Companies take the Motor Challenge

Studies at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI have shown that electricity costs for MDS can be reduced by up to 30%, if measures are implemented which reduce the electricity consumption of their motor systems.

The promoters of the challenge say MDS such as pumps and fans use around 70% of industrial sector’s electricity, which they say has the potential to be reduced.

Companies wishing to participate in the scheme can do so either as a ‘partner’ or and ‘endorser’. The partner will voluntarily implement energy saving technologies into the workplace and the endorser will supply the materials.

An enterprise wishing to join the Challenge programme has to complete five steps of the process, which includes producing an inventory, submitting an Action Plan for approval by the Commission, and producing annual reports for review.

Many of the measures will become profitable in three years, say Fraunhofer ISI who are overseeing the Motor Challenge Programme in Germany.

In return for joining the scheme, companies will save electricity, improve the quality and reliability of their MDS and have use of a specially designed logo which will allow them to demonstrate their commitment to the environment.