ABB to join UN network to promote energy efficiency

ABB, Zurich, a manufacturer of transformers, electric motors, and variable-speed drives, has announced that it is joining the United Nations Environment Programme’s global action on improving appliance and equipment efficiency. The company will provide expertise on energy-efficient motors and transformers to help governments devise policies that accelerate energy savings.

Electric motors account for about 28 percent of global electricity consumption. Many motors are bigger than they need to be, and most are running at full speed even when they don’t have to. Transformers account for about 3 percent of global electricity consumption, and their number in emerging markets is set to almost triple by 2030. Since the most efficient transformers consume 80 percent less electricity than the least efficient, the opportunities for savings are vast.

The UN Environment Programme expects that the global transition to efficient appliances and equipment would reduce global electricity consumption by about 1,500 TWh by 2030, which is equivalent to 8 percent of today’s global electricity use.