LEDs power the way forward for domestic lighting

A growing number of domestic and overseas lighting manufacturers are paying more attention to the promotion of light-emitting diodes for household use in the Chinese market following a global move away from traditional bulbs and a dramatically lower price for the energy-saving product.

An increase in LEDs for commercial and public use has already helped boost business for lighting companies in recent years. The wider use of the lighting products will help create a new growth engine for the industry, said Wu Changjiang, founder and president of NVC Lighting Technology Corp.

"Following a universal ban on selling the traditional products - known as incandescent light bulbs - and a more acceptable price for light-emitting diode products, the LED industry expects explosive growth in the next three years," Wu said.

In a move to promote an efficient and clean use of energy, many countries and regions began banning the manufacture and importation of incandescent light bulbs in recent years.

For example, incandescent light bulbs, which have been in use in the United States for more than a century, are on their way out this year, with the US government deciding to prohibit the manufacturing and importation of 40-watt and 60-watt bulbs since Jan 1.

China decided not to allow import and sale of 60-watt bulbs as of October this year, following early bans on the importation and sale of incandescent light bulbs of 100 watts and above in 2012, according to the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planning agency.

By the end of 2015, China expects 30 percent of domestic lighting to be replaced by LED products, three times more than at present, according to the commission.

To cater to an increasing demand for domestic use of LED bulbs, NVC announced more than 600 varieties of LED products in its six series in Beijing on Saturday, many of which are designed for household use.

"The reduced price will help boost coverage of LEDs for household use," Wu said.

"We will expand the sales network to deliver good and energy-efficient bulbs to cover more households in the coming years," Wu said.

Pan Wenbo, president of Guangzhou Guangya Exhibition and Trade Co, which specializes in organizing lighting fairs, believes there will be great market potential for domestic and overseas LED manufacturers in the near future.

"The fast urbanization requires more use of energy-saving lighting products. Under the current trend of emission reduction in commercial and residential projects, the country will see a surge in demand for LED lighting products both for public and household use, which offers huge potential for domestic lighting manufacturers," Pan told China Daily.

The wide scope of LEDs for household use has to do with the product's qualities - a longer operating life, lower price and pleasing illumination, said Pan.

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn