Posted by Jamie in Climate Change, Green Products & Services | 0 Comments
India phased out light bulb for energy efficiency
India’s dilemma regarding sustaining rapid economic growth while dealing with the worldwide phenomena called “climate change,” is drawing the attention of its government.
Climate change might produce serious changes to India’s natural resources origin and this may possibly threaten the environment as it affects agriculture, water and forestry.
Since India is known to be one of the many countries that emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, it started a remarkably helpful step in practicing energy efficiency.
Lighting takes up almost 20% of the total amount of electricity demanded in the country and incandescent bulbs that are energy-inefficient supply it.
Bachat Lamp Yojana is a program that aims to use carbon credit revenues from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to bring households Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CLFs) at the price of incandescent bulbs. It will replace around 400 million incandescent bulbs with CFLs by 2012, an act that will help in saving about 55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
The scheme was launched in New Delhi last February and was spearheaded by the Union Minister of Power, Shri Sushilkumar Shinde.
Along with countries such as Ireland, Australia and Argentina, India joined the bandwagon for this beneficial campaign promoted by Greenpeace.
Through this action, India will be able to cut down the same amount of emissions that would come from four coal-fired power plants. If other countries will follow India’s way of eradicating wasted electricity from lighting, the increasing effect would equal to shutting down around 220 coal-fired power plants.
The country used a procedure set up under the Kyoto protocol to minimize the cost of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) for ordinary individuals. Initially, the more efficient bulbs cost 80-100 rupees but after the scheme is implemented, it will then be worth 15 rupees, the same price as an incandescent bulb.
From 2003 until 2008, India’s sales of CFLs have grown from about 20 million to 200 million with the help of government’s efforts in promoting CFLs in the market. But because of the expensive price, 10 times the cost of incandescent bulbs, CFLs in the household sector remains low at 5%-10%.
Although it is only half of the solution to climate change, saving off energy is a bright way to reduce demand and carbon dioxide emissions quickly. Other ways include quitting coal production and replacing it with earth-friendly renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
More news about light bulbs and energy conservation:
- Phasing out incandescent light bulbs – phasing in fluorescent
- Seattle company is racing to build a better light bulb.
- The Clinton Globe Initiative is spearheading a Large-Scale Introduction of the LED Lamp.
