The motor awards – part of the forum’s Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) initiative – will cover both conventional induction machines and new technologies that have the potential to cut energy use in the future.

Medals will be awarded in each of four regions – Australia, Europe, India and North America – to motors that demonstrate the highest energy efficiency. Global winners will also be named for the most efficient induction motors in 4 and 11kW ratings, and the most efficient motor based on new technology up to 75kW.

The competition aims to spur innovation among motor manufacturers as well as helping motor users to cut their energy bills.

Motor manufacturers must submit entries by 29 November 2013. Prospective winners will need to provide samples for testing. The winners will be announced in September 2014 and an awards ceremony will take place in early 2015.

Motors are the largest consumers of end-use electricity, accounting for more than 40% of the world’s electricity consumption. They are responsible for more than 6,000 megatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually – equivalent to the emissions of more than a billion cars.