Energy-Efficient Industrial Motor-Driven Systems and Standards Toward Net Zero Carbon

Promoting energy-efficient technologies stands out as a highly cost-effective strategy for diminishing global energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. This contribution significantly aids global endeavors to mitigate climate change. Given that electric motor systems account for more than 50% of overall electricity consumption, substantial potential savings are associated with adopting energy-efficient motor-driven system technologies in new installations and replacing old inefficient motor systems in existing applications. Despite the robustness of industrial electric motors, with a potential service lifetime of over 20 years, the current global motor stock remains inefficient despite international policy initiatives, including minimum efficiency standards. This paper provides an overview of the next generation of industrial motor-driven system technologies, including the best commercially available AC motors, silicon-carbide variable-speed motor drives, regenerative drives, and digitalization. The paper also assesses the current installed base of electric motors, suggests potential policy measures to enhance industrial motor system efficiency, and estimates the energy savings associated with the widespread adoption of high-efficiency motors and motor-driven systems, which, at the World level, may reach 1000 TWh/year.