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It is likely that the Indian lighting industry will continue to grow at a higher rate per annum, ranging between 13% and 15% until 2020. However, with a population of around 1.2 billion people, India is yet to provide electricity to around 0.3 billion people.  If this section is connected to the grid, a further growth for the industry is on the cards. 

The market

Lighting sector accounts for about 20% of the total power consumption in India. The per capita usage of lighting by its citizens also depends on the economic development of the country. According to a report by ELCOMA, the lighting industry is poised to reduce energy consumption for lighting from the present 18% of total power consumption to 13% by 2020 by introducing more energy efficient products and working more close with the government to execute various schemes and awareness programmes.

India’s energy demand, which was 770 million TOE (tonne of oil equivalent) at the end of 2012, is likely to shoot up to nearly 1,500 million TOE by 2030. This implies that energy production will increase, but based on the new government policy (Reducing Carbon Emissions by 20% by 2020) the rise in production must go hand in hand with a cut in emission levels. This gives an additional opportunity for LEDs and other green light related products to shine.

Recently, the US government has also agreed to invest $4 billion into India’s energy production. The Prime Minister’s project “Energy to All” has also been initiated to increase energy production in India. This will further boost the Indian lighting industry.

Emergence of LED

LEDs are the blue light-emitting diodes, which are environmental friendly and energy-efficient. The Indian government has mooted various initiatives to promote LED lighting and is facilitating the LED market to grow by Rs. 21.6 thousand crore by 2020. Apart from domestic and corporate uses, LEDs are also being used for street lights and lights in public spaces.

Indian government’s UJALA scheme also aims at replacing the 77 crore CFL and incandescent bulbs in the country with LEDs. This scheme would save Rs.40,000 crore in annual electricity bills for consumers. The scheme is also expected to result in reduction of 20,000 MW and save around 100 billion units.

According to the Union Power Minister, Piyush Goel, “With India selling 770 million LED bulbs every day, the country will soon become the LED capital of the world. Prices of LED bulbs have come down to 55 pence (Rs.52) from over 3.5 pounds (Rs.332) in two years.” The provisions of LED lights to the BPL families in the rural areas will also lead to infrastructural development holistically.

Lights affecting ambiance and mood

The LED lightings have brought with it different shades for the market. Various light fittings, which were earlier restricted to corporate space, hotels and restaurants, have now made domestic inroads.

They are often instrumental in transforming a dull space into a much brighter one. Often, the lighting in a home or an office space is said to lift the person’s mood. Placing the correct light and at a significant angle can work to enhance the brightness of a room.