Europe to Light Up Thanks to New Energy-Efficient Lighting

Monday 17 September 2012, Amsterdam

The European lighting industry is currently in a stage of transition, as incandescent lamps and halogen lamps are due to be phased out and replaced by new technologies, claims a new report by energy experts.

The new report states that with government efforts to save energy and reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Europe, the Energy-Efficient Lighting (EEL) industry is likely to  achieve sales of 2.5 bn units by 2020, having grown at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.5% from 2012. The EU governments plans to phase out incandescent lamps by September 2012, and the proposal to phase out halogen lamps by September 2016, governments and media agencies in the EU are working towards successfully phasing out incandescent lamps and promoting alternative lighting

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are the most cost-effective and efficient form of lighting, and several governments have provided incentives for energy-efficient CFLs, even distributing some for free, while promoting the ban on incandescent bulbs through information and registered marks on energy labels preventing consumers from purchasing low-quality products. However, the presence of mercury in CFLs has raised health concerns, and directives to limit levels of mercury and facilitate its efficient disposal would be required to win back popularity. A shortage of phosphor is also restricting imports, and production is also likely to be negatively impacted, resulting in a price rise.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps are gaining momentum in street lighting applications, and Light-emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Organic Light-emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are also evolving to be an extremely energy-efficient lighting option. The sales volume of these lamps is low at present, and the industry must conquer the general public’s perception of LED lamps being cold, dull, and unaffordable.

Although the initial cost of LED lighting is high, the overall cost of ownership is lower than for incandescent lamps, and technological advancements along with growing consumer awareness could lead to a potential boom in the market. LED lamps are constantly becoming cheaper, and due to oversupply in the LED packaging market, this trend is anticipated to continue throughout the coming years. Consumers in Europe are gradually becoming more concerned with cost than quality, and residential, commercial and industrial sectors are becoming more likely to purchase LED lamps over CFLs and halogen lamps, due to economic reasons.

Ecodesign legislation is being prepared to establish minimum performance requirements for LED lights, in order to improve light quality in the EU. The EU lighting industry has additionally initiated projects such as the Ecolighting Project, which incorporates voluntary Ecolabels that identify products or services proven to be environmentally friendly.