18 Mar 2009
The end of inefficient incandescent light bulbs in Europe moved a step closer today as the European Commission (EC) formally adopted regulations that will see traditional light bulbs phased out over the next three years.
Under the legislation, inefficient incandescent light bulbs will be progressively replaced by more efficient alternatives up to the end of 2012.
The EC said households would have a choice between compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs that typically deliver energy savings of 75 per cent, and halogen incandescent bulbs that offer the same light as traditional bulbs but deliver energy savings of between 25 and 50 per cent.
According to the EC, the average household will save between €25 (£23.50) and €50 on their electricity bill as a result of the new rules.
In addition to the phasing out of inefficient domestic lighting, the EC today also adopted similar regulations that set out new energy efficiency, functionality and product information requirements for office, street and industrial lighting.
Energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs said that the new regulations "deliver a clear message about the EU's commitment to reach its energy efficiency and climate protection targets".
He added that "by replacing last century lighting products by more performant technologies, European homes, buildings and streets will keep the same quality of lighting, while saving energy, CO2 and money".
According to figures from the EC, the two new regulations combined will save close to 80TWh by 2020, roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of Belgium, or the annual output of 20 500MW power stations. The savings will also cut emissions across the EU by around 32 million tons a year.
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Americans Insensitive To Energy Conservation?
Yes, apparently the EU is ahead of the US in many areas of energy conservation. For 37 years MPG50 has been available in the US and is still not in widespread use. MPG50 is a fuel conditioner for gasoline or diesel which boosts mileage by 25% to 75% and cuts exhaust pollution by 90% or more. See: http://tinyurl.com/d42wc7 MPG50 costs USD$25 a bottle, but you get a $40 Gas Rebate Voucher with your trial bottle, so you are paid $15 for trying it. At $0.85/liter petrol prices a bottle of MPG50 will save you 21 cents/liter, and since one bottle of MPG50 treats 605 liters, that's $127 savings in petrol or diesel fuel. Also, as an MPG50 Affiliate, you can make $$$ promoting it. No cost for the business. See http://MPG50.com Affiliate signup here: http://tinyurl.com/cumeg8 Since MPG50 can be easily shipped to or manufactured in the EU, it appears that the EU could also beat the USA in oil conservation.
Posted by Tim Leahy, 20 Mar 2009