EU MORE

Electric motors have long been recognised as being the most important contributor to electricity consumption in industry (around 70%) and a very relevant consumer in the tertiary sector (over 40% and growing fast due to electrification of buildings). This has led to the introduction of minimum energy efficiency regulations for electric motors being in place in all industrialised countries and in the EU, through the Ecodesign Directive (EC Regulations 640/2009 and 2019/1781).

However, electric motors have very long lifetimes which means that their replacement rate is very slow. Recent field assessments (in Switzerland and the USA) have shown that the actual lifetime of motors largely exceeds their expected lifetimes, often largely exceeding the expected maximum of 20 years. This situation translates into a delay in reaching the expected savings set out by the regulation. By taking swift action, at least part of these expected savings could be anticipated making it possible to harness their benefits in a nearer future. The anticipated savings would provide a significant contribution to the climate objectives set out by the EU. The IEA World Energy Outlook 2021 identifies the ‘increased uptake of energy efficient industrial electric motors’ as one of the measures to close the implementation gap between current ambitions and current policies.

The EU-MORE project (EU-MORE: EUropean MOtor REnovation initiative), aims at capturing the benefits of accelerating the rate of replacement of old inefficient motors through the development of new policies, built upon previous experience at European and international level, and the discussion with key stakeholders, and the appropriate tools for projection, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of those policies. Additionally, it will promote the exchange of knowledge between actors involved in energy efficiency policy at Member State, European and international levels. Through its proposed actions the EU-MORE project will assist Member States to fulfil their obligations under article 4 and article 8 of the EED (recast).

Duration: October 2022 - April 2025