Why has energy efficiency, become the key factor in electric motor selection for global business leaders?

Written by Stefan Floeck , Division President IEC Low Voltage Motors at ABB

Businesses are embracing sustainability like never before and energy efficiency is no longer tomorrow’s promise, but today’s necessity. Despite the challenge of balancing the desire for immediate cost reductions with long-term investments, industrial players are recognizing the return on investment (ROI) of sustainable practices. Forward-thinking organizations understand that opting for energy efficient motors pave the path to enduring savings and a reduced environmental impact.

In June 2024, ABB engaged Sapio Research to conduct a survey of 2,400 business leaders, in 13 countries[1], to analyse global market trends. The study encompasses various industries, such as metals and chemicals, and involves participants from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. A key finding was that 91 percent of businesses said that energy efficiency now had a critical influence on their choice of electric motors. Furthermore, 94 percent of businesses are either currently investing or planning to invest in sustainability initiatives.

An emerging theme throughout the report is that end-user businesses are driven by customer pressure to prioritise sustainability, which leads to increased investment in energy efficiency. For energy-efficient motors, 88 percent of businesses consider an environmental product declaration (EPD) important. At IEC LV Motors, for example, we address this through EcoSolutions , our program offering full transparency on the environmental impact of our SynRM motors throughout their lifecycle.

Overall, we found that end-user organizations recognize the unparalleled benefits of energy-efficient motors, highlighting their critical role in minimizing carbon footprints and slashing energy expenses.

As businesses choose new motors, the focus has shifted from initial costs to long-term savings. Now, 99% of businesses track these savings as the main ROI from energy efficiency initiatives. Prioritizing total cost of ownership (TCO) is crucial, reflecting the value of high-quality motors and seamless system integration into existing systems.

The survey highlights six main takeaways on the subject:

1. Few companies fully integrate sustainability into their business strategy.
2. Most businesses recognize that energy-efficient motors help achieve sustainability goals.
3. Adoption barriers include high upfront costs, integration concerns, and potential production disruption.
4. Businesses prioritize total cost of ownership (TCO) when buying new electric motors.
5. The latest trends in industry are driving businesses to boost investment in digitalization.
6. There is strong interest in using e-commerce for B2B procurement.

The survey underscores the importance of energy efficiency for achieving sustainability and long-term profitability. ABB IEC LV Motors are at the forefront of this effort, demonstrating how investments in energy-efficient motors, like our cutting-edge IE6 SynRM technology , can boost operational efficiency and foster sustainable growth. With payback periods as short as a few months, these motors offer a compelling win-win for both the environment and the bottom line.

ABB’s IE6 SynRM hyper-efficient motors set a new standard in energy efficiency, reducing energy losses by 20% compared to IE5 motors. This exceptional efficiency not only cuts operational costs but also lessens environmental impact, making them the perfect choice for businesses dedicated to sustainability.

By embracing energy efficiency, businesses are not just acquiring better equipment; they are committing to a long-term vision where cost-efficiency and sustainability coexist.

[1] Conducted in June 2024, the research gathered responses from industrial decision-makers across the UK, US, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, UAE, Japan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Korea, and India. Respondents represented a range of industries, such as manufacturers of OEM machinery, energy/power, food and beverage, metals, and chemicals