Finally, it’s lights out for incandescent bulbs in Qatar
The import and sale of incandescent tungsten bulbs have been banned in Qatar with effect from today as part of the country’s efforts to conserve power.
In the first phase of the programme, the curb will be applicable to 75 and 100 watts bulbs while the ban is expected to be extended to the other categories later.
A statement issued by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) said the ban was part of its conservation campaign, Tarsheed, which aims to reduce electricity and water consumption and minimise harmful carbon emission.
Kahramaa said it, along with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and other entities concerned, had succeeded in convincing the government to enact a regulation to prevent the import and sale of all types of “high-glowing incandescent tungsten bulbs (75 and 100 watts) in Qatar from May 1, 2016”.
The National Programme of Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) has launched a series of campaigns to raise awareness about the negative impacts of incandescent lamps and to encourage the usage of energy-saving LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs/lights.
They are long-lasting and save 80% of energy as compared to the usual incandescent bulbs. Lighting takes 15-20% of the total energy consumed by a building.
According to a senior ministry official, an LED bulb with a capacity of 11 watts per hour produces the same light as that of a traditional incandescent bulb of 60W, thereby saving 49 watts per hour.
“Aside from this, incandescent bulbs produce more heat than LED bulbs which affects air-conditioning,” the official said.
According to a study, by switching over to LED bulbs, each household will be able to save up to 20% of its present power consumption.
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment has also run intensive inspection campaigns and recommended the prevention of import and circulation of the “high-glow bulbs” to ensure the health and safety of people.
Tarsheed has expanded its horizons by co-ordinating with institutions like schools for the successful implementation of its objectives across the country.
The prime target of Tarsheed is to reduce the per capita water and electricity consumption in Qatar by 35% and 20%, respectively by 2017.
Courtesy: thepeninsulaqatar.com
Energy saving light price start from minimum 14 riyal
That's a great step in right direction. God bless Qatar
One thing to consider is that there are many options available, from Halogen to CFL to LED..
The latest is LED which starts much quicker and delivers better light at lower cost in the long run .. However, they are expensive to buy...
@Brity, you are right again my friend, those LED bulbs are expensive, but from time to time, I did see some promotions via carrefour and lulu on these bulbs and stocked them for our home use. They were decently priced, but they do seem to have a shorter life compared with Philips and Osram brands. Hope the govn't here provide us with some subsidies to reduce the cost of these bulbs and encourage its usage for everyone!
zackm: The only problem is that the low energy bulbs are damned expensive .. But I agree , Its the right way to go..
Qatar seems to be heading the right way for greener environment. Great move by the authorities!
They must be cheaper in Wakra!
Joys.. Will go and buy some new ones from Lulu D Ring Road today