LONDON, — European industry could save over 200bn kilowatt hours (KWh) of electricity per year by using more energy-efficient electrical motors, a study published by the European Copper Institute has shown.

Prepared under the EU's motor challenge program, it calculates that industry across the EU-25 could save €10bn per year on its electricity bills plus a similar amount from reduced maintenance. Carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 100m tons per year, equivalent to one quarter of the EU-15's Kyoto commitment.

The study recommends a four-year, €400m package of measures including audits of industrial energy systems, financial incentives for energy-saving projects, the possibility to claim emission credits for investment in energy saving, and an information campaign.

Motor-driven systems used 614bn KWh in the EU-15 in 2000, the study says, representing 65% of industrial electricity consumption. Introducing energy-saving measures has a relatively short pay-back time, but shortages of capital, knowledge or motivation combine to create significant barriers.

Regulatory and financial measures, alongside better information and technical support, are identified as key elements that would help overcome these barriers.