This paper considers minimization of resistive and frictional power dissipation in a separately excited DC motor based incremental motion drive (IMD). The drive is required to displace a given, fixed load through a definite angle in specified time, with minimum energy dissipation in the motor windings and minimum frictional losses. Accordingly, an energy optimal (EO) control strategy is proposed in which the motor is first accelerated to track a specific speed profile for a pre-determined optimal time period. Thereafter, both armature and field power supplies are disconnected, and the motor decelerates and comes to a halt at the desired displacement point in the desired total displacement time. The optimal time period for the initial acceleration phase is computed so that the motor stores just enough energy to decelerate to the final position at the specified displacement time. The parameters, such as the moment of inertia and coeficient of friction, which depend on the load and other external conditions, have been obtained using system identification method. Comparison with earlier control techniques is included. The results show that the proposed EO control strategy results in significant reduction of energy losses compared to the existing ones. This paper considers the minimization of resistive and frictional power dissipation in a separately excited DC motor based incremental motion drive (IMD). The drive is required to displace a given, fixed load through a definite angle in specified time, with minimum energy dissipation in the motor The energy optimal (EO) control strategy is proposed in which the motor is first accelerated to track a specific speed profile for a pre-determined optimal time period. Both, armature and field power supplies are disconnected , and the motor decelerates and comes to a halt at the desired displacement point in the desired total displacement time. The optimal time period for the initial acceleration phase is computed so that the motor stores just enough energy to decelerate to the final position at the specified displacement time. The parameters, such as the moment of inertia and coeficient of friction, which depend on the load and other external conditions, have been obtained using system identification method. Comparison with earlier control techniques is included. The results show that the proposed EO control strategy results in significant reduction of energy losses compared to the existing ones.