Air compressors are not currently regulated for energy efficiency. There are no proposals to regulate the efficiency of compressed air systems at this stage. However, a number of reports and brochures have been prepared to encourage best practice.

The following reports have been released for air compressors:

• Discussion Paper: Improving the Energy Efficiency of Industrial Equipment – This Discussion Paper sets out ideas for improving the energy efficiency of new industrial equipment such as motor-driven systems, that is, electric motors connected to equipment such as pumps, fans and air compressors, as well as gas fuelled equipment such as boilers.
• Air and Mine Equipment Institute of Australia – compressed air brochures. They provide advice on the design and maintenance of compressed air system to save energy. Compressed air brochures (published 2003-MAY).
• Report on the Success of Compressed Air Programs. Looks at a range of options for a Best Practice Program for compressors. Report 2002/06 (published 2002-FEB).
• MEPS Profile – Packaged Air Compressors. Concludes that MEPS are unlikely to be cost effective but recommends a range of voluntary programs (published 2001-MAR).
• MEPS Technical Report – Packaged Air Compressors, detailed technical report by Mark Ellis & Associates gives data on energy, performance and emissions for compressors and program options (published 2001-MAR).

Note that three-phase motors that are in new package equipment do need to be registered and comply with mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). See here for further information, including a list of exemptions. The exemption for integral motors is further defined in this Regulatory Ruling:

• Regulatory Ruling 8a