ABB Motion Leads Energy Efficient Electric Revolution
ABB Motion, a leader in electric drives and motors, is at the forefront of energy efficiency initiatives.
With electric motors responsible for 45% of the world’s electricity conversion into motion, improving efficiency in this area is vital for both industry and the future of the planet.
Panu Virolainen, Chief Technology Officer of ABB Motion, discusses the company's commitment to energy-efficient technologies and the potential impact on global energy consumption.
In 2021, ABB launched the Energy Efficiency Movement, calling on partners, peers and even competitors to join the effort.
“The intention was to increase awareness around the topic of energy efficiency, helping companies adopt available technologies and make the right choices when investing,” Panu explains.
This movement is part of ABB’s broader strategy to promote energy-efficient technologies that could lead to major reductions in global electricity consumption.
The potential savings are enormous.
"Swapping all 300 million industrial electric motor-driven systems with optimised high-efficiency equipment could reduce global electricity consumption by up to 10%,” says Panu.
This would not only lower operational costs but also contribute significantly to reducing CO₂ emissions.
Energy efficiency is a critical responsibility
ABB’s role in the energy sector is centred on creating rotary motion.
“We are in the business of creating rotary motion – to run various processes across industries and applications.
"We create rotary motion with electric drives and motors from electricity in the most productive and sustainable way.”
Electric motors play a key role in a range of applications, from pumps that provide water in homes to temperature control systems. Given that 45% of global electricity is converted into motion by electric motors, improving efficiency in this field is crucial.
"Energy efficiency in the area of electric motion is a critical topic, not only for the industry but for society as a whole,” he emphasises.
Investing in more efficient systems could significantly reduce energy use and, in turn, operating costs.
Pioneering advancements in electric motion
ABB continues to innovate with its IE5 efficiency class technology, which was recognised as climate technology by the United Nations.
Panu points out, "We have not rested on our laurels. We have demonstrated permanent magnet-assisted versions of the technology and integrated it into our motor drives."
The company has even achieved a world-first by meeting the anticipated IE6 hyper-efficiency level, pushing the boundaries of its energy-efficient technology.
In addition to efficiency, reliability is another important factor.
"Improved reliability means processes run more smoothly, with less wear and tear, reducing the risk of breakdowns,” he adds.
This not only saves energy but also reduces maintenance costs, making it a win-win for businesses.
A sustainable future through energy-efficient technology
As the demand for electric motion is set to double by 2040, ABB’s focus on improving efficiency is more important than ever.
Its efforts are not only about developing advanced technologies but also about raising awareness and encouraging industries to make smarter investments in energy-efficient solutions.
"Efficiency is everything,” Panu says and ABB's innovations demonstrate how adopting high-efficiency equipment can have a profound impact on both energy consumption and sustainability.
ABB’s ongoing commitment to energy efficiency, from the launch of the Energy Efficiency Movement to their continuous technological advancements, positions them as a key player in the global drive towards a more sustainable future.
Through innovation, collaboration, and responsible leadership, they are helping to shape the future of energy-efficient motion across industries worldwide.
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