This week, the United Nations’ (UN) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – aimed at slowing the warming of the planet – notified governments and companies on how to calculated carbon-emission saved by installing solar-powered Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) instead of the ubiquitous, ancient lantern.
This could give India an incentive to replace the lamps that are used in 30%
of households, meaning a saving of 50 million tonnes of carbon emission every
year. One tonne of emission saved fetches up to $20 (Rs. 930 today) in the
international carbon market. “The new methodology once finalized will
help in registration with UN for carbon trading,” the CDM executive
board said on its website.
A poor Indian household could save up to Rs. 1,000 per annum on kerosene costs, half the cost of a solar powered LED lighting system. In addition, once charged, an LED bulb works for up to 42 hours compared with the 8-10 that conventional solar lanterns do.
“Carbon credits would reduce the cost by just Rs. 50-60. If the prices of LED come down to Rs. 200 – 300 per bulb, the CDM scheme would become attractive.
The UN estimates that its new initiative can change the lives of a quarter
of humanity, which still gets light by directly burning fuels, emitting nearly
200 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, the equivalence of 60 million
cars. “Of – grid electric LED lighting system (charged with photovoltaic
systems) have emerged as promising alternatives, offering the potential for
garnering significant greenhouse gas savings.
