Energy-efficient lighting programs: Experience and lessons from eight countries

• Published in: Energy policy 1998-12, Vol.26 (14), p.1071-1081
• Main Authors: Martinot, Eric, Borg, Nils
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Case studies; Compact fluorescent lamps; Conservation; Economic aspects; Electric power; Energy; Energy consumption; Energy economics; Energy efficiency; Energy policy; Environmental policy; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; Global warming; Lighting; Manycountries; Market transformation; Regulation; Studies
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/S0301-4215(98)00052-4

We analyze ten case studies of energy-efficient lighting programs in eight countries – Poland, Thailand, Mexico, Jamaica, Peru, Brazil, Denmark and the United Kingdom – to draw out and compare the lessons and experience related to program approaches, technology diffusion and market transformation impacts, cost effectiveness of greenhouse-gas reductions, and economic benefits. Program approaches include direct subsidies, wholesale buy-downs, bulk procurement, give-aways, education, voluntary agreements, and consumer financing mechanisms. All approaches were adequate to deliver a targeted quantity of high-efficiency lamps to consumers, but differed substantially in their cost-effectiveness, economic benefits and market transformation effects. The Poland, Thailand, Danish and UK cases in particular show that lighting programs can reduce CO 2 emissions at a cost of US$5–US$10/ton, or even less including indirect impacts. The potential indirect impacts on national lighting markets through the market transformation aspects of the programs are significant but difficult to assess because of the absence of pre-project baselines. The cases focus mainly on compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for residential use, and include four recent projects financed in part by the Global Environment Facility.