News from euroLED: Why LEDs Need to Become Commodities

23 April 2012

Exclusive interview with David Scott Maxwell, R&D Manager at Forge Europa, who will be presenting at euroLED 2012, 13-14 June 2012 in Birmingham, UK.

Why do you think LED's are still such a hot topic in the lighting industry?

Well the lighting industry has been a relatively slow mover in technology terms. Let's look at the key turning points. I'd say the first was Homo Sapiens' first control of fire, perhaps 500,000 years ago. Next up we have the invention of incandescent light bulbs in the late 19th century. Then the development of fluorescent lighting in the early 20th century. So its hardly surprising that the latest lighting technology step change - LEDs - is so "hot" given that its only really been around for a few years and has a long way to go yet!

Your presentation at euroLED is part of a session focused on assessed whether LEDs are the best form of safe, energy efficient lighting, and I know that you champion LEDs but in which area do improvements in LEDs most need to be made?

For the good of mankind as a whole LEDs need to become commodities. This will result in solid state lighting truly reaching its potential for reducing energy consumption overall. But it's a fair way off yet I think, given the current pace of technological development.

What do you think presents the biggest opportunity for LEDs in the next year?

There are many near term LED opportunities but one of the highest profile ones will be retrofit lamp products I think. As everyone knows the western world is actively phasing out low efficiency (eg incandescent) lamps over an aggressively short timescale and LEDs have a key place in this application.

What attracted you to being involved with euroLED 2012?

Forge Europa have been a long-term supporter of euroLED and we're delighted to be involved in 2012 both as an exhibitor and as conference speaker. For us euroLED is a perfect opportunity to meet both customers - new and old, as well as suppliers and partners.

Hear more from David on his assessment on whether LEDs are the best form of safe, energy efficient lighting at this year's euroLED conference programme.