Global energy demand is predicted to be about 30 percent higher in 2040 compared to 2010 (1). Energy
demand growth will slow as economies mature, population growth moderates and efficiency gains
accelerate. This paper will focus on the third factor: energy efficiency. The industrial sector consumes
almost 48% of global energy, with the remainder being used for residential/commercial and transportation.
Clearly, improvements in energy efficiency in the industrial setting can have a major impact on overall global .
energy use and resultant CO2 emissions.
There are multiple sources of lubricant-related energy loss in industrial equipment in general, and gearboxes
in particular. These include frictional losses due to metal-to-metal contact, frictional traction losses under
elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication conditions and windage/churning loses in the bulk oil. All three of these
factors can be improved by using a properly formulated lubricant, with carefully selected base oils and
additives to improve efficiency.