ABB hosted a virtual roundtable Dec. 16 on the energy efficiency movement it's championing, and demonstrate tangible solutions for effective, immediate improvements on climate change. The event provided data on the practical benefits of integrating high-efficiency solutions into existing infrastructures to affordably and immediately reduce the impact of climate change.
Presenters included Dr. Prakash Rao, research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and co-author of "U.S. Industrial and Commercial Motor System Market Assessment Report," as well as Jesse Henson, president of the NEMA Motor Division at ABB, and Morton Wierod, president of ABB Motion. They reported that U.S. businesses have an immediate opportunity to collectively reduce electricity consumption, significantly slow the rate at which they contribute to climate change, and mitigate the risk of overregulation in their industry. An assessment of the current climate change situation shows that these goals can all be achieved by upgrading outdated industrial infrastructure with new generation energy-efficient technologies, such as high-efficiency motors and variable speed drives.
"Global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, urbanization will further increase energy demands, and the number of motors will double by 2040 as the world goes electric," said Wierod. "These critical processes can't stop, but they need to be energy efficient to reduce CO2 emissions, and high-efficiency motors and drives can do just that. We could save 10% of the world's electricity use if we just use efficient technologies that are already available. Decarbonization has to be a commitment."
The presenters added that businesses employing higher-efficiency and variable-speed motion can achieve a full return on the cost of installing new technology in approximately two years of the original investment with the savings from reducing overall electricity consumption.
“Every commercial building and industrial process can be a part of a change in our climate and a solution. Motors and drives together make the world a better place," added Henson. "Efficient electric drives and digital technologies help them only use energy at the time it's needed, and avoid phantom energy losses," added Henson. "By choosing to invest in these technologies and reducing the amount of electricity we consume, we can make a difference. ABB is a part of the solution for a better planet. I believe it's our duty to make a difference for a better tomorrow.”
For more information, including an on-demand recording of the event and resources with additional information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3xwstuah
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