Financial incentive program for efficient motors in Switzerland: lessons learned

Panel: 1. Programmes to promote industrial energy efficiency

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Rita Werle, Impact Energy, Switzerland
Conrad U. Brunner, A+B International, Switzerland
Catherine Cooremans, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

How to convince industrial users to retrofit their existing motor systems? The analysis of 4142 motors shows that 56% have been running twice as long as their operating life expectancy. This suggests there is no improvement process replacing old, oversized, rarely load controlled and inefficient motor systems. The Swiss Agency for Efficient Energy Use (S.A.F.E.) leads a Swiss audit program for motor systems efficiency coupled with financial benefits (Easy) since 2010. The electric motors of 10 factories with an electricity consumption of 229 GWh/a have been analyzed. Factories went through a 4-step audit program "Motor-Check", which includes a first estimate of the savings potential, a structured list of all relevant motor systems, an electric load measuring campaign leading to a cost-benefit analysis and the implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. The implementation of several cost-effective energy savings in electric motor systems is ongoing.

Key issues identified during the implementation of Easy:

• Research is needed to better understand the elements determining efficiency investment decisions by the factory’s CEO (strategic character) and how they can be influenced.

• The lack of competence, capacity and responsibility of in-house industry personnel to manage a continuous efficiency improvement is a major challenge. S.A.F.E. has launched an initiative for a training program that focuses on energy management and technology in industry. Based on ISO 50001 and the Motor-Check method the current malaise shall be overcome.

• An important question remains how the cost and time needed for the necessary preparatory analyses and engineering can be reduced.

• Motor manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and service companies need to understand why selling efficiency is good for their business and how they can better explain the benefits to their clients.

The paper explains the findings and discusses approaches for possible solutions.