More highly-efficient energy-saving lighting products will be used in the country in a bid to promote energy conservation and environment protection, a senior Chinese official said yesterday in Beijing.

The National Development and Reform Commission is currently drafting the country's 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) and the 2020 Development Plan, and energy conserving lighting will be included in the plans, according to Liu Xianfa, deputy director-general of the Environment and Resource Comprehensive Utilization Department of the commission.

Great efforts should be made to encourage and promote the use of highly-efficient energy-saving lighting products in industrial projects, public facilities and households, he said.

The government is also encouraging international co-operation in this sector to help promote the development of advanced energy-saving lighting technology and products.

Liu made the remarks at yesterday's news briefing about the Demonstration Projects for Large-Volume Purchasing through Tenders of Highly-Efficient Lighting Products.

The demonstration projects are supported by the Chinese Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Fund (GEF).

Under the China Green Light Project which will go on until 2005, the UNDP and GEF will give a one-US-dollar subsidy for each of the 600,000 highly-efficient energy-saving lamps and bulbs to be purchased in large volume by selected domestic firms and organizations.

On installation, the 600,000 energy-saving lamps and bulbs, will save 55 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and save more than 22 million yuan (US$2.66 million) in electricity bills, Liu said.

At the same time, the longer service life of the products will also help protect the environment because of the reduced discharge of hazardous wastes, he said.

With more and more people becoming aware of the importance of environmental protection and Beijing's determination to hold a green Olympics in 2008, there will be abundant business opportunities for energy-conservation products, including energy-saving lamps and bulbs.

Liu also emphasized the establishment of sound market mechanisms for energy-saving lighting products. China is one of the world's largest energy consumers, and energy-saving has great potential for both domestic and overseas businesses.

(China Daily November 5, 2003)