Variable Frequency Drives Could Free Up Gigawatts of US Grid Power

The Problem of Wasted Motor Energy

Electric motors in factories and buildings consume nearly a third of the total U.S. power demand. These motors, which drive fans, pumps, and compressors, often operate at full capacity even when less power is needed, leading to significant energy waste. This inefficiency contributes to the ongoing energy supply crunch in the United States.

Variable Frequency Drives as a Solution

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are devices that allow motors to run more efficiently by adjusting their speed and torque to match the actual load requirements. This prevents motors from constantly running at full power, thereby reducing electricity consumption. Energy experts and device manufacturers highlight VFDs as a readily available solution to energy waste.

Low Adoption Rates and Barriers

Despite the energy-saving potential, VFD adoption is low, with only 16 percent of industrial and 4 percent of commercial motor systems utilizing them, according to a 2021 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report. Barriers to wider adoption include the perceived difficulty of retrofitting existing equipment and the absence of regulatory requirements for their use.

Growing Urgency for Wider Implementation

There is an increasing call for federal agencies, utilities, and technology companies to promote VFD adoption through financial incentives and efficiency standards. The technology has become more advanced and less costly to install. Increased VFD use would free up grid capacity for large electricity consumers like data centers and electric vehicles, and help reduce costs for industries transitioning to electrified systems.