ABB India’s Energy-Saving Motors Drive Significant Impact

ABB India’s Low Voltage (LV) motors division has achieved a significant milestone in energy conservation. Over the past five years, its installed base has contributed to annual energy savings exceeding 500 gigawatt hours (GWh) for Indian industries. This accomplishment comes amid rising awareness of energy efficiency in India, with tier 2, 3, and 4 cities such as Ahmedabad, Indore, Raipur, and Jamshedpur increasingly adopting high-efficiency motors across various sectors.

In 2023, ABB India’s LV motors saw remarkable progress in the adoption of energy-efficient models, with nearly 50% of orders being for higher efficiency IE3 and IE4 motors. The company’s focus on energy efficiency is further highlighted by a significant year-on-year increase in IE4 motor sales, which more than doubled. This surge in demand not only contributes to substantial energy savings but also aligns with ABB’s mission to enhance performance while minimizing environmental impact.

Since 2018, IE2 efficiency has been the mandated minimum efficiency standard (Minimum Energy Performance Standards – MEPS) for low voltage motors in India. This regulatory shift has driven the adoption of higher efficiency motors like IE3 and IE4 among Indian industries and MSMEs. However, a large base of older, less efficient motors remains a significant barrier to energy savings. Replacing these old or rewound motors with energy-efficient alternatives can lead to considerable energy conservation.

IE3 motors have approximately 20% lower losses than IE2, and IE4 motors have 20% lower losses than IE3. Despite this, IE3 and IE4 motors constitute only 18% of total motor production. Transitioning to higher-efficiency motors is crucial; replacing IE2 with IE3 as the MEPS could save over 1 TWh annually, while replacing IE2 with IE4 could save up to 2.1 TWh. The widespread adoption of higher efficiency motors is essential for India to achieve its net-zero goals, as over 70% of industrial electricity consumption comes from motor-driven systems.

ABB India is leading the push for higher-efficiency motors, a key component of the global energy efficiency movement. The company offers a wide range of high-efficiency motors, including those meeting IE3, IE4, and IE5 standards, designed to deliver significant energy savings and reduce operational costs for industries. ABB’s customized motor solutions are tailored to specific industry needs, ensuring maximum energy efficiency in operations.

Sustainability is at the heart of ABB’s motor business in India, demonstrated through several impactful initiatives. ABB India’s motor factories in Bengaluru and Faridabad are green certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) under the Green Factory Building rating system, ensuring all operations meet stringent environmental standards. The business has achieved a notable 31% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to its 2019 baseline. These efforts highlight ABB India’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its core business practices, significantly contributing to environmental preservation and resource efficiency.

ABB India leverages its local capabilities and skilled workforce to manufacture high-quality LV motors domestically. This ‘Make in India’ approach ensures reliable and efficient products tailored to the needs of Indian customers with quicker delivery times. By producing locally, ABB India contributes to the local economy, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency across various industries.