The government continues to increase its procurement of high-efficiency lighting.

On April 19, the results of the domestic public bidding for the "2010 High-Efficiency Lighting Product Promotion Project" hosted by the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission were announced. Information published online by China Electronics Import and Export Corporation shows that leading domestic and international lighting enterprises, represented by Sanxiong • Aurora and Philips, continue to win bids thanks to their advanced technology R&D and production capabilities in energy conservation. Reporters learned that this is the third year that China has subsidized the promotion of high-efficiency lighting products through the government procurement model, following the implementation of the national "High-Efficiency Lighting Product Promotion Project" in 2008 and 2009.

According to an expert from the China Association of Lighting Industry, the original goal of promoting 150 million energy-saving lamps nationwide over three years was exceeded as early as the end of 2009. However, as energy conservation and emission reduction efforts continue to intensify, the government will continue to support the replacement of incandescent lamps and other inefficient lighting products currently in use with high-efficiency lighting products through financial subsidies, further accelerating the promotion and use of high-efficiency lighting products. Reporters learned from relevant departments that in 2008, a total of 60 million energy-saving lamps were promoted nationwide, and in 2009, the promotion volume exceeded 120 million. To further advance energy conservation and emission reduction, this year's energy-saving lamp promotion target has been set at 150 million.

It is worth noting that, compared with the previous two rounds, this year's bidding not only saw a substantial increase in volume but also imposed stricter requirements than previous years on the mercury content of products, encouraging "low mercury." The minimum requirement is a mercury content of no more than 5 mg; for 5W-24W products, those with less than 3.5 mg will receive varying degrees of additional points. A technician from Sanxiong • Aurora told reporters that advocating "low mercury" in the lighting industry is as significant as advocating low carbon in society as a whole, and that both the government and the lighting industry will attach increasing importance to "low mercury."

In addition, this tender particularly emphasizes the clean production capacity of enterprises. Following the principle of "having commitments, having plans, and being assessable," specific requirements have been put forward for the indicators and equipment used in recycling and processing waste lamp tubes—requirements that have never appeared in previous tenders. In response, the head of the Marketing Department of Sanxiong•Aurora told reporters that, although high-efficiency lighting products are themselves energy-saving and environmentally friendly products, the detailed requirements for recycling waste lamp tubes are very necessary for the country to further advance its energy conservation and emission reduction efforts. This is also a social responsibility that mainstream lighting enterprises should fulfill.