Energy Department Announces $10 Million for Innovative, Energy-Saving Lighting R&D Technologies

As part of the Obama Administration’s effort to cut energy waste and double energy productivity by 2030, the Energy Department today announced $10 million to support research, development and manufacturing of solid-state lighting (SSL) technologies across the country. This funding will accelerate the development of high-quality light-emitting diode (LED) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) products with the potential to reduce lighting energy use for American families and businesses by one half and enhance U.S. global competitiveness.

During the past 10 years, the Department has helped accelerate SSL technology deployment, yielding an estimated energy savings of $1.8 billion in 2013. Solid-state lighting technologies, which include both LED and organic light emitting diode technologies, have the potential to save Americans $26 billion a year in energy costs by 2030.

Today, available LED technology is about 150 lumens per watt; the Energy Department's target is 250 lumens per watt – a 75 percent increase. Higher performing LEDS will help reduce overall costs and increase lighting efficiency.

This funding opportunity is open to applications in the following areas:

Core Technology Research–to advance applied research for technology development, with an emphasis on meeting efficacy, performance and cost targets. Product Development–to develop or improve commercially viable SSL materials, devices or systems. U.S. Manufacturing–to accelerate SSL technology adoption through manufacturing innovations and improvements that reduce costs and enhance quality and consistency.

The Department will make available up to $10 million for projects from industry, academia, and national labs. More information, application requirements, and instructions can be found on the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website.

The Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) accelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality. For more information on EERE's Solid-State Lighting Program, visit the Solid-State Lighting website.