Low energy LED bulbs to last 100 years

The lighting industry is working on a 'third generation' of energy-efficient light bulbs that are designed to last a lifetime.
Already in use outdoors and in some shops and galleries, the environment friendly light-emitting diode bulbs that can go without replacement for up to 100 years will be in most new homes by 2011.
According to Keven Verdun, chief executive of The Lighting Association, the LEDs will be the ultimate low-energy bulb and will become the norm.

'By 2011, all conventional bulbs will have disappeared,' he said. 'Most people will have energy-efficient bulbs known as compact fluorescent lamps.

'But CFLs are only an interim solution. The ultimate are the LEDs and they will become standard lights for most homes.'

LEDs are used mainly outdoors or in shops, but they are not common in homes because at more than £4 each, they are not economic.

The Queen has become the most public figure to use the high-tech bulbs. Since last October, the front of Buckingham Palace has been lit from dusk with 59 LED fittings. And the paintings in its picture gallery are illuminated by LEDs, which have the advantage over other lights of not emitting heat.

Though LEDs last a lifetime, the industry does not believe it is working itself out of existence. Verdun said: 'You expect a house to last a lifetime, so why not bulbs?'

The good, bad and the LED

1. Incandescent bulb (normal light bulb). Costs from 20p for a 60-watt version, lasts up to a year.
2. Compact fluorescent bulb (low-energy bulb). Costs from £1-68 for a 60-watt bulb. Lasts six to 15 years.
3. LED bulb, already used in shops and outdoors. Costs from £4.55. Lasts from 15 to 100 years.

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