Netherlands - EU-MORE Forum

Initial Recommendation #5: Recalibrating the Energy Investment Allowance

EU-MORE Projekt — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:32:26 +0000

The Energy Investment Allowance (EIA) has been a key instrument in driving energy efficiency projects in the Netherlands. However, the current high deduction rate risks attracting free-riders who would have undertaken the investments regardless of the incentive. A refined approach could enhance the scheme’s effectiveness.

Suggested Adjustment:
Reduce the deduction rate from the current level to around 40%, striking a balance between attractiveness and efficiency. This change would:

Minimize free-riding behavior.
Preserve the financial appeal of the program for businesses genuinely needing support.

Initial Recommendation #4: Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) in Motor System Analysis

EU-MORE Projekt — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:28:35 +0000

Energy-efficient motor replacements offer more than just energy savings—they also bring non-energy benefits (NEBs) like reduced maintenance, improved reliability, and enhanced workplace safety. Integrating NEBs into mandatory motor system analyses can strengthen the business case for investments in efficient technologies.

Proposed Updates:

Revise the Energy Saving Investigation Obligation template to include a dedicated section for NEBs. For instance, include in the mandatory motor analysis template the preliminary identification of Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) stemming from the possible measures (“Mogelijke maatregelen, nader uit te werken”), in compliance with the art. 11 EED. A suggested updated table for section 2 (Specificatie van de besparingsmaatregelen) could be:

Electric Drive System	Relevant Characteristics for Periodic Inspection	Possible Measures	Possible Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs)
Motor Machine	I) Older than 15 years or having low efficiency (	Replacement of motor and/or application at the end of its economic life with high-efficiency models with proper sizing.	- Increased reliability due to new technology. - Lower maintenance from modern motors with less wear. - Improved process control, leading to better product quality.
Pump (including motor)	II) Older than 15 years or having low efficiency (lower than the minimum efficiency according to EU Regulation 547/2012).	Replacement of pump and motor with energy-efficient models.	- Extended equipment lifespan. - Reduced maintenance costs due to new pumps. - Better operational stability.
Fan (including motor)	III) Older than 10 years or having low efficiency (lower than the minimum efficiency according to EU Regulation 327/2011).	Replacement of fan and motor with efficient models and capacity adjustment.	- Improved air quality through better ventilation control. - Lower noise emissions, improving the working environment. - Reduced vibrations, leading to less wear and tear.
Compressor (including motor)	IV) Where the compressor package is older than 10 years.	Replacement of outdated compressors with efficient models including energy recovery systems.	- Improved process reliability and uptime. - Reduced noise pollution. - Lower maintenance costs due to newer technology.
Motor Pump Fan Compressor Machine	V) Not turned off (or down) during low (process) load or idle periods, and continue running regardless of process demand.	Proper control of the systems to turn off unused motors, pumps, fans, compressors, and machines, and remove unnecessary bypasses.	- Increased productivity through more efficient process control. - Extended equipment life by reducing unnecessary usage. - Improved process stability through better load control.
Motor Machine	VI) Not adjusted to changing functional requirements (compared to the design), causing underloaded operation (low load, <60%).	Adjust or replace the machine with a high-efficiency model and properly tune power, frequency, flow, and controls to match demand; check periodically.	- Better alignment with process requirements for increased flexibility. - Less wear and tear, leading to less downtime and lower maintenance costs. - Improved reliability and lifespan of the motors.
Pump Fan Compressor	VII) Not adjusted to changing functional requirements (compared to design), resulting in insufficient operating hours near the optimal working area/BEP (best efficiency point).	Optimize or replace components to better align with the optimal working area (BEP).	- Improved system performance by operating in the optimal range. - Lower repair and maintenance costs. - Reduced unexpected failures, leading to higher production efficiency.
Motor Pump Fan Compressor Machine	VIII) Having inefficient components and/or settings, such as throttling valves, vanes, inefficient transmissions, bypasses, (parts of) piping with high flow resistance.	Replace and/or adjust one or more components of the drive systems, for example, remove throttling and apply speed control, use a high-efficiency transmission, apply direct drive with speed control, and modify piping.	- Reduced mechanical wear through optimization. - Less downtime due to failure through better adjustment. - Improved system control, leading to higher product quality and process safety.

Initial Recommendation #3: Building a Comprehensive Database for Motor Systems

EU-MORE Projekt — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:54:26 +0000

Motor Systems analysis is already mandated (>15 kW) under the Energy Saving Investigation Obligation. The Netherlands could develop a harmonized database of motors containing information on age, operating hours, rated power, device/system powered etc. resulting from the mandatory audits on electric motor driven systems requested by the Investigation Obligation.

Such a centralized database would help in improving monitoring and benchmarking of motor performance and facilitating more targeted policy interventions and programs for motor replacements.

Initial Recommendation #2: Rethinking the Energy Saving Obligation: Beyond Payback Periods

EU-MORE Projekt — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:48:28 +0000

The Energy Saving Obligation in the Netherlands currently mandates energy-saving measures with a payback period (PBT) under five years. While effective, this criterion may exclude projects with longer-term benefits. A shift in evaluation metrics, such as incorporating the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), could unlock additional opportunities for sustainable improvements.

Proposed Changes:

Considering IRR: Allow projects with high IRR but longer PBTs to qualify under the obligation, ensuring long-term energy and cost savings.
(or in alternative) Revise current PBT threshold: Conduct an evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the 5-year PBT threshold and if needed make adjustments based on impact data.

Initial Recommendation #1: Driving Energy Efficiency for SMEs: Lessons from International Best Practices

EU-MORE Projekt — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:41:28 +0000

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key drivers of economic growth but often face barriers to implementing energy-efficient solutions. To address this, the Netherlands can initiate a capacity-building program that raises awareness, offers specialized training, and subsidizes energy audits. By learning from programs like Austria’s Klimaaktiv, Switzerland’s Topmotors, Turkey’s TEVMOT, and India’s National Motor Replacement Programme, the Dutch government can empower SMEs to embrace sustainable practices concerning electric motors.

Key Components:

Awareness Campaigns: Educate stakeholders about the financial and operational benefits of motor replacements, as well as existing subsidies.
Training Programs: Provide technical staff with hands-on training, leveraging tools like the IEA’s EMSA to build expertise in energy efficiency.
Subsidized Energy Audits: Offer free or reduced-cost energy audits for SMEs to identify actionable energy-saving opportunities, focusing on motor systems optimization.