Accelerating Efficiency Gains in Pakistan’s Motor Industry
CLASP launches second edition of Industry Accelerator focused on motor performance and process innovation.
Electric motors are crucial to modern industrial economies. They transform electrical energy into mechanical energy, and power appliances and equipment such as pumps, industrial processing, and cooling equipment. While they are essential, they are also extremely power-hungry and are responsible for around 30% of global electricity demand. Research shows that outdated and inefficient low-efficiency motors represent two-thirds of the current global stock. This means there is a huge opportunity to slash energy demand, lower running costs, increase industrial competitiveness, and cut carbon emissions by increasing the energy efficiency of electric motors.
Capacity building to ensure more efficient motors are built
In Pakistan, CLASP and SAMA^Verte are aiming to do just that. Through a project called the Industry Accelerator Program, they are building the expertise of local manufacturers and improving the production processes to improve the efficiency of the motors being made. This year’s second phase of the program is centered in Gujranwala, a hub for electric motor manufacturing in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Factory workers in Gujranwala assemble motors | Photo by CLASP
The Industry Accelerator’s achievements
In 2022, the first round of the Industry Accelerator directly supported four manufacturers in developing a higher-efficiency prototype motor. These efforts focused on enhancing design and production practices, ultimately resulting in the creation of an IE1 motor, which is a standard efficiency level that marked a notable improvement over what was locally available at the time. This motor is now in commercial production and used in solar-powered agriculture and small-scale industries.
The program also shared key learnings and best practices from this pilot with a broader group of manufacturers. Building on this momentum, 21 manufacturers collectively invested in a high-precision stamping machine, enabling them to improve motor design and quality. With these upgrades, manufacturers are now on track to achieve IE2 efficiency – a significant step toward meeting international standards.
Expanding the ambition to improve motor efficiency
This year, the second phase of the Industry Accelerator expands its scope to:
- Improve single-phase motors (0.75–1.5 kilowatts (kW)), widely used in domestic and commercial pumping systems across Pakistan
- Enhance production techniques, such as machining precision and workflow optimization
- Broaden access to quality control instruments and promote better materials like high-grade steel
- Support independent motor testing labs, enabling manufacturers to validate efficiency claims and meet compliance under Pakistan’s appliance efficiency standards
Backed by hands-on mentorship from Turkey’s motor industry association, EMOSAD, the program is also promoting more international knowledge exchanges.
Turkish motor experts highlight innovative technological improvements in motors | Photo by CLASP
“The visits by international experts and the resources provided through the Industry Accelerator have been indispensable, equipping us with the tools to manufacture motors aligned with international standards. We are now confident that local manufacturers can produce motors that meet Pakistan’s Minimum Energy Performance Standards and even achieve IE2-class efficiency in the future.”
Noor Ahmed
Secretary General, Pakistan Pumps & Electric Motors Manufacturers Association (PPEMMA)
Slashing costs and climate emissions with more efficient motors
Conservative projections estimate that the upgrades under the second phase of the Industry Accelerator (IAP-2) could save 123,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity and avoid 5.8 megatons (Mt) of CO₂ emissions by 2050. In addition to environmental benefits, these improvements will help reduce costs for manufacturers and consumers, support job security in Gujranwala and bolster Pakistan’s energy resilience.
Muhammad Salman Zaffar, Director/COO of SAMA Verte opens workshop for motor manufacturers of Gujranwala | Photo by CLASP
A collaborative path forward
By advancing energy-efficient motors and strengthening local production ecosystems, the Industry Accelerator in collaboration with Pakistan’s motor industry is pivoting towards continuous improvement, quality manufacturing, and long-term sustainability. With innovation as its engine, Gujranwala’s manufacturers are helping power a more efficient, low-carbon future for the country.
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About CLASP’s Industry Accelerator in Pakistan
A collaborative initiative between CLASP and SAMA^Verte, the Industry Accelerator is aimed at transforming Pakistan’s electric motor manufacturing sector. Launched in 2022, the program focuses on enhancing the energy efficiency of locally produced electric motors and modernizing production processes. By providing technical assistance, facilitating international knowledge exchange, and supporting the development of energy efficiency standards, the Industry Accelerator seeks to reduce energy consumption, lower CO₂ emissions, and strengthen the competitiveness of Pakistan’s motor industry.
