New grants from the U.S. Department of Energy may lead to more jobs in the light manufacturing industry.
On June 7, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the government will invest nearly $15 million to support eight new research and development projects that focus on solid-state lighting technologies. This will be the seventh round of funding for these kind of projects.
The grants will go toward three major initiatives: research, product development and the manufacturing of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). These bulbs have the potential to be 10 times more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lights and can last up to 25 times as long.
“These investments in cutting-edge lighting technologies will support American innovation, create new manufacturing jobs for U.S. workers, and help ensure that the United States leads the world in this rapidly evolving industry,” said Chu.
The Energy Independence and Security Act, which was passed in 2007, requires U.S. residents and property owners to adapt to new energy-efficient standards over the coming years. As a result, many business owners and homeowners are looking for cheaper, more eco-friendly bulbs.