Electric motors transform electrical energy into mechanical energy, powering everything from household appliances to equipment in commercial buildings and industrial facilities. They are essential components of electric motor-driven systems (EMDS), which currently account for around 30% of global electricity demand¹.

Industrial motors, in particular, are the main drivers behind increasing global demand for electricity², with approximately 65% of industry’s electricity consumption powering motor-driven systems³. Yet, despite their crucial role, many motors and motor systems are outdated and inefficient. The International Energy Agency reports that low efficiency motors represent two-thirds of the current global stock⁴. This contributes heavily to energy waste and increasing carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, CLASP’s initiatives in China, the European Union, India, and the United States aim to avoid up to nine gigatons of CO₂ emissions by 2050.

Improving the energy efficiency of electric motors and EMDS presents significant potential for reducing electricity demand and curbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. By partnering with national stakeholders to raise standards, implementing replacement incentive programs, and promoting cross-sector collaboration, CLASP is driving global efforts to unlock this potential.

CLASP’s global efforts to make motors more efficient

In Brazil, a partnership between CLASP and the Ministry of Mines and Energy is paving the way for an ambitious new regulatory agenda. This aims to establish the country’s first-ever efficiency standards for pumps and air compressors by 2027. Setting minimum efficiency standards helps phase out the least efficient models and prevents businesses from getting stuck with outdated, energy-wasting technologies. CLASP will continue working closely with the Ministry to help ensure the timely completion of the regulatory agenda and the implementation of key policies in the next two years.

Meanwhile, China is making significant strides in industrial efficiency and the potential benefits of improving motor efficiency are immense. Motors represent 55% of the country’s total energy consumption and 75% of its industrial energy use⁵. Since 2023, CLASP has supported the China National Institute of Standardization in developing two new efficiency standards for high-voltage induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors. These new standards are expected to cut 920 megatons of CO₂ emissions by 2040. They will also position China as the first country to adopt a policy exceeding the world’s most energy-efficient motor standard, IE5, setting a new benchmark for global industrial standards.

Motors account for over 50% of India’s industrial electricity consumption⁶. CLASP is supporting the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in strengthening efficiency standards for three-phase induction motors and providing technical assistance for a new labeling program for single-phase induction motors to meet growing demand. Together, the labeling programs for three-phase and single-phase induction motors are expected to save approximately 30.1 terawatt hours of electricity and reduce 23.83 megatons of CO₂ emissions, contributing significantly to India’s energy efficiency and climate goals.

CLASP, in partnership with SAMA^Verte, is helping build a competitive, sustainable motor industry in Pakistan. Through the Industry Accelerator program, local manufacturers gain access to technical expertise and resources to produce high-efficiency components for electric motors. The program strengthens the local manufacturing sector by reducing dependency on imports and enabling businesses to expand their market share. For industries that rely on these motors, the shift toward high-efficiency components translates into lower energy costs and reduced emissions. By 2050, the program is expected to reduce 12.8 megatons of CO₂ emissions and improve motor efficiency by 10%.

These initiatives, along with CLASP’s upcoming projects in other countries, will help reduce global energy consumption, increase industrial energy efficiency, and support industry in shifting to more environmentally-friendly processes. CLASP collaborates with policymakers, industry leaders, and other experts to create a more sustainable future for people and the planet.

Are you interested in driving industrial innovation in your region? Connect with CLASP to explore collaboration opportunities.

China is advancing its climate goals through enhanced appliance energy efficiency. Since 2022, CLASP has provided analysis and data to the China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS) for the improvement of efficiency policies for key industrial and household appliances including heat pumps, water chillers, and power transformers. The expected efficiency gains include:

• 15-20% efficiency boost for renewable energy transformers
• 10-15% efficiency improvement for low ambient air-source heat pumps

These policies will be implemented in 2025 and are projected to contribute to a CO2 emission reduction of 660 megatons (Mt) by 2040.

A global efficiency breakthrough for renewables

Power transformers are integral to electricity delivery but tend to be outdated and inefficient. In 2017, global power transformer losses totaled 1,100 terawatt hours (TWh) —equal to Japan’s annual electricity consumption. China’s updated appliance efficiency policies are the first worldwide to specifically include renewable energy transformers, reducing transmission losses and enhancing the efficiency of wind and solar power generation. As the country aims to power 70% of its economy with renewables by 2030, this initiative supports the broader goal of accessible and affordable clean energy.

“These achievements highlight our shared commitment to tackling climate change through energy efficiency. The revised efficiency policies set a significant precedent and showcase the value of international cooperation in advancing appliance efficiency policies,” said Steven Zeng, China Program Director at CLASP.

“We’re pleased to see our collaboration with CLASP lead to the launch of these important policies. This progress aligns with China’s focus on refining energy consumption and improving product standards, driving green transformation in the market,” added Cheng Jianhong, a lead researcher from CNIS.

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Supporting China’s Path to High-Efficiency Cooling

Collaborating to Transform China’s Energy Landscape

Addressing China’s Climate Comfort Dilemma

The recent China Refrigeration Symposium 2024 and the China Cooling Expo 2024 took place in Beijing. China also announced it will promote the use of CO₂ and other natural refrigerants to reduce the harmful environmental impact of cooling systems.

CLASP was there too, to present our global research on the interlinked climate and sustainable development opportunities affordable, efficient cooling appliances can bring, as well as the policy mechanisms that can expedite a country’s transition to efficiency. CLASP research indicates that improved appliance efficiency policies in China would reduce 500 million tons of CO₂ by 2040.

CLASP has supported data and analysis to support China’s policy upgrades for commercial refrigerators, room air conditioners among other appliances. The China Labeling Program covers more than 150 appliances and emphasizes high efficiency standards.

The China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS) and leading universities like Southeast University develop frameworks for improved efficiency policies.

“CLASP has provided international best practices to CNIS and immense support to our technical teams, helping us make significant progress in improving appliance energy efficiency in China. Our efforts will help the country meet its commitments of peaking carbon emission by 2030, and reaching carbon neutrality before 2060,” said Liqiang Xing, Director of Resource & Environment, CNIS.

CLASP’s research highlights the opportunity and urgency needed for concerted global efforts to achieve high-efficiency cooling solutions. “The critical role of policymaking in implementation of high-efficiency technologies cannot be overstated. Chinese leaders who set strict standards for energy efficiency are a beacon for the global community”, said Steven Zeng, CLASP’s Program Lead in China.

As CLASP continues to collaborate with international policymakers, industry stakeholders and global partners, momentum for high-efficient cooling is picking up pace. By leveraging collective expertise and shared goals, the path to a more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable future for cooling systems is increasingly attainable.

China’s chief administrative authority, State Council, and the National Cabinet, in its recent policy documents, underscored the importance of energy efficiency especially in sectors like appliances, to achieve 13.5% reduction in national energy demand by 2025.

Electric motors are responsible for over 50% of China’s electricity consumption. Increasing their energy efficiency is a huge opportunity to reduce electricity demand.

In CLASP’s latest publication, Net Zero Heroes, motors contribute to 16% of total emissions by appliances globally. China National Insitute of Standardization (CNIS), and CLASP played a pivotal role in updating a critical standard for permanent magnet synchronous motors. China’s commitment to surpassing IE5 or Ultra-Premium Efficiency levels is a global first, with CLASP’s China Director, Steven Zeng noting, ”China’s initiative will raise worldwide awareness of the efficiency potential of motors.” Together with revised MEPS for high voltage motors, this initiative is set to cut 920 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2040.

In a groundbreaking move, CLASP is extending its impact to renewable energy transformers, addressing crucial components in solar, wind and energy storage facilities. These transformers play a key role in the transmission and distribution of electrical power generated from renewable sources and contribute to the efficiency, reliability, and stability of renewable energy infrastructure.

The draft of the updated MEPS is now open for public opinions and review. If adopted, China will be the first country globally to establish MEPS for renewable energy transformers, and is projected to prevent 260 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2050. Zhu Jing, lead researcher at the China National Laboratory of Wind Power Equipment and Control, notes this significance, stating, “Adopting a standardized method for sustainable power transformers contributes to green transitions, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders.”

These innovative policy frameworks are part of CLASP’s global efforts towards appliance efficiency, carried out in collaboration with partners all around the globe. CLASP works to enhance access to affordable, energy-efficient appliances to improve the lives of people and reduce the impact on our climate.

China’s recent exposure to extreme weather has heightened the demand for indoor comfort, with an estimated 39% of the population relying on ACs as their main heating source during winters. However, a pressing issue looms as 85% of the ACs in the Chinese market come equipped with an energy-inefficient auxiliary heating system. The lack of proper regulation in the current Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) allows manufacturers to opt for low-cost, energy-consuming auxiliary heating systems. This results in higher electricity bills for consumers who remain unaware of the system’s inefficiency due to inadequate disclosure requirements in MEPS and energy labels.⁷

CLASP and experts from Beijing University of Technology to researching and testing potential new standards focused on auxiliary heating.

The upgraded energy policies for ACs could lower energy bills for 550 million people in China.

Regulations for People and Planet

Steven Zeng, Director – China Program at CLASP, emphasizes the benefits of regulating auxiliary heating. He notes that informed consumer choices will reduce unnecessary costs, while manufactures will be incentivized to develop more efficient systems or adopt more advanced energy-saving technologies. Drawing on global examples of manufacturers phasing out auxiliary systems, Zeng asserts that China has the potential to follow suit.

Charting a Greener, More Comfortable Future 

CLASP plans to conduct feasibility and methodological studies to identify alternative technical solutions, eliminating or restricting the operation of auxiliary heating heating systems in the AC units to consume less energy. Subsequently, CLASP will suggest a revision of Chinese MEPS and energy labels to align with EU standards, ensuring compatibility and transparent communication of energy efficiency information to consumers.

Professor Hongqi Li from Beijing University of Technology, a cooling and heating expert, underscores the significance of the collaborative study with CLASP in providing evidence for auxiliary heating’s impact on the energy efficiency of ACs. He anticipates that the research will lay a crucial foundation for future MEPS revisions

Led by Dr. Hongqi Li and his team, this joint effort between CLASP and from the Beijing University of Technology signifies a concerted push towards a more energy-efficient future for ACs in China.

At the China Heat Pump Annual Conference in Nanjing, CLASP presented new research on the opportunity to employ technology-neutral policies to scale adoption of energy-efficient heat pumps. CLASP and partners found that requiring heating technologies sold in the country to meet a new minimum energy threshold can reduce a total of 2.25 billion tons of CO2 by 2060.

Policy opportunities to spur heat pump market growth 

Heat pumps constitute only 3% and 5% of China’s national water heater and space heating markets, respectively (2021). To drive further adoption, CLASP looked into the opportunity for a unified energy efficiency standard and test method. A unified test method, otherwise known as ‘technology-neutral,’ means that all types of heating technologies – gas and electric resistant, as well as heat pumps – will be required to use the same energy efficiency measurement metrics and classification schemes.

Using analysis from World’s Best MEPS, CLASP’s Matt Malinowski spoke virtually on policy instruments to shift from fossil fuel-run heating technologies to heat pumps, which can be 100% more efficient. He noted that technology-neutral performance standards and labels have already assisted consumers in other regions, like the European Union, identify and select heat pumps as the most efficient option. Malinowski also discussed how CLASP’s policy toolkit could be applied for global mass heat pump deployment.

Verifying a unified water heater policy in China

Since 2022, CLASP, CNIS, and the test lab CVC tested the validity of China’s first unified test method⁸ for water heaters. At the Conference, CLASP’s Bo Hu shared insights – finding that the test method is valid and ready to be promoted as a national-level policy.

“The test method provided strong evidence that heat pump water heaters are more climate friendly – in terms of energy efficiency and carbon emission reductions – compared to gas and electric water heaters. With improvements, this standard will lay a solid foundation for a unified policy for water heaters in China.” – Bo Hu, Technical Manager at CLASP.

Heat pumps support net zero ambitions 

Bo Hu also presented the modeled scenario for the transition to high efficiency and the best heating technologies – finding significant reductions in carbon emissions by 2060.

The climate impacts of these policies would be significant: a reduction of 2.25 billion tons of CO2 by 2060. In a new report⁹, CLASP and partner CHPA found that heat pumps are a critical technology for the decarbonization of heat in domestic building sector and a “necessary pathway” for China to realize its 2060 net zero goal. Heat pumps deployed in newly built ultra-low energy buildings across China will save 210 GJ of energy and 69.4 million tCO2 by 2035.

“By working with our fantastic partners, we are proud to be part of the nation’s commitment and efforts in promoting heat pump. Technology-neutral MEPS and labels are key drivers for efficiency improvement and widespread proliferation. CLASP will continue support Chinese stakeholders further the market for heat pumps.” – Steven Zeng, Director of CLASP China.

China Heat Pump Annual Conference is the largest heat pump event in China, organized and hosted by China Energy Conservation Association. This year, more than 1,500 participants gathered together do discuss technology development, policy innovation and market opportunities.