Our correspondent takes a look at how power saving lighting technology is evolving in India
GLOBAL warming has been around for sometime, but of late it has heated up into something that can threaten our very existence. From world forums to school nature clubs, concerns about the environment and global warming are capturing everyone’s attention.

A key aspect of drives aimed at halting or reversing this trend is the emphasis on reducing power consumption, and ‘switching off’ whenever possible. Western countries are at the top of the pile as far as energy consumption is concerned. But the developing world, too, is catching up, consuming more and more in its need to expand and grow.

The need for energy efficient electronics has never been so acute. In fact, the quest for energy efficient and cheap electronic products has become one of the biggest challenges of modern times. However, the good news is that technology has started evolving, discovering newer ways of conserving energy every day.

Around the world, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) have been replacing conventional bulbs for some time. The Indian Government has also been pushing for more CFL households through campaigns and concessions. But it looks like even the CFL is ready to be upstaged by the more efficient and user-friendly LEDs (light-emitting diode).
LEDs were invented in Russia in the 1920s and introduced in the US as a practical electronic component in 1962. The technology was initially very expensive, but constant improvements and increased use mean LEDs today are not only reliable but also affordable.

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