China Adopts New Mandatory Efficiency Policy for Permanent Magnet Motors

The new policy will avoid 715 million tons of CO2 by 2040 and represents an important step toward a more energy-efficient industrial sector

On 29 September 2024, the Standardization Administration of China introduced a new mandatory minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for permanent magnet motors. The policy, titled, "Minimum Allowable Values of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors" (GB 30253-2024) will enter into force on 1 October 2025 and will replace the existing standard (GB 30253-2013). This policy marks a pivotal advancement in enhancing energy efficiency within the industrial sector. Permanent magnets are more efficient than other types of motors because they don't require an electrical current to generate a magnetic field, which eliminates electrical losses and reduces heat generation, resulting in multiple benefits such as lower energy consumption and improved reliability.

The revised MEPS encompasses an expanded range of motor power categories and incorporates new types of motors, namely high-voltage and low-speed, and high-torque permanent magnet motors. Importantly, the MEPS elevates the minimum energy efficiency requirement from IE2 to IE4 for all relevant products, establishing a globally leading benchmark for energy performance. Furthermore, it introduces an innovative and ambitious IE5+ efficiency grade, encouraging the motor industry to pursue advanced developments in motor efficiency technology.

This standard is projected to result in a cumulative reduction of 715 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2040, equivalent to the emissions of nearly 184 coal-fired power plants in one year.