In an announcement made via PR Newswire, Philips announced mid-April that it has developed an LED lamp that is being celebrated as the most energy-efficient in the world.

Twice as efficient as the leading LED

The new LED tube prototype produced by Philips is supposedly twice as efficient as those currently being used for commercial use. The product offers the same amount of light as the competition while using half the energy, producing 200 lumens per watt in comparison with the 100 lumens per watt produced by the equivalent strip lighting or 15 lumens per watt, produced by traditional light bulbs. The results could mean enormous savings as companies could halve the energy costs of lighting.

It is expected that the prototype will be released with an initial focus on the business market, with plans to be made available for home users at a later date.

Big savings for small businesses

According to Philips, in the U.S. alone, fluorescent tube lighting account for 200 terawatts hours of electricity yearly, meaning that a switch to the new LED lamp could save the country as much as $12 billion, while, at the same time, stopping 60 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering into the atmosphere.

Rene van Schooten, Chief Executive of Light Source and Electronics at Philips says: “This is a major breakthrough in LED lighting and will further drive the transformation of the lighting industry. It’s exciting to imagine the massive energy and cost savings it will bring to our planet and customers.”

The new lamps are expected, as all LEDs are, to be more costly than the traditional alternative. While buyers will want to know what the payback period is on this new investment, the lamps will only go to market in 2015. Stay tuned.

All about LED lighting

LED lighting is a more efficient way to light your office building, or your home.Whereas normal incandescent bulbs have a life expectancy of approximately 1000 hours, and fluorescent lamps one of approximately 15,000 hours, LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours. They are mercury free, create a nice atmosphere for any commercial or residential environment, and may qualify you for some energy rebates and incentives. Read more about the benefits of LED lighting!

Questions or comments about Philips’ new LED prototype? Leave them below!

image credit: Philips Ambilight TVs Photostream