From voluntary to mandatory: policy developments in electric motors between 2005 and 2009

Panel: Panel 5. Energy efficiency in industry

Authors:
Conrad U. Brunner, IEA 4E: operating Agent for EMSA, Switzerland
Nils Borg, Borg & Co, Sweden

Abstract

The energy efficiency potential of improved electric motor systems is estimated as 10% of global electricity demand. Motor systems to run pumps, fans, compressors and material handling & processing are the dominant electricity user in industry. The large energy efficiency potential is only slowly being tapped by national and international activities. Experiences of electric motor systems market transformation programmes between 2005 and 2009 are reported in this paper. The conflicts of various industry groups and competing standards and their impact on slowing energy efficiency market development are explained. The build-up is described as a dedicated Community of Practice in the Standards for Energy Efficiency of Electric Motors Systems (SEEEM) with various stakeholders to promote the global harmonization of energy efficiency standards and to promote effective measures for their implementation. The importance of international standardization of testing procedures and efficiency classes at IEC for full market transparency is emphasized. The impact of the European Ecodesign programme for motors is reviewed.

Lessons learnt and useful conclusions for other mass produced electric equipments are summarized. Rapid market transformation happens because many key players - institutions and individuals - understand and accept a common goal and contribute jointly to the systematic development of voluntary and mandatory instruments.