Energy efficiency decisive factor for electric motor choice ABB research shows
Electrification and automation company ABB[1] commissioned independent research conducted by Sapio Research[2] who surveyed 2,400 global businesses about efficiency, sustainability, digitalisation, and electric motors. The results found energy efficiency is now the salient factor in determining what electric motor a company purchases. Responses came from the UK, US, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, Japan, UAE, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Korea, and India and was conducted in June 2024.
Respondents ranged from OEM machinery, energy and power, food and beverages, metals, and chemicals.
91% of respondents stated energy efficiency has a critical influence on electric motor choice. Stefan Floeck, division president IEC low voltage motors, ABB Motion said: "This survey provides a valuable insight into how businesses are prioritizing energy efficiency not just to meet sustainability targets but also to gain measurable financial returns." A further 94% of businesses are either planning or are investing in sustainability initiatives.
Companies recognize energy efficiency motors can add value to processes and reduce operating costs. End user businesses have a greater emphasis on sustainability, potentially due to the pressures of customers, leading to an increased investment in energy efficiency. This translates to what businesses prioritise when purchasing electric motors.
88% consider it important for manufacturers to produce an environmental product declaration (EPD). ABB aims to address these concerns using EcoSolutions, a program designed to provide transparency on environmental impact of products across lifecycle. Floeck added: "ABB is already playing a critical role in this development by demonstrating how investing in state-of-the-art energy-efficient electric motors, such as our IE6 SynRM technology, can enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable growth.
With payback periods often measured in months rather than years the result is a win-win for both the environment and the bottom line." High upfront costs, integration with existing systems, and potential production disruptions all act as a battery to entry for companies adopting energy efficient technologies. With high turnover companies, upfront costs are a greater barrier.
Other companies are tracking costs over lifetime of investment which is causing some companies to use efficiency initiatives.
References
- ^ ABB (global.abb)
- ^ Sapio Research (sapioresearch.com)