Electric motors and drives: Overview
The machines that use half the world's electricity
The machines that use half the world's electricity What this tile covers Machines that turn electricity into motion, using about half of the world's electricity. Share of use 11% share of final energy use (2023)Share of world total final energy consumption (about 435 EJ, calculated: motor systems 13,462 TWh are 53% of electricity, so about 25,400 TWh or 91 EJ, and electricity is about 21% of final energy) that passes through this device or is used by this sector, latest year available. Electricity-based devices use electricity's 21% share of final energy (IEA WEO 2025). Overlaps between devices and sectors are allowed and noted. Motor systems used 13,462 TWh, 53% of world electricity, in 2023; with electricity at about 21% of final energy that is about 11.1% (calculated). Overlaps industry, buildings, heat pumps and data centres. Source: Policy brief: Electric motor systems, why are they important?, IEA 4E Electric Motor Systems Annex (EMSA).
Key facts
| Chain | Electrical → mechanical |
| Typical efficiency | 90% and above |
Included from the reference tables
- AC, DC, brushless, induction and stepper motors
- Linear motors and maglev
- Solenoids and actuators
- Pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors
Linked to the material world
Cu CopperREE Rare earthsSt SteelAlso in Conversion devices
ST Steam turbines and thermal power plantsCCGT Gas turbines and combined cycleICE Internal combustion engines and gensetsGen Generators and alternatorsPE Transformers and power electronicsFC Fuel cellsElz ElectrolysersHP Heat pumps, air conditioning and refrigerationEH Electric heatingLED Lighting and displaysBlr Boilers, furnaces and stovesExplore paths from here
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