Annex: Electric Motor Systems

Looking back over the past 15 years, experience shows that collaboration across governments, industry and experts — supported by sound analysis, aligned standards and practical tools — can help improve the efficiency of electric motor systems. EMSA has contributed to this shared learning by providing evidence, guidance and platforms for exchange, supporting ongoing efforts to improve policies, standards and real-world outcomes worldwide.

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.

The next EEMODS takes place on 19 – 21 May 2026 in Berlin. Abstracts can be submitted until 31 January 2026.

The Government of Australia withdraws from EMSA, following which EMSA has 9 members.

EMSA just released a new report with the results of a test series of industrial Silicon Carbide Variable Speed Drives, revealing clear efficiency advantages, but also the need for further research on challenges.

EMSA is happy to welcome its new member country Canada, represented by Natural Resources Canada.

As part of a Swiss research project, a motor system using silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET-based Variable Speed Drive was evaluated against a conventional system with insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) technology. Energy loss measurements from both systems were used to estimate the potential savings if all speed-controlled pump drive systems worldwide were converted to SiC technology. The results point to a global annual savings potential of 17 – 25 TWh.

A new report, commissioned by the 4E TCP, explores opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of systems using modelling and monitoring in regulations. The learnings found in the report were applied to an electric motor related case study system: compressed air systems.

U4E released its updated Motor Policy Guide and Model Regulations to support policy makers in developing countries and emerging economies in transitioning to energy-efficient motor systems.

The adoption of Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors in industrial Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) presents multiple advantages, including improved efficiency, reduced cooling requirements and smaller form factors. Despite their numerous advantages, the adoption of WBG industrial VSDs faces several challenges.

Andrea Vezzini will present during a webinar at the Motors Academy on 21 November 2024 the development of a comprehensive “White Book on Wide Bandgap Semiconductor-Based Industrial Inverters.”

EMSA just published a world map showing Minimum Energy Performance Standards for electric motors in effect.

EMSA published an overview of relevant international IEC & ISO and national/regional standards for electric motors, Variable Speed Drives as well as pumps, fans and air compressors.

The Leonardo Motors Academy will host a webinar on 5 November 2024 dedicated to an overview of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for electric motor systems worldwide.

A new 15-minute tutorial video is now available, showcasing how to work with the Motor Systems Tool.

The IEC Advisory Committee on Energy Efficiency (ACEE) has recently published the second edition of Guide 118: Preparation of basic and group energy efficiency publications including energy efficiency aspects. A webinar on 12 September@1 PM CEST explains how to address energy efficiency in standardisation, with the new Guide 118.

The 13th international conference on Energy Efficiency in Motor Driven Systems took place on 3 to 5 September in Lucerne, Switzerland. Like in previous years, EMSA members actively contributed to the conference programme.

Check out our freshly updated Quick guide!