Revolutionary ‘light emitting wallpaper’ could start to replace light bulbs in 2012
30 December 2009
Revolutionary ‘light emitting wallpaper’ could start to replace light bulbs in 2012 - Carbon Trust backs organic LED lighting technology that promises major carbon cuts
“Lighting is a major producer of carbon emissions. This technology has the potential to produce ultra efficient lighting for a wide range of applications, tapping into a huge global market. It’s a great example of the kind of innovation that makes the UK a hotbed of clean technology development. We’re now on the look-out for other technologies that can save carbon and be a commercial success.”
Ken Lacey, Chief Executive of LOMOX, said:
"LOMOX is an OLED Innovation and Development Company. OLEDs are new light emitting devices for low energy lighting and flat panel display applications. LOMOX OLEDs are more efficient, cost effective to produce and do not suffer from the oxidation defect of other polymer OLEDs, providing substantially longer lifetimes. Lighting using LOMOX OLED technology consume significantly less energy and emits less CO2 than conventional lights. We are pleased to be working with the Carbon Trust to develop this "Green" technology.”
Operating lifetime has traditionally been a problem with OLED technology, but LOMOX has found a way to achieve significantly longer lifetimes than fluorescent lamps. The technology will also be more efficient (producing 150 lumens/watt) as it only emits light along one axis. OLEDs can produce a more natural looking light than other forms of lighting.
The Carbon Trust is currently on the lookout for other technologies with significant carbon saving potential to receive up to £500k of grant funding through its Applied Research scheme. It has recently launched an open call for applications which will close on 18th February 2010. Applications can be made at www.carbontrust.co.uk/appliedresearch.
The Carbon Trust's Applied Research grant scheme has supported 164 projects from around 1900 applications and committed a total of £23m towards research worth around £55m. Approximately 65% of completed projects have, or are in the process of generating new patents, making commercial sales or receiving further investment into the development of the technology.
The scheme has provided grant funding to a wide range of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies including fuel cells, combined heat and power, bioenergy, solar power, low carbon building technologies, marine energy devices and more efficient industrial processes.