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 Yet, despite their crucial role, many motors and motor systems are outdated and inefficient.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minimum efficiency standards helps phase out the least efficient models and prevents businesses from getting stuck with outdated, energy-wasting technologies.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.

Related articles:  

CLASP Supports Pakistan Government’s Efforts with Cooling Needs Assessment

Improving Appliances, Changing Lives: Pakistan’s Industry Accelerator

Paving Pakistan’s Pathway to Efficient Cooling

Boosting Industrial Competitiveness in Pakistan

Bridging the Innovation Gap: Pakistani Manufacturers Tour Chinese Test Facility

Pakistan faces one of the highest cooling demands globally, ranking fifth in a recent study⁷. Despite this, access to cooling remains low, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable to heat-related risks. In response to this challenge, CLASP and local partner SAMA^Verte have collaborated with the Pakistan Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to conduct a comprehensive Cooling Needs Assessment (CNA) to inform strategic initiatives, and serve as a foundation for a Pakistan Cooling Action Plan (PCAP).

The CNA analyzed the current state of cooling demand and notes that, while temperatures are rising, many households lack access to adequate space cooling and refrigeration. Although nearly all households have at least one electric fan, only 11% of households own an air conditioner, while 55% refrigerator ownership and limited use of cold chain technology create food safety and waste issues. Additionally, barriers such as access to a steady electricity supply and the affordability of cooling appliances hinder widespread adoption, particularly for the 26% of the population not connected to the grid.

The CNA provides insights into the existing policy landscape, current cooling demand, and future projections under different policy scenarios, which were used to guide the selection of priority interventions for the PCAP.  A comprehensive assessment focused on key cooling appliances – domestic and commercial refrigeration, domestic air conditioning and electric comfort fans – with largest potential for energy consumption and emissions reduction. The data was gathered though extensive consultative processes. The main CNA results include:

• In a Business-As-Usual scenario, indirect emissions from the priority cooling appliances are responsible for 86% of the total emissions, with direct emissions from the refrigerants accounting for only 14%.
• Of the indirect emissions, the emissions resulting from the use of fans are the highest at 54% of the total, but fans also offer the greatest potential for reducing energy consumption and emissions.
• Without policy intervention, between 2024-2030, Pakistan’s cumulative energy consumption and indirect CO₂ emissions from the priority cooling appliances are projected to reach 695.4 TWh and 326.8 megatons (Mt) respectively.

As Pakistan continues its journey towards becoming the world’s 20th largest economy by 2030, the PCAP will play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable and efficient cooling, aligning with the country’s development and climate ambitions. Increasing access to affordable, efficient cooling will ease the strain on national power grids and reduce consumers’ energy bills.

Building on the analysis in the CNA, the PCAP details concrete interventions to effectively manage the projected growth in cooling demand associated emissions, and reduce the cooling access gap. The PCAP has been finalized and is currently in the process of approval by the government of Pakistan.

The developments of CNA and PCAP were funded by Clean Cooling Collaborative.

Download the full Cooling Needs Assessment report here.

CLASP is running an industrial accelerator program in Pakistan to spur innovation and improve appliance efficiency. The program leverages international production and design experts to collaborate with local industry manufacturers to enhance the energy efficiency of water heaters and motors.  Improved energy efficiency will reduce demand on the national power grid, reduce energy costs for consumers, and produce less climate emissions.

This Industry Accelerator has two main components: strengthen capacity for testing labs and provide technical support for manufacturers to improve their products to prepare for the upcoming regulations.

The Need for Reliable Testing Laboratories

In Pakistan’s appliance and equipment manufacturing sector, reliable, independent appliance test laboratories are starting to emerge. Test labs support manufacturers in assessing efficiency levels of their appliances, and their presence is crucial to accelerating efficiency, innovation and quality. They will also be essential in measuring the performance of regulated products for compliance once Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labeling regulations are rolled out.

Strengthening Lab Capacity Through Partnerships with Private Sector

Recognizing the need for both industry-based and independent test laboratories that are able to provide reliable and accurate test results, CLASP facilitated public-private partnerships with major air conditioner and motor manufacturers in Pakistan. CLASP also collaborated major manufacturers to support the capacity building of existing labs such as Centre for Energy Research & Development, Pakistan (CERAD). The training included upskilling the lab technicians’ proficiency in protocols, test methodologies, and enhancing verification process to prove that testing is reliable.

Learning from International Best Practice

CLASP partnered with motor testing expert from Turkish National Standards Institute (TSE) who are working in Pakistan and remotely to help strengthen the capacity of three motors labs at the Information Technology University (ITU), the Gujranwala Institute of Future Technology (GIFT) and CERAD. TSE have provided advice not only on lab equipment set up, but have undertaken extensive testing alongside the Pakistani technical staff to ensure their ability to test products and analyze results according to the IEC testing standards.

To gain insights on producing more efficient water heaters, a delegation of Pakistani manufacturers visited China’s renowned testing lab, the China Household Electric Appliance Research Institute (CHEARI) in Beijing. The manufacturers had an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of test lab equipment, methodologies and processes and learn insights in designing more efficient water heaters. When efficient water heaters are produced in Pakistan they will reduce the fossil fuel demand, strain on national grid, lower emissions and lessen monthly power bills for consumers.

Strengthening the Motor Industry

CLASP also invited motor experts from EMOSAD in Türkiye to visit local counterparts in Pakistan to share insights on how the country transformed from producing low-efficiency motors to building globally competitive, energy-efficient models. Following initial assessment of manufacturer production facilities, the experts have been preparing tailored design and production improvement recommendations for each participant considering their existing capabilities and objectives. The overall goal is to enable all participating manufacturers to have the capacity to produce motors of at least IE1 efficiency levels.

Industry Support Yield Benefits for Manufacturers, Consumers and the Climate

Around the world, manufacturers are recognizing the benefits of producing appliances and equipment that adhere to global standards in energy-efficiency that are also crucial to climate action and sustainable development. The presence of reliable, independent appliance test laboratories and technical assistance to participating manufacturers are the first steps towards building thriving motor and water heater industries in Pakistan. This will benefit the climate, the economy and consumers.

CLASP would like to thank the following companies who are a key part of the Pakistan Industry Accelerator program: AC and Motor Test Laboratories at CERAD, ITU and GIFT; the Punjab Energy Department (PEECA); Haier, ABB, Dawlence; the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR); the Turkish National Standards Institute (TSE); the Turkish Motor Manufacturer’s Association (EMOSAD); the Pakistan Pumps and Motor Manufacturers Association (PPEMMA); the China Household Electric Appliance Research Institute (CHEARI); and the participating manufacturers Canon, Super Asia, Waves, Golden Fuji, Fisher, Golden Dynamics, El-Khas, Sunrise and Shahzad Pump.

Pakistan endures some of the highest temperatures in the world, however access to adequate cooling technologies and appliances, vital for health and productivity, remains low. In fact, Pakistan is one of nine critical countries with the highest risk of negative effects from lack of cooling.⁸

To address this, CLASP and local partner, SAMA^Verte are supporting the Government of Pakistan to develop the first integrated cooling strategy, Pakistan Cooling Action Plan (PCAP) to promote energy-efficient cooling and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Goals of the Pakistan Cooling Action Plan

PCAP is being implemented until 2030, with the ambition of fostering a sustainable cooling ecosystem for Pakistan. It aims to manage the growth of cooling-related energy consumption and minimize possible environmental impacts, such as direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions that are expected to increase by about 25% by 2030, if not addressed. The PCAP will define Pakistan’s cooling ambitions and serve as a national strategy to prioritize and coordinate cooling sector activities by accommodating present and future cooling needs, such as energy efficiency standards, inefficient appliance replacement programs and use of refrigerants with lower global-warming-potential (GWP).

Developing a National Cooling Action Plan

PCAP is a priority for Pakistan’s revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). NDCs are climate action plans to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts. Each of the 193 countries that signed up to the UN Paris Agreement in 2015 is required to design and submit these to the UN. Pakistan submitted a plan in October 2021. To establish a baseline of the country’s cooling needs, a comprehensive, data-driven Cooling Needs Assessment (CNA) was conducted by CLASP and SAMA^Verte with support from the Ministry of Climate Change – these findings significantly contributed to the development of PCAP.

To facilitate a collaborative plan and gather inputs from various stakeholders, a PCAP Working Group (WG) was established. Members included representatives from key ministries, provincial departments, industry associations, and SAMA^Verte who identified the main priorities for PCAP:

• Accelerating a national market transition to high-efficiency cooling appliances,
• Moving the cooling sector to lower-GWP refrigerants, and
• Increasing access to areas with no or minimal electricity access.

How will PCAP benefit Pakistan?

PCAP aims to increase access to cooling for more than 3 million people residing in off-grid and weak-grid areas across Pakistan. A complete and timely implementation of PCAP would reduce mitigation by 46 TWh, and mitigate 272 MtCO2e of direct and indirect emissions (from 2024-2030).⁹

PCAP is being finalized for the submission to the government of Pakistan later in 2023.

The development of the Pakistan Cooling Action Plan is supported by the Clean Cooling Collaborative.

Feature image credits: THETHIRDPOLE/Zofeen T Ebrahim