LED PROJECTS AND ECONOMIC TEST CASES IN EUROPE

This report presents the status of existing LED pilot actions in Europe, analysing 106 LED test cases from 17 European countries. Projects from the public and commercial sectors form the focus of the report. Reviewed test cases include the use of LED technology in various applications. The results of test cases demonstrate wide variation. Installations offer energy savings of 59% in average (savings range from 10% up to more than 90%), either compared to the original installation or to reference consumption. In many applications, LEDs are competitive, yet a large number of projects are still in the trial phase. In these cases, economic aspects are relatively less relevant, and are often not even accounted for. From the test cases reviewed, most successful applications, in terms of savings and economic considerations, are 1) replacement of incandescent light bulbs in traffic light systems, and 2) replacement of halogen spotlights in indoor applications. Main co-benefits of LED projects analysed include: low maintenance costs, improved lighting characteristics, good indoor and outdoor lighting quality, improved ambience and atmosphere, no UV radiation, environmental benefits and improved security. On the other hand, some challenges to address include: improve the quality characteristics of LEDs and the quality of information and data provided by manufacturers/suppliers, and optimality of LED technology for existing street lighting systems. In order to fully utilise the energy saving potential of LED technology, careful evaluation of existing projects and exchange of information on good practices is necessary. Exploration of bottlenecks and risks is also an important task. Quality characteristics of LEDs, and quality of data provided by manufacturers, will remain the main challenges to penetration of the technology.JRC.F.7-Renewable Energ