Lightbulbs 'saving energy' in Ethiopia

3 September 2010

Energy-efficient lightbulbs are being used in Ethiopia in an attempt to avoid power shortages.

The government-led approach has seen five million compact fluorescent lamps distributed to consumers in exchange for incandescent bulbs, leading to energy savings of 75 per cent.

Cost savings on electricity bills and the maintenance of the nation's supply grid have also been achieved by the programme.

Officials introduced the scheme to combat the problems causes by kerosene bulbs, which are still used in 90 per cent of homes in rural east Africa.

Commenting on the initiative, World Bank senior energy specialist Luiz Mauer said the changes have been "encouraging".

He added: "Not only is this lighting brighter, cleaner and more efficient, it is now affordable to the poorest people."

In June, the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors agreed to plough $180 million (£116 million) into an energy access project in Ethiopia.

The scheme is geared towards improving the access and quality of the country's power supply.

Category: Energy