India To Replace 20 Million Streetlights With LEDs In 2 Years
The Ministry of Power in India has reiterated its commitment to replace conventional bulbs with LEDs in streetlights and in the domestic sector.
The Indian government announced the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) earlier this year, and according to the government, about 20 million bulbs will be replaced by LEDs at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore ($385 million). The Minister of Power Piyush Goyal reiterated his government’s commitment at a recent meeting of the renewable energy agencies of Indian states.
The program will reduce power load by a massive 5 GW and save 10.5 billion kWh every year, translating into annual financial savings of Rs 5,775 crore ($890 million).
The program is expected to target streetlights as well as residential consumers. Power distribution companies in various states would directly offer subsidies to consumers to purchase LED bulbs. Consumers will be offered LED bulbs at prices well below the market price. The financial cost of the subsidies would be borne by Energy Efficiency Services Limited, which would be subsequently paid from the financial savings realized by the distribution companies.
Energy efficiency has been an important initiative for the Narendra Modi government. The Prime Minister has directed all central government departments to switch to efficient lighting systems and set up rooftop solar power systems. India’s Presidential Palace already has an operational solar power system.
The appeal from the Prime Minister has resonated among several minsters and legislators. The National Security Advisor is reportedly considering setting up a rooftop solar power system at his official home, while several ministers and members of Parliament are working to get off-grid solar power systems installed in villages across the country.
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