SKF Brings Efficiency Solutions to COP31
The Swedish bearings maker is showcasing industrial energy-efficiency and circularity technologies at the UN climate conference.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Energy
SKF is bringing a range of energy-efficiency and circularity solutions to COP31 and joining the Energy Efficiency Movement, a global network focused on industrial energy-efficiency solutions. The company says these technologies address the energy lost to friction in industrial machinery.
Why it matters
Industries are working to reduce emissions while remaining competitive, and friction accounts for a large share of wasted energy in industrial systems. Data centres also require significant energy for computing and cooling, making efficiency gains increasingly relevant.
More than 20% of global energy is lost to friction, according to figures cited by SKF. SKF projects that chillers with its magnetic bearings commissioned in 2030 could avoid 3.4 million tonnes of CO₂e over their lifetime, though the methodology behind this estimate was not detailed.
The players
SKF
SKF is a Swedish industrial bearings and engineering company headquartered in Gothenburg, known for its rolling bearings, seals, and condition-monitoring products.
Energy Efficiency Movement
The Energy Efficiency Movement is a global network of organizations focused on promoting energy-efficiency solutions across industry.
The details
SKF will highlight SKF Insight bearings, RecondOil, remanufacturing services, and SKF Infinium at the conference. Magnetic bearings operate without physical contact, reducing friction and mechanical wear, while SKF Infinium uses additive manufacturing so large bearings can be renewed rather than replaced.
Timeline
2030: Chillers equipped with SKF magnetic bearings are projected to be commissioned.
7 October 2026: SKF showcased cooling technologies at Chillventa 2026.
5 November 2026: SKF announced its COP31 solutions in a press release.
Big Picture
The IEA's World Energy Outlook 2025 frames industrial efficiency as a central lever for managing global energy demand. SKF's friction-reduction and remanufacturing claims fit within that framing, though the company's projections are its own.
Industrial operators could see lower energy costs and maintenance needs if friction-reducing bearings and renewable components are adopted. Adoption timelines and cost impacts for end users were not specified in the source material.
The takeaway
Reducing friction in industrial machinery is one of the most direct ways to cut wasted energy. Companies evaluating equipment upgrades can weigh bearing efficiency and remanufacturing options alongside other energy investments.
Further reading
For broader context on industrial energy use, see Energy.
More information
Read the IEA World Energy Outlook 2025 report for broader global energy context.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
