Project

Ecodesign has a long tradition as a policy instrument in the European Union for adressing the environmental impact of products by establishing minimum requirements which these products must fulfill. It thereby contributes to reducing energy costs, lowering emissions and making products more sustainable.

In June 2024, the European Commission published its most recent framework Ecodesign framework by Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR: Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation). Under the predecessor framework established by Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, the Comission set ecodesign requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives by its Regulation (EU) 2019/1781. This ‘motor regulation’ was published in 2019.

Anticipating technological process, Article 9 of the motor regulation foresees a review and, if appropriate, a draft revision proposal. In view of a new regulatory framework and due to technical progress, a review of the existing motor regulation is required. 

For a review of Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 on Ecodesign requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives, the Directorate-general for Energy (DG ENER) has commissioned a study to assist the Commission with a back-to-back evaluation and impact assessment. The aim of this study is to support the European Commission in conducting the evaluation of the existing electric motor and VSD Regulation, carrying out an impact assessment, and drafting a working document.

Specifically, the objectives of the study are to assist the Commission with:

• gathering input from stakeholders,
• all the steps related to the evaluation and impact assessment of the Regulation,
• all the steps involved in drafting the impact assessment, and 
• preparing draft legal texts for the revision of the Regulation.

As a “back-to-back” review, the evaluation and the impact assessment will be carried out in a single process via this study. This process includes the evaluation (expected for autumn 2025), followed by the impact assessment (expected for spring 2027).

December 2024 to March 2027

• European Commission (DE ENER)

• Waide Strategic Efficiency Europe Ltd., Ireland 
• ISR - University of Coimbra, Portugal
• Van Holsteijn en Kemna BV, Netherlands
• Viegand Maagøe A/S, Denmark