EU puts its spin on efficiency

Measures have came into force that could potentially save as much electricity per year by 2020 as the current annual energy use of 32 million European households. The European Minimum […]

Measures have came into force that could potentially save as much electricity per year by 2020 as the current annual energy use of 32 million European households.

The European Minimum Energy Performance Standard covers motors from 0.75 kW up to those of 375 kW and requires manufacturers to show the international efficiency class of the motors. The new efficiency measures are expected to save 135 TWh of electricity per year by 2020, which equates to saving €12bn per year at current electricity prices.

Electric motors are the single biggest consumer of electricity. According to the International Energy Agency they account for 45% of global electricity.

Joe Hogan, ABB Chief Executive Officer said: “The IEA study says it is feasible as well as cost-effective to save about 20-30% of total motor power consumption, which is 9-14% of all global electricity consumption. And this is just half of the reduction in electricity consumption that can be achieved by using modern technology at all stages of the generation, distribution and use of power.”

ABB produce power and automation technologies that enable customers to improve their performance and lower environmental impact.

Mr Hogan said companies could make savings in the long run: “The main challenge to realising the large unfulfilled potential that could be achieved with today’s technology is a lack of awareness about the benefits of the available options.

This shows up clearly in a global survey of manufacturing executives conducted this year by the Economist Intelligence Unit on behalf of ABB. It found that 60% of manufacturers had not invested in improving the energy efficiency of their capital, plant and equipment over the past three years.”

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