Electric motor systems are widely used in China to power fans, pumps, blowers, aircompressors, refrigeration compressors, conveyers, machinery, and many other types ofequipment. Overall, electric motor systems consume more than 600 billion kWh annually,accounting for more than 50% of China's electricity use. There are large opportunities toimprove the efficiency of motor systems. Electric motors in China are approximately 2-4%less efficient on average than motors in the U.S. and Canada. Fans and pumps in China areapproximately 3-5% less efficient than in developed countries. Even more importantly,motors, fans, pumps, air compressors and other motor-driven equipment are frequentlyapplied with little attention to system efficiency. More optimized design, includingappropriate sizing and use of speed control strategies, can reduce energy use by 20% or morein many applications. Unfortunately, few Chinese enterprises use or even know about theseenergy-saving practices. Opportunities for motor system improvements are probably greaterin China than in the U.S.

In order to begin capturing these savings, China is establishing a China MotorSystems Energy Conservation Program. Elements of this program include work to developminimum efficiency standards for motors, a voluntary "green motor" labeling program forhigh-efficiency motors, efforts to develop and promote motor system managementguidelines, and a training, technical assistance and financing program to promoteoptimization of key motor systems.