Global electricity consumption by electric motors could result in huge increases in greenhouse gas emissions without comprehensive reforms, an agency warns.
The International Energy Agency warns that the United States is at risk of increasing its annual rate of CO2 emissions by 1 1/2 times their 2008 levels unless energy efficiency policy measures are set up by 2030.
The report finds that energy consumption in electric motor-driven systems makes up about 19 percent of the global electricity demand, eclipsing the electricity used in lighting.
The IEA said researchers and engineers could improve the energy efficiency of motor systems by at least 20 percent without substantial costs. This could reduce the global demand for electricity by as much as 10 percent, the agency said.
The IEA recommended adjusting the speed of machinery to match motor speed and torque and optimizing the complete motor system, including things like fans, pumps and pipes, to make them more energy efficient.
The report adds that end users are now spending about $565 billion on electricity to power electric motors. That could increase to $900 billion by 2030 without improvements.