The EU Clean Industrial Deal is a significant opportunity to enhance Europe's global competitiveness. It aims to generate jobs, strengthen the manufacturing sector, and improve energy security, all while progressing us toward the goal of becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
A key step in reaching this target is the gradual adoption of energy-efficient industrial motors. According to EU estimates, this transition could save 106 terawatt-hours of electricity by 2030 — roughly equal to the Netherlands’ yearly energy usage — and prevent 40 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
While much attention is given to realizing the technologies of the future, achieving the EU Clean Industrial Deal’s ambitious energy goals will also rely on upgrading the everyday motors powering industries today. General Performance motors offer a ready-made solution to drive energy efficiency across key industrial applications like pumps, fans, and compressors. With up to IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency, these motors ensure immediate reductions in both emissions and electricity costs. Every inefficient motor left in operation is a lost opportunity, but widely available, high-efficiency motors make it easier than ever for industries to start saving now.
Engineering for today’s industrial environment
In facilities around the world, the demands placed on motors are evolving. Beyond energy efficiency, organizations seek motors that are robust and adaptable to a range of applications and operating environments. Each engineering choice must respond directly to these requirements. General Performance motors feature rugged cast-iron construction (up to frame size 355) and high-strength steel shafts. This makes them well-suited for challenging installations, from manufacturing lines to remote pumping stations, where reliability under stress is crucial. Design decisions must also consider serviceability. For instance, these motors use high-quality Series 62 or 63 bearings. Smaller models incorporate sealed-for-life bearings, catering to customers who favor maintenance-free operation. For larger units, re-greasing points are included, allowing for upkeep without system shutdowns, helping operations reduce unplanned downtime.
Bearings are mounted with precise clearance to handle thermal movement under load. This addresses a problem often seen in continuous-run equipment: increasing internal temperatures can cause expansion, leading to vibration, wear, and eventual failure. Driveend axial locking also eliminates unwanted shaft play, improving system integrity even in high-duty-cycle use.
Built to handle electrical and environmental stress
In industrial operations, motors are often subject to voltage fluctuations and overloads. That’s why these motors are built with Class F insulation and Class B temperature rise, offering thermal margins that provide a safety buffer while enhancing overload capacity. Operators benefit from longer insulation life, especially in variable speed or on/off-duty situations. Environmental adaptability is also key. A resilient Class C3 paint finish allows the motors to serve reliably across geographies, including coastal, chemical, or humid conditions, which reduces the chance of corrosion or premature surface wear.
Designing flexibility into form
One core challenge faced by OEMs and end users is the need for motors that adapt to diverse applications and installation standards across global markets. To meet this need, General Performance motors are engineered for rapid configurability. While standard motors can often be delivered from inventory, many include optional add-ons available within one to two days to meet specific operating requirements.
The motors specifically meet heightened energy efficiency demands and help customers reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Induction motor ranges are available with up to IE4 Super-Premium efficiency or IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency as permanent magnet motors.
For optimal performance and even greater efficiency, motors rated up to 500V can be paired with variable speed drives (VSDs). Customers can benefit from a convenient “one-stop shop” solution if they buy optimally matched motor-drive solutions from one supplier.
Global success stories from diverse industries
The real-world successes of General Performance motors underscore their value across global markets:
Saneago Water Company, Brazil
As the primary water utility serving the state of Goiás, Saneago treats and supplies drinking water for more than 5.7 million people and thousands of industrial and agricultural users. The utility aimed to reduce energy consumption and boost system reliability at its pumping stations.
After installing 15 General Performance high-efficiency motors and 15 drives across four pumping stations, Saneago achieved a remarkable 25 percent reduction in energy consumption. The utility also wanted to enhance the overall reliability and resilience of its water operations. To achieve this, ABB Ability™ Smart Sensors were fitted to the pumping station’s pumps and motors, while NETA-21 devices were added to the drives to enable the company to identify and address potential issues before breakdowns occur, improving operator safety and extending equipment life.
PRO-DO-MIX, Italy
Padua-based PRO-DO-MIX specializes in the manufacture of vertical agitators and dry feeders. It recently experienced rapid export growth, specifically in the Middle East, Australia, and South America. ABB’s General Performance motors (sizes 71 to 180) were the ideal motor choice due to their compliance with the certification requirements of those countries, including voltage, frequency, and sea altitude.
Meeting these stringent requirements while offering a compact footprint, reliability, easy maintenance, and high performance positioned ABB motors as an indispensable component in PRO-DO-MIX’s growing global business.
A comprehensive motor solution
In several industrial applications, immediate access to the right motor will be the deciding factor between commercial success and failure. General Performance motors are specifically designed to meet this critical demand, as well as meet the expectations of efficient growth in European markets. Customers benefit from outstanding performance, reliability, extended service life, low maintenance, energy efficiency, and the option to select either induction or permanent magnet (PM) motor technologies – all features complemented by exceptional product flexibility and availability.
