Electric motor systems efficiency standards, digitalisation & demand flexibility
January 5, 2026
An EMSA workshop will be held on 23 February 2026 in Vienna. The workshop language is German.
Collaborative research and development activities are undertaken within the 4E Platforms, connecting governments with experts and industry. Each target technology areas with a large potential for energy savings where a sustained focus builds knowledge and networks.
An EMSA workshop will be held on 23 February 2026 in Vienna. The workshop language is German.
EMSA conducted an international round robin testing programme and developed a guide to the measurement of packaged air compressor specific energy and isentropic efficiency based on ISO 1217:2009. An Excel calculation tool has been developed to perform the stepwise calculation of the isentropic efficiency based on test results as specified in ISO1217.
EMSA released a Policy Brief, assessing the importance of electric motor systems in the global energy system. In 2023, electric motor systems were responsible for 53% of global electricity consumption. Their share in electricity consumption varies widely across sectors: 72% in industry, 36% in buildings, 87% in agriculture and 86% in the transportation sector.
This report summarises the test results of EMSA’s international round robin testing programme, exchanging two commercial, packaged electric motor-driven screw compressors between three laboratories worldwide. It includes a practical guide for measuring specific energy and isentropic efficiency of packaged air compressors in line with ISO 1217:2009 and Amendment 1:2016.
This Policy Brief assesses the importance of electric motor systems in the global energy system. In 2023, electric motor systems were responsible for 53% of global electricity consumption. Their share in electricity consumption varies widely across sectors: 72% in industry, 36% in buildings, 87% in agriculture and 86% in the transportation sector.
This Policy Brief summarises the key findings of the 4E EDNA report: Data Centre Energy Efficiency Labels, which explores the characteristics and effectiveness of existing data centre energy efficiency labels and suggests features for a worldwide applicable labelling scheme.
The accurate and repeatable testing of products is a basic requirement for energy efficiency programmes and therefore improving tests for variable capacity air conditioners & heat pumps is important. It is particularly timely given the growth in these types of products. 4E is examining potential changes to relevant test procedures culminating in a round robin within 4E countries which will be completed at the end of 2022.
As part of an ongoing investigation, 4E launched a new project in 2021 to better understand the real and current barriers to regulatory policies for systems in 4E jurisdictions. Based on three case studies, the project will focus on Australia, Canada, the EU and Japan.
Additionally, the project will quantify the total savings potential from the implementation of policies for energy-using systems.
This global assessment of the benefits of standards and labelling programmes is the result of collaborative research between 4E and the IEA. Published in 2021 during the lead-in to COP26 it supports the case for increased investment in these programmes to deliver on international climate commitments.
NewsEnergy Efficiency 2025 is the IEA’s primary annual analysis on global energy efficiency developments, showing recent trends in energy intensity and demand, investment, employment and policy. The report provides sector-specific analysis on industry, buildings, appliances and transport and explores system-wide themes such as emissions reductions, energy security, affordability and competitiveness.
New podcast episode highlights key takeaways from IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2025.
The IEA’s flagship World Energy Outlook (WEO) is the most authoritative source of global energy analysis and projections. Updated annually to reflect the latest energy data, technology and market trends, and government policies, it explores a range of possible energy futures and their implications for energy security, access and emissions.
