. Mar, 2009 by Ross in Europe, Government Policy

Minimum energy efficiency standards for industrial electric motors have been unanimously agreed by the European Commission in part of their drive to ensure a widespread reduction in carbon emissions and energy usage. The energy efficiency standards, relating to high-efficiency (IE2) and premium-efficiency (IE3) electric motors, will be phased in gradually between 2011-2017.

Electric, or AC induction, motors are used in industry for a wide array of processes such as pumping, stamping, crushing, compressing and ventilating, as well as in lifts and conveyor belts. They use 600 TWh/year in the European Union and the Commission believe that about a third of this amount could be saved through energy efficiency upgrading actions in a cost-effective manner. Energy-saving motor controllers such as the Somar Integra are able to make a significant impact on the energy costs of AC induction motors, saving up to 40% of the motor’s running costs.

In the UK, electric motors currently contribute significantly to non-domestic electricity consumption and account for over 70 per cent of the electricity used in industry. The new efficiency regulations will set minimum energy standards in motors and are expected to provide net benefits to UK industry and businesses of around