The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently published the latest edition of its biennial report called “Energy Savings Forecast of Solid-State Lighting in General Illumination Applications,” which models the adoption of LED lamps and luminaires in the U.S. general lighting market.
The report theorizes that, due to increased technology innovation, energy savings from LED lighting will top 569 terawatt-hours annually by 2035, equal to the annual output of more than 92 1,000-megawatt (MW) power plants, if DOE Lighting Research & Development program goals are achieved. Key findings include:
- By 2035, LED lamps and luminaires are expected to hold the majority of lighting installations, comprising 84% of all applications.
- LED lighting enabled 1.1 quads of energy savings in 2017, resulting in $12 billion in savings for U.S. consumers
- If LED installations continue at the current pace, a total annual energy savings of 4.8 quads is possible by 2035. 12% of that total is possible by the penetration of connected LED lighting.
- If DOE’s R&D goals for efficiency are met, LED lighting will enable 1.3 quads in annual energy savings in 2035.
Most of the projected energy savings in 2035 will be driven by increased use of LED lighting in commercial and industrial buildings and outdoor lighting applications—applications characterized by high light output and long operating hours. Increased controllability and networked capabilities will also provide the greatest value and savings, while traditional control strategies will still significantly contribute.
From 2017 to 2035, a total cumulative energy savings of 78 quads is possible if DOE SSL program goals for LED efficiency and controls/connected lighting are achieved, which equivalent to approximately $890 billion in avoided energy costs over that period.