The Growing Importance of Energy Efficiency in ME
A Region
The Middle East and Africa variable frequency drive market is experiencing substantial growth, valued at an estimated $0.98 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $1.29 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 5.6% over the forecast period. This expansion reflects increasing recognition of energy efficiency importance across industrial and commercial sectors throughout the region.
As industrialization progresses in the Middle East and Africa, energy demands continue soaring, necessitating increased adoption of variable frequency drives. These power conversion devices enhance motor efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and bolster operational effectiveness. Industries including oil and gas, manufacturing, and infrastructure increasingly incorporate VFDs to improve energy savings and operational efficiency.
The global VFD market demonstrates even more dramatic growth trajectories, with projections indicating the market will reach approximately $33.10 billion by 2025. Growing emphasis from government organizations worldwide to reduce energy consumption and achieve net zero energy goals represents one of the key trends contributing to market expansion. In 2016, total investments in energy efficiency globally were valued at $231 billion, with substantial portions allocated to HVAC systems and controls.
Understanding Variable Frequency Drive Technology
Basic Operating Principles
Variable frequency drives, also known as VFDs or variable speed drives, represent electronic devices controlling the speed of alternating current motors with precision. Electric motors rotate rotors according to parameters determined by voltage and frequency of electrical power supplied. Internationally, electrical systems operate at various voltages including 400 volts three-phase or 380 volts three-phase, with 50 or 60 Hertz frequency. By varying voltage or frequency, motor performance including speed varies accordingly.
Normally, changing voltage or frequency without ancillary equipment proves difficult. Variable frequency drives achieve these variations efficiently. Normal electric power supply feeds into VFDs, and VFD output connects to electric motors. Controls available in VFDs enable adjustment of motor speed. The major components for controlling AC motors include AC to DC converters, also known as rectifiers, which convert incoming AC to DC, and DC to AC converters, also known as power inverters, which convert DC into AC of different frequency.
VFDs operate on simple yet highly effective principles involving power input, rectification, inversion, and output. VFDs receive standard AC power from electrical grids. This AC power undergoes conversion to DC power through rectification. The DC power then converts back to AC at variable frequency through inversion. Finally, VFDs deliver AC power at desired frequencies to motors.
The relationship between motor speed, frequency, and voltage proves fundamental. Motor speed is directly proportional to power supply frequency. By changing frequency, VFDs control motor speed with great accuracy. This precise control allows motors to run at optimal efficiency levels. The approach eliminates needs for mechanical speed control methods, which often waste substantial energy. VFDs ensure motors use only power needed for tasks at hand.
Power Conversion Process
The VFD power conversion process involves multiple stages transforming standard electrical supply into precisely controlled motor power. The rectifier stage accepts three-phase AC input from utility power and converts it to direct current. This rectification typically employs diode bridges producing relatively smooth DC voltage.
The DC bus stage stores electrical energy temporarily and filters voltage ripples. Capacitor banks smooth DC voltage, providing stable power supply for subsequent conversion stages. The DC bus voltage level typically remains higher than input AC voltage peak values, enabling voltage boost capabilities.
The inverter stage reconstructs AC power from DC bus voltage. Insulated gate bipolar transistors or similar power switching devices rapidly switch DC voltage on and off, creating approximations of AC waveforms. Pulse width modulation techniques control switching patterns, producing output voltages and frequencies matching desired motor operating points.
Output filtering reduces harmonic content in reconstructed AC waveforms. Inductors and capacitors smooth rapid voltage transitions, producing sinusoidal approximations suitable for motor operation. Proper filtering minimizes electromagnetic interference and reduces motor heating from harmonic currents.
Control Methods and Strategies
Scalar control, also known as volts per hertz control, represents the simplest VFD control method. This approach maintains constant ratios between output voltage and frequency. Scalar control suits applications requiring basic speed control without demanding precise torque or speed regulation. Pumps and fans in HVAC systems often employ scalar control successfully.
Vector control provides more sophisticated motor control enabling precise speed and torque regulation. This method independently controls motor flux and torque components, delivering superior dynamic performance. Vector control suits applications requiring rapid speed changes, precise positioning, or accurate torque control. Manufacturing equipment and high-performance HVAC systems benefit from vector control capabilities.
Sensorless vector control achieves vector control benefits without requiring motor shaft encoders or resolvers. Advanced algorithms estimate motor parameters from electrical measurements, eliminating needs for mechanical feedback devices. This approach reduces system costs and complexity while maintaining good control performance for most applications.
Direct torque control represents another advanced control method offering fast dynamic response. This technique directly controls motor flux and torque through optimal switching patterns. Direct torque control provides excellent transient performance suitable for demanding applications, though implementation complexity exceeds basic control methods.
Energy Savings Mechanisms in HVAC Applications
Motor Speed and Power Consumption Relationship
Motor energy use fundamentally relates to operational speed according to well-established engineering principles. The most commonly used motor in building HVAC systems remains the induction motor. With induction motors, power drawn varies with the cube of motor speed. This cubic relationship creates dramatic energy-saving opportunities when motor speeds can be reduced matching actual load requirements.
This mathematical relationship means that reducing motor speed by 25 percent of normal operating speed reduces energy use by nearly 60 percent. At 50 percent speed reduction, energy consumption drops by approximately 90 percent. These substantial savings occur because motor power requirements decrease much faster than proportional speed reductions.
Most conventional building HVAC applications were designed to operate fans and pumps at constant speeds. Building loads, however, demonstrate anything but constant behavior. Occupancy varies throughout days and seasons. Weather conditions change continuously. Internal heat sources fluctuate with equipment usage and occupancy patterns. In conventional constant-speed systems, mechanical throttling adjusts water or air flow meeting variable demands.
Mechanical throttling approaches, including dampers for air systems and valves for water systems, waste substantial energy. These devices create artificial restrictions forcing motors to work harder maintaining flow against increased resistance. The motors continue consuming power at full-speed levels while delivering only fractions of potential output. This fundamental inefficiency creates opportunities for VFD applications.
Eliminating Throttling Losses
VFD installations address inefficiencies introduced by mechanical throttling while capturing energy savings enabled by cubic power relationships. VFDs accomplish this by converting 60-cycle line current to direct current, then to output varying in voltage and frequency based on loads placed on systems. As system loads decrease, VFD controllers reduce motor operating speeds so flow rates through systems meet but do not exceed building requirements.
This approach contrasts sharply with throttling methods. Rather than running motors at full speed and restricting output, VFDs slow motors producing only required output. The energy savings prove substantial because motors consume power corresponding to actual loads rather than potential loads.
Pumping applications in HVAC systems demonstrate particularly dramatic savings. Centrifugal pumps commonly used in HVAC follow affinity laws relating speed, flow, pressure, and power. Flow varies directly with speed. Pressure varies with speed squared. Power varies with speed cubed. These relationships mean small speed reductions yield disproportionately large power savings.
Fan applications similarly benefit from VFD control. Variable air volume systems supply air at controlled rates matching space conditioning requirements. Rather than running supply fans at constant speeds and throttling air through dampers, VFDs adjust fan speeds delivering required airflow at reduced energy consumption.
Reduced Mechanical Stress and Wear
Beyond direct energy savings, VFDs reduce mechanical stress on motors and driven equipment. Conventional across-the-line motor starting applies full voltage suddenly, creating high starting currents typically five to seven times normal running current. These current surges stress electrical distribution systems and motors themselves.
The sudden acceleration applies maximum mechanical torque to driven equipment. Pumps, fans, and compressors experience shock loads during full-voltage starts. These repeated stress cycles accelerate wear on bearings, couplings, impellers, and other mechanical components. Equipment lifespans decrease as cumulative stress damage accumulates.
When motors connected to VFDs start, VFDs apply very low frequency and voltage initially. These parameters gradually ramp up at controlled rates to normal operating conditions. Soft starting dramatically reduces electrical stress on motors and mechanical stress on driven equipment. Starting currents typically remain below normal running currents, eliminating voltage sags affecting other equipment.
Gradual acceleration prevents shock loading of mechanical components. Smooth torque buildup reduces stress on bearings, shafts, couplings, and driven equipment. This gentler treatment extends component lifespans, reducing maintenance requirements and replacement frequencies. The reduced wear represents significant indirect cost savings complementing direct energy savings.
HVAC System Applications
Chiller Plant Optimization
Chilled water systems serving commercial buildings represent major energy consumers. Chillers producing cooling, pumps circulating chilled water, cooling towers rejecting heat, and associated equipment collectively consume substantial portions of building energy budgets. VFD applications across these components create comprehensive energy savings opportunities.
Chiller compressor VFDs enable capacity modulation matching cooling loads. Rather than cycling chillers on and off or running at fixed capacities, VFD-equipped compressors adjust speeds continuously. This variable capacity operation improves efficiency across broad load ranges. Most buildings operate chillers at partial loads majority of time. VFD operation maintains high efficiency during these common conditions.
Chilled water pump VFDs respond to building cooling demands by varying flow rates. Variable flow systems reduce pump speeds when some terminal units require less cooling. The cubic relationship between speed and power creates dramatic savings as pump speeds decrease. Differential pressure controls maintain minimum required pressures ensuring adequate flow to all zones.
Condenser water pump VFDs adjust flow rates based on chiller load and ambient conditions. Optimization algorithms determine ideal condenser water flow rates maximizing chiller efficiency while minimizing pump energy consumption. The combined system optimization considers interactions between components rather than optimizing individual elements in isolation.
Cooling tower fan VFDs modulate heat rejection rates matching chiller requirements. Rather than cycling tower fans on and off in steps, VFDs provide infinitely variable capacity control. This precise control maintains optimal condenser water temperatures across varying conditions. The approach improves overall plant efficiency while reducing mechanical stress on fan components.
Air Handling Unit Control
Air handling units distribute conditioned air throughout buildings. Supply fans, return fans, and variable air volume box controls represent primary VFD application opportunities. Traditional constant volume systems waste substantial energy moving unnecessary air and requiring excessive reheat.
Supply fan VFDs adjust airflow rates matching actual zone requirements. As VAV boxes throughout buildings throttle airflow responding to space temperature conditions, supply fan static pressure requirements decrease. VFD controls reduce fan speeds maintaining minimum necessary static pressures. This load-following approach dramatically reduces fan energy consumption compared to constant volume operation.
Return fan VFDs typically track supply fan operation maintaining proper building pressurization. Coordinated control ensures slight positive building pressures preventing infiltration while avoiding excessive pressurization. The approach maintains comfort and indoor air quality while minimizing energy waste.
Variable air volume box control represents zone-level application of variable speed concepts. Rather than constant volume with reheat, VAV systems modulate airflow rates to individual zones. Many VAV boxes now incorporate small VFDs controlling local fan-powered terminals. These distributed VFDs enable additional control flexibility and energy savings.
Economizer operation integration with VFD control maximizes free cooling opportunities. When outdoor conditions permit, systems increase outside air intake reducing mechanical cooling requirements. VFD controls modulate fan speeds maintaining proper airflow during economizer operation. This coordinated control maximizes energy savings from favorable ambient conditions.
Pump Applications Across Building Systems
Heating hot water pumps serving building heating systems benefit from VFD control similarly to chilled water applications. Variable flow operation reduces pump energy consumption during partial load conditions. Most buildings operate heating systems at partial capacity majority of time, creating substantial savings opportunities.
Domestic water booster pumps maintaining pressure throughout tall buildings represent excellent VFD applications. Conventional systems maintain constant pressures regardless of demand. VFD-based systems adjust pump speeds responding to actual water usage. Pressure sensors provide feedback enabling precise control. This demand-responsive operation saves energy while maintaining adequate pressure.
Condenser water pumps serving building cooling towers adjust flow rates based on cooling requirements and ambient conditions. VFD control enables optimization of tower performance across varying wet bulb temperatures. The approach maintains efficient chiller operation while minimizing auxiliary equipment energy consumption.
Glycol loop pumps circulating heat transfer fluids in specialized applications demonstrate similar energy-saving opportunities. Process cooling systems, data center cooling, and other applications requiring temperature-controlled fluid circulation benefit from VFD pump control. Variable flow matching actual cooling loads reduces energy consumption while maintaining necessary temperature control.
Quantified Energy Savings and ROI
Documented Savings Across Applications
Typical energy savings with VFDs range from 20 to 50 percent on motor energy costs in HVAC applications. This substantial range reflects variations in specific applications, operating profiles, and baseline equipment conditions. Some applications may achieve even higher savings depending on particular use cases and operating patterns.
A high-rise office building retrofitting HVAC systems with VFDs reported energy consumption for climate control dropping by 45 percent. The building achieved LEED certification thanks to these energy-saving measures along with other improvements. The documented savings validated VFD investment decisions and supported sustainability commitments.
Case study from Expo 2020 Dubai demonstrated real-world performance metrics. Implementation of PLC and VFD HVAC control panel system in high-end Dubai restaurant reduced ventilation energy usage by 32 percent while maintaining optimal indoor temperatures. The client reported improved air quality and over 30,000 AED in annual energy savings. The project illustrated VFD benefits in challenging Middle East climate conditions.
Commercial HVACR variable speed drives when applied to HVAC motors can provide energy savings of up to 60 percent while also enhancing system operation and comfort. These savings represent upper bounds achievable under favorable conditions. Even conservative estimates projecting 20 to 30 percent savings justify VFD investments for most applications.
Municipal water treatment plant implementing VFDs on pump systems achieved energy savings reaching 30 percent with additional benefits of improved process control. The plant reduced carbon footprint while enhancing water quality. This case demonstrates VFD applications extending beyond traditional HVAC to water treatment infrastructure.
Return on Investment Calculations
VFD investment returns depend on multiple factors including electricity costs, operating hours, baseline equipment efficiency, and specific application characteristics. Higher electricity costs and longer operating hours accelerate payback periods. Applications with highly variable loads typically demonstrate better savings than those with relatively constant operation.
Simple payback calculations divide initial investment costs by annual energy cost savings. For typical HVAC applications, simple paybacks range from one to four years. More sophisticated analyses incorporate maintenance savings, reduced equipment replacement costs, and improved comfort or productivity benefits. These comprehensive evaluations often justify investments even for marginal energy savings cases.
Utility incentive programs frequently subsidize VFD installations accelerating payback periods. Many electric utilities offer rebates for energy efficiency measures including VFD retrofits. These financial incentives can cover 20 to 50 percent of equipment costs. Organizations should investigate available programs during project planning.
Financing options enable implementations without large upfront capital requirements. Performance contracts guarantee energy savings covering financing costs. Equipment leasing spreads costs over time matching cash flow benefits. These approaches remove financial barriers enabling organizations to capture energy savings immediately.
Installation and Integration Considerations
Electrical System Requirements
VFD installations require careful electrical design ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. Input power quality affects VFD performance and reliability. Voltage unbalance, harmonic distortion, and voltage sags can cause operational issues. Pre-installation power quality surveys identify potential problems requiring mitigation.
Input line reactors or isolation transformers protect VFDs from electrical disturbances while improving power factor. These devices also reduce harmonic currents VFDs inject into electrical distribution systems. Proper input filtering maintains power quality throughout facilities preventing interference with other equipment.
Output cables connecting VFDs to motors require special consideration. VFD pulse width modulation creates high-frequency voltage transients. Standard cable installations may not adequately suppress electromagnetic interference. Shielded cables or conduit systems provide necessary protection preventing interference with adjacent control wiring.
Motor terminal filters reduce voltage rise times protecting motor insulation from stress. Standard motors generally tolerate VFD operation, but older motors or those with unknown histories may require evaluation. Some applications justify motor replacement concurrent with VFD installation ensuring equipment compatibility and maximizing reliability.
Control Integration Strategies
Building automation system integration enables coordinated control across multiple systems. VFDs communicate via standard protocols including BACnet, Modbus, and proprietary networks. Integration allows central monitoring, scheduling, optimization, and alarming. This connectivity maximizes energy savings through system-level coordination impossible with standalone controls.
Sensor selection and placement critically affects control performance. Pressure sensors, flow meters, and temperature sensors provide feedback enabling closed-loop control. Sensor accuracy, response time, and reliability directly impact system performance. High-quality sensors justify incremental costs through improved control and reliability.
Control algorithm selection determines how VFDs respond to varying conditions. Proportional-integral-derivative controllers provide basic feedback control. Advanced algorithms incorporating feedforward control, adaptive tuning, and optimization improve performance. Algorithm sophistication should match application requirements avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Setpoint optimization adjusts control targets based on operating conditions and energy costs. Rather than maintaining fixed pressure or flow setpoints, optimization algorithms determine minimum values satisfying all loads. This dynamic adjustment minimizes energy consumption while ensuring adequate system performance. Sophisticated optimization requires system modeling and ongoing commissioning.
Commissioning and Optimization
Proper commissioning ensures VFD installations achieve expected performance. Commissioning processes verify correct installation, validate control sequences, and optimize operating parameters. Inadequate commissioning represents primary reason some VFD installations fail to achieve projected savings.
Baseline measurements document pre-retrofit conditions enabling savings verification. Electrical measurements, runtime monitoring, and control point trending establish performance baselines. Detailed documentation supports energy savings claims and identifies opportunities for additional improvements.
Parameter tuning adjusts VFD settings matching specific application requirements. Acceleration and deceleration rates affect process stability and comfort. Current limits protect motors and driven equipment from overloads. Proper tuning balances responsiveness against stability and equipment protection.
Ongoing monitoring validates sustained energy savings and identifies degradation requiring attention. Trending energy consumption, runtimes, and control points reveals performance changes over time. Regular reviews maintain focus on energy management ensuring continued savings realization.
Maintenance and Reliability
Preventive Maintenance Programs
VFD reliability depends on proper maintenance extending equipment lifespans. Manufacturer recommendations specify inspection intervals, cleaning procedures, and component replacement schedules. Following these guidelines prevents premature failures and maximizes return on investment.
Cooling system maintenance represents critical reliability factor. Dust accumulation on heat sinks reduces cooling effectiveness. Clogged cooling fans create elevated temperatures accelerating component aging. Regular cleaning maintains proper cooling ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments.
Electrical connection inspection identifies loose terminations before they cause failures. Thermal cycling and vibration gradually loosen connections. Periodic torque checks ensure all terminations remain secure. Thermal imaging surveys detect problem connections through temperature variations.
Capacitor replacement at recommended intervals prevents catastrophic failures. Electrolytic capacitors in DC bus sections have finite service lives. Age-related deterioration eventually leads to failures potentially damaging other components. Scheduled replacement avoids unexpected outages.
Environmental Considerations
Operating environment significantly affects VFD reliability and lifespan. Ambient temperature, humidity, altitude, and contamination all influence performance. Manufacturers specify environmental ratings indicating acceptable operating ranges. Applications exceeding these ratings require environmental control or specialized equipment.
Temperature control maintains VFD components within rated ranges. Elevated temperatures accelerate component aging reducing lifespans. Proper ventilation, air conditioning, or other cooling methods maintain acceptable temperatures. Gulf region installations particularly require attention to temperature management given extreme ambient conditions.
Contamination protection prevents dust, moisture, and corrosive gases from damaging equipment. Proper enclosure selection provides appropriate protection levels. NEMA and IP rating systems indicate enclosure protection capabilities. Harsh environments justify premium enclosures preventing contamination-related failures.
Vibration isolation protects VFD components from mechanical stress. While VFDs lack rotating components, excessive vibration can damage electronic assemblies. Proper mounting and isolation maintain reliable operation even in high-vibration environments.
Regulatory Compliance and Standards
Energy Efficiency Mandates
Government initiatives to reduce energy consumption increasingly mandate efficiency improvements. The European Union proposed revising Energy Efficiency Directive goals from 20 percent by 2020 to 30 percent by 2030. These regulations include incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises monitoring efficiency levels and undergoing energy audits. VFD incorporation across industrial and commercial applications helps organizations meet regulatory requirements.
UAE Vision 2030 establishes ambitious sustainability targets driving energy efficiency focus. Government procurement increasingly considers environmental performance. Organizations with demonstrated energy management capabilities, including VFD installations, may receive preferential treatment. Meeting national sustainability goals aligns organizational interests with broader policy objectives.
Building codes increasingly incorporate energy efficiency requirements. ASHRAE standards establishing baseline performance for HVAC systems continue evolving toward higher efficiency. VFD applications help buildings meet or exceed code requirements. New construction incorporating VFDs from initial design often achieves better performance than retrofit applications.
LEED certification and similar green building programs credit energy efficiency measures. VFD installations contribute toward certification thresholds. These voluntary programs demonstrate environmental commitment while potentially commanding premium rental rates or sale prices. Market recognition of sustainability credentials justifies investments beyond minimum code compliance.
Harmonic Mitigation Requirements
VFDs generate harmonic currents potentially affecting power quality throughout facilities. Harmonics cause additional heating in transformers, neutral conductors, and motors. These effects reduce equipment efficiency and lifespan. Regulatory standards limit harmonic levels organizations can inject into electrical distribution systems.
IEEE 519 establishes harmonic distortion limits applicable in United States and many international locations. Organizations must ensure VFD installations comply with applicable standards. Pre-installation harmonic analysis predicts VFD impacts guiding mitigation strategies. Post-installation measurements verify compliance demonstrating regulatory adherence.
Harmonic mitigation technologies include line reactors, isolation transformers, and active harmonic filters. Selection depends on specific application requirements and existing power quality conditions. Input line reactors represent cost-effective solutions for many applications. Active filters provide superior performance for demanding situations.
Utility interconnection agreements may specify power quality requirements stricter than general standards. Large VFD installations sometimes require utility approval before commissioning. Organizations should engage utilities early during project planning ensuring requirements understanding and compliance.
Conclusion
Variable frequency drives represent proven technologies delivering substantial energy savings in HVAC applications. The Middle East and Africa VFD market growth from $0.98 billion in 2025 to projected $1.29 billion by 2030 at 5.6 percent CAGR reflects increasing recognition of efficiency benefits. Documented energy savings of 20 to 50 percent justify VFD investments across diverse applications.
The fundamental cubic relationship between motor speed and power consumption creates dramatic energy-saving opportunities. Reducing motor speed by 25 percent cuts energy consumption nearly 60 percent. At 50 percent speed reduction, energy use drops approximately 90 percent. These mathematical relationships make VFDs exceptionally effective for variable load applications.
HVAC systems represent ideal VFD applications given inherently variable nature of building loads. Occupancy, weather, and internal heat sources continuously fluctuate. VFD-controlled motors adjust speeds matching actual requirements rather than running at full speed and throttling output. This intelligent response eliminates massive energy waste inherent in constant-speed mechanical throttling approaches.
Applications span chiller plants, air handling units, and pumping systems throughout buildings. Each application demonstrates unique characteristics but shares common energy-saving mechanisms. Chiller compressor VFDs enable capacity modulation. Pump VFDs reduce energy consumption during partial load conditions. Fan VFDs adjust airflow matching zone requirements. Coordinated control across systems maximizes overall efficiency.
Real-world case studies validate theoretical savings predictions. High-rise office building retrofit achieving 45 percent climate control energy reduction demonstrates achievable performance. Dubai restaurant installation cutting ventilation energy 32 percent while improving comfort illustrates benefits in Middle East conditions. Municipal water treatment plant realizing 30 percent pump energy savings extends VFD advantages beyond traditional HVAC applications.
Return on investment calculations typically demonstrate simple paybacks of one to four years for HVAC applications. Higher electricity costs and longer operating hours accelerate returns. Utility incentive programs further improve economics covering 20 to 50 percent of equipment costs in many cases. Performance contracting and equipment leasing enable implementations without large upfront capital requirements.
Successful VFD installations require careful attention to electrical system compatibility, control integration, and commissioning. Input power quality, harmonic mitigation, and motor protection represent critical design considerations. Building automation system integration enables system-level optimization impossible with standalone controls. Thorough commissioning ensures installations achieve expected performance rather than disappointing owners through inadequate setup.
Ongoing maintenance sustains reliability and performance throughout equipment lifespans. Preventive maintenance programs following manufacturer recommendations prevent premature failures. Environmental considerations including temperature control and contamination protection prove particularly important in Gulf region conditions. Regular monitoring validates continued energy savings and identifies degradation requiring attention.
Regulatory drivers increasingly mandate energy efficiency improvements. Government sustainability goals, building codes, and green building programs credit VFD installations. Organizations demonstrating energy management capabilities align with policy objectives while potentially receiving preferential treatment in government procurement. Market recognition of sustainability credentials justifies investments beyond minimum compliance requirements.
As energy costs continue rising and sustainability becomes increasingly important, VFD technology will expand across more applications. Current installations in HVAC systems demonstrate proven benefits positioning VFDs as standard practice rather than optional enhancements. Organizations not yet capturing VFD benefits should evaluate opportunities within their facilities identifying quick payback projects justifying immediate action.
