Skip to content

Renewable Energy

IEA report says efficient electric-motors could slash emissions

by Martin Leggett 20 May 2011
IEA report says efficient electric-motors could slash emissions

They are the invisible workhorses of our homes, farms and factories - the electric motors that drive pumps, heating and ventilation systems, lifts and fans - in a myriad of different machines and systems.

But their low profile belies their massive importance as consumers of electrical power. And a new report from the IEA (International Energy Agency), published Thursday, foresees the drain on the grid of electric motor-driven systems (EDMS) as spiking, by nearly half by 2030 - unless action is taken to rein in their power consumption.

The report, which focuses in on this often neglected part of our energy use, reveals some startling facts. Electric motors, it turns out, consume the biggest slice of worldwide electrical energy, at 43-46%. Compare that to the measly 19% used for lighting. The increasing power drain of EDMS is a worrying complication for dealing with global warming - being responsible for an extra 8,570 Mt of CO2 per year, if nothing is done to curb energy use.

But is is also a big opportunity - if electric motors can be made more energy-efficient, there will be big pay-backs, in terms of reduced electricity consumption, lower user bills, and fewer emissions. And the report goes into some detail, showing what can be done to turn a carbon mill-stone into a potential game-changer for greenhouse gas emissions.

First off, the IEA authors would like to see a set of minimum energy efficiency standards for these EDMS devices across the world - standards that countries will sign up to, and enforce. If the most efficient of today's electric motors were deployed over the globe, there would be an immediate saving of 4-5% in electric power consumption. And if that cost-effectiveness approach was applied to the machines and systems that the motors are attached to, another 15-25% could be slashed off of global electricity use.

The technical routes to achieving savings are also explored. Motors need to correctly sized for the task at hand; they need to use adjustable speed motors, to match torque to workload; and the whole system, from gears and transmission, to the equipment the motors are hooked up to, need to be optimized to reduce power-use as a whole.

Put all these pieces of the puzzle together, and the report sees the planet saving big time. Theoretically, nearly 4,000 TWh of annual electricity demand could be saved by 2030 - which equates to 2,490 Mt of CO2 emissions. Given that this is the equivalent to half of total US annual CO2 emissions for 2008, and the size of the prize becomes apparent. For all their quiet whirring in the background, electric motors could be one of the biggest noise-makers in tackling global warming.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping