Energy-efficient motors offer compliance and cost savings

The first phase of the EU MEPS programme will be implemented in June 2011, requiring that all two-, four- and six-pole single-speed, three-phase AC motors from 0.75kW to 375kW, manufactured from June 2011, must meet a minimum efficiency of IE2, previously known as EFF1. Products below this energy efficiency standard - categorised as IE1 (formerly EFF2) - cannot be manufactured for sale in the UK and Europe from 16 June 2011.

This European legislation is intended to help reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions attributable to industry. In the UK, the government has estimated this legislation will help save industry around 200m per annum and reduce CO2 emissions by around one million tonnes per year.

Early adoption

However, Brammer believes that where a motor needs to be replaced or an investment made in new equipment it makes sound business sense to purchase an energy-efficient motor even before the EU MEPS comes into force. This will enable companies to benefit immediately from greater energy efficiency, reductions in carbon emissions and the potential for improved productivity and reliability.

Jeremy Salisbury, head of marketing at Brammer, explains: "Accounting for around two-thirds of electricity consumption in UK manufacturing, motors clearly represent an area where significant savings can be made if the most energy-efficient products are specified.

"The Directive simply legislates what is actually best practice in motor management - specifying the most energy-efficient product, of the correct size and duty, for the job.

"The cost of changing from an EFF3 or EFF2 motor to an IE2 product will, in most cases, be more than outweighed by the savings achievable through improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions - particularly if companies take advantage of the financial support available for investment in energy-efficient technology through schemes such as the Enhanced Capital Allowance [ECA] and, for SMEs, the Carbon Trust loan scheme."

The Directive is being introduced in three phases. In the second phase, which comes into force on 1 January 2015, motors rated from 7.5kW to 375kW will either have to achieve the higher IE3 efficiency level or meet the IE2 level and be fitted with a variable-speed drive (VSD). From 2017, these rules will be extended to cover motors as small as 0.75kW.

Follow the links for more information about motors and energy savings on the Brammer website.