[Cu0254] Electric motors in the energy transition

Published 2018

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The electrical power sector is the fastest to decarbonise because of the wide variety of carbon-free energy sources that can generate electricity, such as PV, wind and hydro. This means that electrification can help other sectors decarbonise fast and on a large scale. The share of electricity in energy end-use is expected to increase from the current 17% [1] to around 60 - 70%. The share of electric motors systems will at the least grow along with this, from the current 9% [2 p. 40] to around 30% of energy end-use. Closer examination reveals that motor system numbers will grow even more strongly, since they are implicated in two major decarbonisation options involving electrification: electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps. See Chapter 3: The future is electric.

Such acute market growth for motor systems means that their energy efficiency is even more crucial. Or to formulate it positively, any minor improvement in motor system efficiency, achieved for example through regulation, would immediately have a major impact due to the huge numbers of motors in use. It is therefore an effective decarbonisation path to further increase motor system efficiency up to the level of the lowest life-cycle cost. See Chapter 4: Increasing the efficiency of motor systems.

The growing share of grid-connected renewable energy systems, which feature naturally variable output, makes the task of grid operators increasingly complex. Electricity should not only be used efficiently, its consumption should also be shifted as much as possible to moments of abundant production. Some sectors with large numbers of motor systems in use are well-equipped to offer this flexibility. Mechanisms should be put in place to connect electricity users with grid operators so that such far-reaching consumer engagement can be achieved. See Chapter 5: Electric motors and the flexibility challenge.

The energy transition is only sustainable if material use is taken into account. The expected rise in the number of motors poses the question whether those motors have the potential to function in a circular economy. Research & Innovation support for rare-earth-free motor development, as well as concepts such as Design for Recycling (DfR) can lead the way. See Chapter 6: Sustainable material use – Motors in the circular economy.

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Uploaded May 17, 2024

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