South Africa’s adoption of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) mandates that all newly imported electric motors must meet IE3 premium efficiency levels. SEW-EURODRIVE is ahead of the game in this regard – the company standardised on IE3 motors more than eight years ago and it enabled its customers to transition to the advanced technology without bearing additional costs.
SEW IE3 electric motors offer energy savings in the beverage industry – and in many other industry sectors.
Willem Strydom, Business Development Electronics Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, highlights that several industry sectors have been proactive in moving towards energy efficiency. Rising electricity prices are driving industries to adopt IE3 motors, which are estimated to consume 7% to 8% less energy compared to IE1 models, according to SEW-EURODRIVE. Strydom says that when paired with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), energy savings can reach up to 15%.
He highlights that “Energy efficiency reduces operational costs and supports companies in terms of their decarbonisation goals. As most electricity in South Africa still comes from coal, reducing consumption directly lowers the carbon footprint.”
SEW-EURODRIVE assists its customers by conducting on-site energy assessments and product population surveys at no cost. “In these evaluations, inefficiencies are identified, helping companies to plan their transition to IE3 motors strategically and cost-effectively,” Strydom says. “The data collected also provides early warnings about potential equipment failures, reducing downtime risks.”
To ease the shift further, SEW-EURODRIVE advises customers to prioritise upgrades in motor classes with lower stock levels and balance replacements between larger and smaller motors for maximum impact. VSDs are often recommended to manage peak energy demands, reducing cost penalties and extending motors’ lifespans.
Looking ahead, Strydom believes MEPS will accelerate the adoption of even higher efficiency IE4 and IE5 motors. SEW-EURODRIVE is already leading this innovation with its IE5 synchronous motors, which feature integrated permanent magnet technology and deliver up to 50% lower energy losses compared to IE3 models.
“SEW-EURODRIVE’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency is backed by our 300-strong global research and development team,” he says. “We are already pioneering IE6 technology, setting new benchmarks in sustainability and performance.”
With its forward-thinking approach and strong customer support, SEW-EURODRIVE continues to drive advances in energy efficiency in South Africa, helping industries meet their sustainability and cost-saving goals.
For more information visit: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za
