Tuomo Hoysniemi

Division President , Drive Products , ABB

While transitioning from carbonintensive energy sources to renewables is the shortest route towards a net-zero carbon future , it ’ s not enough . We also need to make sure we use this renewable energy efficiently to create commercial value in a decarbonising economy , explains Tuomo Hoysniemi , Division President , Drive Products at ABB .

mproving energy efficiency is one of four key thrusts of the decarbonisation movement , together with developing clean , renewable energy sources , replacing carbon-intensive applications with electrified alternatives , and accelerating the roll-out of emerging technologies in areas such as hydrogen and carbon capture .

The International Energy Agency ( IEA ) regards energy efficiency improvements as essential to a sustainable future , terming it the “ first fuel ” in the drive towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050 .

The agency estimates that globally adopted energy efficiency measures could reduce energy use by seven percent by 2030 while still enabling the economy to grow by 40 percent . These measures can have an almost immediate impact using existing , readily available technology , such as variable speed drives ( VSDs ) paired with highefficiency electric motors .

Millions of electric motors power compressors , fans , pumps , conveyors , and other machinery in virtually every industry today . They range from heating , ventilation , and air conditioning systems to factory production lines and pumping equipment for water treatment and supply .

The truth is that motor efficiency levels have improved significantly – and because motors have a long service life , many older motors are still in service that do not meet the new efficiency levels . There is a huge opportunity to replace them with newer , more efficient motors and pair them with VSDs to maximise savings .