LED there be Light

Energy efficient lighting systems will go a long way in bridging the energy deficit in the country.
Harshavardhan Chitale, Vice Chairman & MD, Philips Lighting India
The Future is LED The quest for energy efficiency will be central to the Indian government’s plan of surplus energy generation this year.  A major step in that direction will be substituting conventional lamps with energy efficient LED lights and connected lighting systems enabling smart cities of the future. Lighting alone contributes to 18-20 per cent of total energy consumption in the world. Therefore, Harshavardhan Chitale, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Philips Lighting India says, “Energy efficient lighting systems will go a long way in bridging the energy deficit in the country. A transformation in that direction has already begun, with nearly 30 per cent of the lights sold today in the consumer segment being LED bulbs. The government is also extending LED in street and public infrastructure lighting, thus significantly reducing energy consumption. Even though the Indian government is taking several initiatives to electrify our villages, there will be still be some parts of the country where laying complete grids will remain a challenge as the cost of installation will be more than the power generated. In such areas renewable solutions such as solar lighting will prove to be an adequate solution.” 
Emergence of connected lightingAs per Chitale, the game changer in this transformation will be the emergence of connected lighting, as it can further reduce energy consumption. While a simple switch to LED offers up to 50 per cent savings in energy consumption, connected LED lighting can increase this figure to 80 per cent. Connected street lights can reduce energy consumption on a wide scale in a huge country like India, as it can be remotely monitored and controlled depending on road usage.
Philips’s light helps saving energy“With our innovative and energy efficient lighting systems, we have actively contributed towards power and energy saving across the globe,” claims Chitale. Philips Lighting offers energy efficient LED lighting systems and smart connected lighting, which can reduce the total lighting related power demand by more than half. The use of smart lighting, equipped with sensors which can detect movement and occupancy levels can save up to 30 per cent energy, in addition to the 50 per cent energy saving by the use LEDs. “Nearly 93 per cent of our lighting products and equipment are designed in India, especially catering to the Indian market. We have established the Philips Lighting innovation centre in Noida, with the objective of reducing our lead time to develop and market affordable products and solutions in India,” he informs.
Opportunities out of smart cityGovernments’ initiatives to bridge the energy deficit in the country have created ample opportunities for Philips Lighting energy efficient lighting products and systems. “The increasing awareness and demand in the Indian market for energy efficient lighting, Philips is further investing in local R&D capabilities to develop innovative products that meet the specific needs of Indian consumers. We foresee a positive growth story for our company in India,” briefs Chitale.