How to eliminate Japan’s nuclear reactors: LED light bulbs

[one...two...tree 2,762]

If Japan replaced all of its 1.6 billion light bulbs with LED varieties, the country would save the annual electricity output of 13 nuclear reactors.

So says the Institute of Energy Economics, a research group overseen by the country's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

IEE analyzed the benefits of switching to LEDs following the March nuclear disaster in Fukushima. Meltdowns prompted the country to abandon expansion of a nuclear industry that has provided 30% of Japan's electricity with 54 reactors - 35 of which remain shut for safety.

IEE's findings surfaced this week in the Mainichi Daily News.

"Promoting the introduction of LED lights will serve as energy-saving measures that have immediate effects and sustainability," the Tokyo-based online paper quotes an IEE representative as saying.

LED light bulbs use only about 10%-to-20% of the power consumed by incandescent light bulbs, and about 60% of fluorescents, including common energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs. IEE figured that Japanese homes, offices and manufacturing sites use some 1.6 billion bulbs, annually eating up 150.6 billion kWh of electricity.

If people replace those with LED bulbs, the country would cut annual consumption by 92.2 billion kWh, to 58.4 billion kWh, according to IEE. It says that's the equivalent of 13 nuclear reactors, a quarter of the country's total.

more...

Edited June 29, 2011 by 8TBVBN

[mawilson 2,133]

You want me to replace my light bulbs with these tiny things?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

You want me to replace my light bulbs with these tiny things?

You have to use 30 or 40 at a time. And pick a color -- you get even less of a spectrum than you do with fluorescent lamps.

[mawilson 2,133]

You have to use 30 or 40 at a time. And pick a color -- you get even less of a spectrum than you do with fluorescent lamps.

I had Christmas lights on in my living room since Christmas. They died about a month ago.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I had Christmas lights on in my living room since Christmas. They died about a month ago.

That too. They lack longevity, and cost more.