By Eamonn Ryan from a SAIRAC Cape Town presentation
At the SAIRAC Cape Town Tech Talk, Marthinus Greeff from WEG South Africa discusses the vital topic of motor efficiency, emphasising its growing importance globally and its impact on South Africa’s energy landscape. The session highlights the need for more energy-efficient motors, especially with the upcoming regulatory changes in South Africa. This is Part 3 of a seven-part series.
The SAIRAC Cape Town Centre January TechTalk. SAIRAC Cape Town Centre.
Greeff further discusses how these new regulations will affect motor importers and manufacturers. As of June 1, 2024, only motors meeting the IE3 efficiency standard can be imported and sold for low-voltage applications in South Africa. However, a grace period until June 2025 allows existing stock of IE1 and IE2 motors to be sold, providing a transition period for businesses to adjust.
Key exemptions from the regulation
Greeff outlines a few key exceptions to the upcoming motor efficiency regulations:
- Motors Integrated into machines: Motors that are built into machines (e.g., pumps or fans) and cannot be removed for testing are excluded from the IE3 efficiency requirement. These systems cannot be tested in isolation, so they are exempt.
- Specialty motors: Motors used in extreme conditions, like those submerged in liquids (e.g., submersible pumps) or operating at temperatures up to 400°C, do not need to meet the IE3 efficiency standard.
- Low-speed and dual-speed motors: Motors that operate at very low speeds (e.g., 600 rpm or lower) or those with dual speeds are excluded from the regulation. These types of motors are less common and typically don’t use variable-speed drives.
Impact on motor importers
Greeff further explains that starting June 1, 2024, importers have been prohibited from importing IE1 or IE2 motors for low-voltage applications (up to 1 000 volts). However, there’s a 12-month grace period, allowing importers to sell off existing stock. After June 2025, any remaining IE1 or IE2 stock will require a special permit to import, which may be hard to obtain.
Price considerations and future availability
While prices for IE3 motors may rise due to higher efficiency, Greeff reassures the audience that efforts are underway to mitigate this cost increase. He hints at potential cost-effective solutions despite the higher price tag for IE3 motors, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Smoke fans and fire fans
One area of concern is the regulation’s effect on smoke extraction fans, which are often used in high-temperature environments (e.g., 400°C) and are essential for fire safety. In Europe, IE2 motors are allowed for these fans, provided they meet certain criteria. However, in South Africa, all motors—regardless of application—will be required to meet the IE3 standard, including for smoke fans. This may lead to higher costs and reduced availability for these specialised applications.
Export challenges to Africa
Greeff highlights the potential challenges for South African exports to neighbouring African countries. Many of these regions may not be prepared to pay a premium for IE3 motors, which could shift trade dynamics. South African manufacturers and suppliers may find it difficult to offer competitive prices if forced to meet the IE3 standard for export.
Logistics and bonded warehouses
Another concern is the process of placing motors in bonded warehouses. These warehouses allow importers to store motors without immediately adhering to the new efficiency standards. However, if motors sit in these warehouses for more than two years, importers may be required to pay duties, which could increase costs for the final customer. Greeff recounts instances where customers had to pay unexpected duties, despite the motors being meant for export.
Import duties and local manufacturing
South Africa faces challenges with import duties on IE3 motors, despite the fact that there are no local manufacturers producing these high-efficiency motors. Greeff shares his team’s efforts to address this issue with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), but resistance persists. This situation may complicate matters further, especially when competing with other countries that can offer motors at lower costs.
