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European Commission Publishes Green Paper on LED Lighting
 Lighting accounts for 50% of the electricity consumption of European cities and residential lighting accounts for 48% of the total market. As incandescent lamps are being phased out in Europe, new energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly lighting technologies are replacing them. Solid State Lighting (SSL) is the most innovative technology currently emerging in the market, and includes LED and OLED lighting.
In December 2011, the European Commission published a Green Paper on actions that need to be taken in order to accelerate the adoption of SSL technologies. It highlights the fact that the promotion of SSL lighting is an important element for achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy which calls for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and wide-scale energy efficiency improvements.
In 2010, LED market share was at 6.2% (value)however, studies predict that SSL will account for more than 70% of Europe's general lighting market by 2020. There are a number of factors for the current low level of market penetration of LEDs in Europe including: high initial purchase cost; poor quality LED replacement products available in the market; low awareness about the advantages and capabilities of SSL technology; insufficient or poor product information; and, health concerns.
The Green Paper presents a number of new policy initiatives that need to be established in order to keep pace with the rapidly developing technology and global competition, and to address existing barriers. It seeks to define a comprehensive set of strategic objectives that address both supply and demand, as well as establish the conditions for achieving these objectives. On a concrete level, the European Commission suggests developing standards for SSL technologies; organizing awareness raising events; continuing to fund R&D for new lighting technologies; and, promoting closer cooperation between the Commission and representatives from the SSL lighting industry, including producers and distributors.
The Green Paper also calls for a public European debate involving all parties interested in accelerating the pace of SSL acceptance and utilization. Research and business stakeholders, governments, civil society, communities and citizens are all encouraged to engage in this debate. Click here to access the report.
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