Assessing the environmental impacts of policies on industrial electric motors: a stock model, material flow analysis and life cycle assessment approach

Electric motors are significant contributors to energy consump tion in the EU, accounting for more than half of the total elec tricity consumed. In order to reduce the environmental impact, there is a need to address the inefficiency of existing motors.
This study explores how early replacement of inefficient motors can reduce environmental impacts at the system level and com pares this strategy with a base case. A combined material flow analysis and life cycle assessment approach is used to provide answers. Using a layered approach, material and environmen tal impacts are derived from product flows through a product database that defines physical properties for different product variants. The study focuses on industrial electric motors in the EU and employs a scenario analysis from 2005 to 2050 to as sess the long-term impacts of different policy alternatives. Spe cifically, the environmental impacts of early replacement of IE2 and IE3 motors with IE4 motors are compared to minimum energy performance standards and to a base case scenario with no change. This comparative analysis aims to highlight the po tential environmental benefits of implementing different policy measures beyond mere energy savings. The results of this study have implications for sustainability and energy efficiency poli cies in the EU. By understanding the environmental impacts of different policy measures on industrial electric motors, policy makers and industry stakeholders can make informed deci sions to promote sustainable practices and reduce energy con sumption in the long term.