It’s time to turn intention into action on motor efficiency

Drawing on research published in a whitepaper from ABB, Chris Callander, Editor of Flow magazine, considers whether industry is truly ready to turn commitment into action where the efficiency of electric motors is concerned.

A recent whitepaper from ABB, “Energy Efficiency: The Decisive Factor”, presents compelling evidence that industrial businesses are increasingly recognising energy efficiency as central to both operational resilience and sustainability. For those working with pumps and motor-driven systems, the findings serve as a clear signal: Industry is approaching a turning point – but has not yet crossed it.

The research, which draws on responses from 2,400 industry leaders across 13 countries, reveals that energy efficiency is now the primary consideration for 91% of organisations when selecting electric motors. This is a significant and encouraging shift in mindset. Yet, beneath the headline figures, the study highlights a gap between intention and implementation that cannot be overlooked.

A critical opportunity

Electric motors account for around 70% of industrial electricity use. With over 300 million motors currently in operation globally, the opportunity for efficiency gains is enormous. According to the International Energy Agency, simply upgrading all currently installed motors to more efficient models could cut global electricity consumption by up to 10%.

The whitepaper emphasises that improvements in motor systems – particularly when combined with variable speed drives – can deliver substantial savings in both energy use and emissions. In one example, a German pump manufacturer using ABB’s IE5 SynRM motors and drives achieved annual savings of nearly 16MWh and reduced emissions by 7,800kg. When supported by incentive schemes, such upgrades can offer payback periods of less than a month.

Barriers to Progress

Despite these benefits, many businesses continue to select motors based primarily on initial cost rather than total cost of ownership (TCO). Only 41% of surveyed businesses cite TCO as their main purchasing criterion. Concerns over upfront costs, integration with existing systems, and potential operational disruptions remain significant barriers.

These are not trivial considerations – particularly for companies operating in highly cost-sensitive environments – but the data suggests that they are often compounded by internal limitations such as a lack of in-house expertise, limited resources to build a business case, and uncertainty about ROI.

Interestingly, the study also points to differences across the value chain. End-users, who tend to be more directly accountable to their customers and more sensitive to brand perception, are leading the way on sustainability. OEMs and distributors, on the other hand, appear to be more focused on cost and less aligned with long-term efficiency goals. This disconnect is a structural issue that could slow the broader market transformation.

The way forward

The transition to higher-efficiency motor systems requires a collaborative effort across the supply chain, underpinned by clear financial rationale and supported by policy where appropriate. The whitepaper recommends several actions that can accelerate adoption, including greater education and training, integrated procurement of motor and drive systems, and the wider use of digital technologies for performance monitoring and maintenance.

Digitalisation, in particular, presents a strong case for action. Almost all respondents (99%) acknowledge the value of digitally connected motors, with AI-driven predictive maintenance and performance insights cited as key advantages. This is especially relevant in sectors such as water, wastewater, and food processing, where uptime and efficiency are closely linked.

There is also a growing call for transparency. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming more important, especially for end-users who wish to demonstrate the environmental credentials of their operations to customers and regulators alike.

Is industry ready?

The majority of businesses – 94% – are either investing or planning to invest in energy efficiency. This is a positive signal. However, the readiness to act varies considerably across organisations. While some have fully integrated sustainability into their business strategies, many are still taking initial steps or waiting for external pressures – such as regulation or customer demand – to force their hand.

The question, then, is not whether change is necessary. That is no longer in doubt. The question is whether industry is genuinely ready to move beyond intent and begin making efficiency the standard, not the exception.

As energy demand rises and regulatory expectations sharpen, the time for incrementalism is over. For the pump and process industries, electric motors are not just components – they are key levers for enhancing performance, driving profitability, and promoting environmental responsibility. The challenge now is to ensure that the decisions made today reflect the realities of tomorrow.