Driving the next chapter of energy efficiency in the Middle East

The Middle East remains central to the global energy landscape, while simultaneously setting high standards for efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Industrial operators in energy and oil and gas sectors face the challenge of enhancing efficiency without compromising safety, reliability, and performance. Electric motors, powering critical processes, are a key focus area.

ABB has taken a significant step by becoming the first manufacturer to offer an IE6 HyperEfficiency motor, certified for hazardous areas according to ATEX and IECEx standards. This magnet- and rare-earth-free motor, based on synchronous reluctance technology, provides up to 60% lower energy losses compared to IE3 induction motors typically used in Zones 1 and 2.

The significance of this technology extends beyond achieving a higher efficiency level. It addresses the priorities of customers in the Middle East who seek practical ways to improve efficiency without sacrificing safety, reliability, or productivity. The motor is compatible with variable speed drives, ensuring high efficiency across the speed range and at partial loads, making it especially relevant for pumps, fans, and compressors in energy and process industries.

From a business perspective, upgrading a motor to IE6 could result in substantial energy savings over a 20-year period, with an estimated €87,520 in savings, an eight-month payback period, and 157,540 kg of CO2 avoided. This impact could be multiplied across fleets of motors operating continuously, turning efficiency into a competitive advantage.

ABB's strategy in the Middle East and Africa aims to bridge global innovation with local industry realities, supporting both existing operations aiming for greater efficiency and new projects designed for future performance expectations. The region is poised to shape the future of global energy, and ABB's role is to ensure that the technologies driving this future evolve in tandem, delivering measurable efficiency improvements while maintaining the reliability and safety expected by customers.