• A recent study commissioned by ABB emphasizes the pivotal role that energy efficiency now plays in the sustainability strategies of global businesses. An overwhelming 91% of respondents stated that energy efficiency influences their decision when choosing electric motors.
• The survey also revealed that 94% of companies are either currently investing or planning to invest in sustainability initiatives, aiming to reduce operating costs by adopting energy-efficient solutions.

In collaboration with Sapio Research, ABB surveyed nearly 2,400 businesses worldwide to gauge the market trends concerning energy efficiency, sustainability, digitalization, and the integral role of electric motors. Conducted in June 2024, the survey gathered insights from decision-makers across various industries, including OEM machinery manufacturers, energy/power sectors, food and beverage, metals, and chemicals, from regions such as the UK, US, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, UAE, Japan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Korea, and India. The findings highlighted that 91% of businesses recognize the critical influence of energy efficiency in their electric motor choices. Moreover, 94% of businesses are either currently investing in or planning to invest in sustainability initiatives.

“This survey provides invaluable insight into how businesses are prioritizing energy efficiency, not only to meet sustainability goals but also to realize financial returns,” said Stefan Floeck, Division President IEC Low Voltage Motors, ABB Motion. “ABB is already playing a crucial role in demonstrating how investments in advanced energy-efficient motors, such as our IE₆ SynRM technology, can improve operational efficiency while supporting sustainable growth. With payback periods often measured in months, the benefits extend to both the environment and profitability.”

The significance of electric motors in energy efficiency

A vast majority of businesses (94%) are investing in sustainability initiatives, particularly energy efficiency. Companies are increasingly aware of the value that energy-efficient motors bring to their sustainability efforts, with 91% stating that this significantly impacts their purchasing decisions. Businesses also recognize the potential value that energy-efficient motors add to their products and operations.

One recurring theme in the report is the heightened focus on sustainability among end-user businesses, often driven by customer pressure, which is reflected in their increased investment in energy-efficient technologies. For example, 88% of businesses consider it essential for manufacturers to provide an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). ABB is addressing this demand through its EcoSolutions program, which offers comprehensive transparency on the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle—from production to disposal.

Challenges to adoption

The primary barriers to adopting higher-efficiency motors are the higher upfront costs, integration concerns with existing systems, and potential production disruptions. Higher turnover businesses tend to view the initial costs as a more significant obstacle.

Cost remains both a challenge and a motivator for companies looking to upgrade their equipment, as 99% of businesses now track long-term savings as the primary return on investment (ROI) from energy-efficient solutions.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) justifies energy efficiency

Many businesses prioritize the total cost of ownership (TCO) when purchasing new motors. Over the long term, the expense of running an energy-efficient motor far outweighs its initial purchase price. For example, the upfront cost of an IE₆ SynRM motor is around 2% of its TCO, with maintenance accounting for 1%, and the remaining 97% attributed to electricity consumption.

However, price isn’t the only consideration. Quality and the ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems are also key factors businesses seek from suppliers.

ABB IE6 Hyper-efficient SynRM motor

Digitalization and E-commerce

Businesses are ramping up their investment in innovative technologies, including automation and AI-driven solutions, to capitalize on digitalization and E-commerce trends.

When focusing on the digitalization of electric motors, there is a clear shift toward leveraging data insights and remote monitoring to improve service offerings. A striking 99% of respondents believe that digitally connected motors, with features like predictive condition monitoring, enhance motor availability and safety.

Additionally, many businesses are already embracing E-commerce, and there’s growing interest in using it as a business-to-business service. Most see benefits in using E-commerce for motor procurement, citing advantages like a broader selection of options and easier product comparisons. ABB has implemented E-commerce in 21 countries, with users benefiting from faster transactions, flexible product configurations, and streamlined order tracking.

These findings further reinforce the trend toward digitalization, with increasingly reliable and precise solutions driving operational value and transforming business models.

ABB: Leading innovation in electrification and automation

ABB is at the forefront of technology innovation in electrification and automation, driving the shift toward a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions integrate engineering expertise with cutting-edge software to optimize manufacturing, transport, power, and operations. With over 140 years of excellence and more than 105,000 employees, ABB is committed to fostering innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is central to shaping a more productive and sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of technology, we contribute to energy-efficient, decarbonizing, and circular solutions for industries, customers, and society at large. Through our digitally enabled drives, motors, and services, we help our partners achieve enhanced performance, safety, and reliability. We deliver motor-driven solutions across a broad spectrum of industrial applications. Building on over 140 years of expertise in electric powertrains, our 22,000 employees across 100 countries continue to learn and evolve every day.

Source