Jan 7, 09


Stuff

Better motors "could save 100 million tons of CO2"


motors.jpg

Everyone knows that efficiency helps, but do you know how much it helps, and what the most important targets for efficiency improvement are? Well, now you can get some numbers on a big culprit: electric motors. ENDS Environment Daily reported in May about a study done by the European Copper Institute. The study shows that switching industry over to more efficient motors could save:

  • 202 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year
  • 10 billion Euros per year in electricity costs
  • another &euro 5-10 billion or so in reduced maintenance costs
  • &euro 6 billion per year in "reduced environmental costs"
  • 79-100 million tons of CO2 emissions, "equivalent to one quarter of the EU15's Kyoto commitment." Also equivalent to planting a forest the size of Finland every year.
  • 45 GW of power plants that wouldn't need to be built in the next 20 years
  • 6% of Europe's energy imports

    "The study recommends a four-year, &euro 400 million package of measures including audits of industrial energy systems, financial incentives for energy-saving projects, the possibility to claim emission credits for investment in energy saving, and an information campaign.

    Motor-driven systems used 614 billion KWh in the EU15 in 2000, the study says, representing 65% of industrial electricity consumption. Introducing energy-saving measures has a relatively short pay-back time, but shortages of capital, knowledge or motivation combine to create significant barriers.

    Regulatory and financial measures, alongside better information and technical support, are identified as key elements that would help overcome these barriers."

  • Bookmark and Share

    Help us change the world - DONATE NOW!

    Comments

    In America, most electric motors in households are do to cooling of something. Fridges and AC units use motors to drive a compressor, computers have fans, and we use fans to cool our interiors (at least we do in Texas ;-) )

    The only other use of motors is in washing machines and dryers and dish washers.

    Am I missing any?

    Posted by: Adam on June 30, 2004 2:30 PM

    The study was referring to industry, where motors run conveyor belts, machines, etc. as well as HVAC stuff.
    Overall (residential + industrial + commercial), motors use more like 40% of all electricity.

    Posted by: Jer on July 1, 2004 9:37 AM

    EMAIL THIS ENTRY TO:



    YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS:



    MESSAGE (optional):



    Our Mission

    worldchanging was founded on the idea that real solutions already exist for building the future we want. it's just a matter of grabbing hold and getting moving.

    About Worldchanging
    Worldchanging Team Members

    What else are we up to?
    Find Out Now
    Feedback

    "The most important web site on the planet."

    - Bruce Sterling

    Speak Up

    Have an idea or know about a great new tool or solution? We want to know about it!

    Suggest a Story
    Submission Guidelines


    Contact Us

    Editor
    Advertising


    Credits

    Design:
    Matt Chapman

    Logo Design:
    Egg

    Hosting, Development, and Technical Management: