With lighting demand growing at 12-15 per cent a year in the last five years, India is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for international companies, the apex body of Lighting Manufacturers in India, Electric Lamps and Components Manufacturers Association of India (Elcoma) has said.

The players occupying the space include Philips, GE, Osram, Thorn, Sylvania and Zumtobel, among others.

“Indian brand leaders such as Bajaj, Crompton and Wipro are also growing and competing in this Rs 8,000-crore Indian market. Imports alone account for Rs 1,000 crore,” Elcoma said in a release.

Hari Mamak, Adviser, Elcoma, said, “Lighting consumes about 18 per cent of the total electricity generated and has potential of reducing consumption to 10 per cent with energy-efficient products.”

In the developed world, the total consumption of electricity for lighting is between 6 and 7 per cent. It is expected that international companies coming to India would reduce this deficit, the release said.

Shyam Sujan, Secretary General, Elcoma, said, “In 2011, 350 million CFLs had replaced incandescent bulbs. CFLs save 80 per cent energy.”

He said the future was promising because LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) were making a sizable contribution to saving energy.

Mamak added that by 2020, LEDs were likely to command about 60 per cent of the world market. To showcase the new range of lighting products, Elcoma is holding an exhibition ‘Light India 2012’ at Pragati Maidan from October 5-8.

> heena.k@thehindu.co.in