Danfoss and the EurActiv Institute lead the way in boosting energy efficiency in Europe

The European Commission recently presented its ‘winter package’ which included a revision of the Electricity Market Design legislation, the Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive. And, in its freshly published ‘World Energy Outlook’ report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) identified the efficiency potential of electric motor systems and the capacity for energy neutrality in the water sector.

According to the IEA, electric motor systems consume more than 50% of the global electricity consumption; almost 30% of that is consumed by industrial motor systems. And, with the IEA identifying that 4% of total worldwide electricity is used in the water and wastewater sector, it’s clear that the importance of finding cost-effective solutions to meet global energy-efficiency targets has never been higher on the agenda.

For decades, Danfoss Drives has been at the forefront of developing AC drives that optimize the energy efficiency of electric motor systems to reduce energy bills. Of the total energy reduction potential, 30% can be addressed by using AC drives to adapt the variable load. And, looking into an industry-specific example, providing proven technologies can create an energy-neutral water cycle, significantly reduce the electricity bill of municipalities, and help to establish smart energy systems.

To further raise the awareness of energy efficiency and to discuss the next steps for the EU, Danfoss and the EurActiv Institute hosted a high-level forum on 9 December 2016 at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Using a system-oriented approach as the foundation for all discussions, the forum focused on:
• the efficiency potential of electric motor systems
• the energy savings potential in the water cycle
• identifying the regulatory framework that will realize the potential

The keynote speaker was Jyrki Katainen, European Commission Vice President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness.

Other speakers included:

Marie Donnelly, Director for Renewables, Research and Innovation, Energy Efficiency, DG ENER, European Commission
Claus Petersen, Vice President, Danfoss Silicon Power
Frank Ennenbach, Director of Product Safety and Regulations Water Business Unit, Chairman of Europump Standards Commission
Pavel Misiga, Head of Unit of Clean Water, DG ENVI, European Commission
Katrine Rafn, Director, Head of Division, Water Resources, Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark
Mads Warming, Global Director, Water and Wastewater, Danfoss Drives
Lars Schrøder, CEO, Aarhus Vand A/S
Kamel Bennaceur, Director, Sustainable Energy Policies and Technologies, IEA
Vesa Laisi, Segment President, Danfoss Drives

In his presentation, Lars Schrøder pointed out that, just by treating household wastewater and without the need to use wind or solar power, it is possible to achieve total energy neutrality for the whole water cycle. And the return on investment in the water treatment technologies is less than five years. Following on from the success in the Aarhus municipality, Katrine Rafn made it clear that Denmark is now aiming for complete energy neutrality in the water cycle for the whole country.

The forum was extremely active and featured many interesting and productive discussions. In his closing remarks, Vesa Laisi stated:

“The world is driven by interests – personal, business, national and political. We have learned today that those different interests need not be conflicting. Stopping climate change doesn’t mean giving up growth. Sustainable and smart cities and buildings of the future will emerge from a holistic approach to climate and energy solutions. Good solutions that will satisfy several interests.”

He reinforced that the forum provided the opportunity to discuss how we can take bigger and faster steps towards achieving energy and climate goals. This involves taking a holistic approach to motor systems, enforcing required regulations, such as the Ecodesign Directive, and creating a strong awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of a focus on energy efficiency. Mr Laisi also stressed how the ambitious targets we have set are possible now by using the technologies available today.

Danfoss Drives, member of the Danfoss group, is a world leader in variable speed control of electric motors. We offer unparalleled competitive edge through quality, application-optimized products and a comprehensive range of product lifecycle services. Our VACON® drives form the robust foundation for optimization in industrial applications. VLT® drives play a key role at the sharp end of global resource management and factory automation. Since 1968, we have been pioneers in the AC drives business. Now one of the largest companies in the industry, we deliver on our passion for development, manufacturing and sale of the most versatile AC drives in the world. Our low voltage and medium voltage AC drives are compatible with all major motor brands and technologies. Read more at http://drives.danfoss.com

 

For more information please contact us at danfoss.ro@danfoss.com