The product group "Compressors" was identified as a priority group in the first iteration of the eco-design work plan (2009-2011 period).
In 2012, the ENER batch 31 study was commissioned to VHK to study compressors driven by electric motors.
The first study, conducted from March 2012 to June 2014, concluded that so-called compressor standards are suitable for implementing ecodesign measures because the market is significant, the environmental impact is significant, and savings could be realized without excessive negative impacts.
The Commission then drafted a working paper that was presented to the members of the advisory forum on October 23, 2014.
Since this first study was unable to evaluate in more detail possible policy options for compressors in other ranges of applications, a second study was commissioned from VHK in 2015 to evaluate specifically so-called oil-free compressors and low-pressure compressors.
This second study was completed in 2017, and new evaluations and the European Commission's new work program are now awaited, which is expected to lead to the publication of Regulations for the eco-friendly design of compressors.
VHK documents are available here.