Denmark-based Grundfos, a leading pump manufacturer globally, says the usage of high-efficiency pumps could help save four per cent of the world’s total electricity consumption by avoiding wastage.

Pumps, found in nearly every type of building and industrial unit, are used to raise, transfer or pressurise liquids, slurries or gasses as well as for fresh water supply, heating and cooling systems, says a spokesman for Grundfos.

According to him, pumps consume 10 per cent of global electrical energy, and of that, much is wasted. By switching to high-efficiency pumps, four per cent of the world’s total electricity consumption could be saved, which is equivalent to the residential electricity consumption of one billion people.

Henning Sandager, area managing director of Grundfos Middle East and Turkey, says: “Two-thirds of all pumps installed today are inefficient and use up to 60 per cent too much energy. Often, pumps run continuously at their maximum speed, regardless of actual requirements. In reality, most pump motors only have to run at full speed five per cent of the time. This leads to massive energy wastage all day, every day.”

Grundfos offers a pump inspection service and an energy check report that details client’s current pump installation and potential savings. Many customers can improve their energy costs by 50 per cent, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent and significantly reduce pump maintenance and repair costs, says the company.

Efficient pumps can offer significant savings to operators of commercial buildings, industrial applications, public buildings and water utilities. Replacing pump systems can make an immediate difference and in many cases return on investment will be reached in just a couple of years, after which the new system results in pure savings, says Sandager.