With European Directive 2000/55/EC, the European Union has restricted the energy consumption of the most commonly used lamp ballast combinations in fluorescent lamp lighting systems. These decisive performance targets for the lighting industry are intended to reduce the discharge of CO2, one of the so-called greenhouse gases. Already today fluorescent lamp lighting is amongst the most economic available, and the implementation of Directive 2000/55/EC will further contribute to improving its efficiency.

Pursuant to the Directive, the use of fluorescent lamp ballast systems within the EU will be restricted to those that comply with the limiting values of CELMA energy classes A1, A2, A3, B1 and B2 with effect from November 21st, 2005. The individual energy classes specify limiting values that are defined independently of the ballast technology. As aresult, luminare manufacturers and/or consumers can choose the ballast technology that best suits their respective applications from classes A1, A2, A3, B1 and B2.

By specifying the limiting values, in particular in classes B1 and B2 which are predominantly used by lamp systems with electromagnetic ballasts, and by progressively banning classes C and D, a decisive contribution to energy reduction in lighting systems is achieved with electromagnetic ballasts. This is of particular importance, the more so as in certain applications electromagnetic ballasts are the most expedient ones – and in many cases are the best solution.

The representations below show that ballasts of classes A1, A2, A3, B1 and B2 have already attained considerable shares in the market.

Based on past developments and the current activities in the market, the use of energy- saving systems is displaying a very positive development.

Illustration 1 shows the shares of fluorescent lamps operated with electronic and electromagnetic ballasts in the European market for the first half of 2003. The figures refer to Europe as a whole. Looking solely at the economic area of the European Union, the share of electronic ballasts and low-loss ballasts of energy class B can certainly be estimated as larger.

Illustration 1: Shares achieved in Europe (MB = Magnetic Ballasts, energy classes B or C, EB = Electronic Ballasts, class A)

It can also be deduced from the present situation that a major shift is to be expected in the coming few years owing to the banning of energy class C ballasts. The share of energy class C (58%) will shift towards energy classes A and B.

In reviewing the development of the market shares of the different ballast technologies in Europe, it is apparent that in the years 1997 to 1999, electronic ballasts increased their market share from 14% to 21%. In the years 2000 to 2003, owing to the economic background in Europe, the EB share only displayed moderate growth. A similar level of growth is expected for the year 2004, too.

However, a steep increase in the market share of electronic ballasts (and magnetic ballasts of energy classes B1 and B2) is expected for 2005. It can be taken for granted that, owing to the banning of energy class C, luminaire manufacturers and users will proceed to change over during the course of the year. An even steeper increase is expected for 2006 when the banning of energy class C will take full effect.

The market forecast shows a saturation for class A ballasts starting from 2007, this being explained by the unmatched qualities of modern electromagnetic ballasts in certain applications. Economic development will, of course, play an important role here – the orange tolerance band shown takes this uncertainty into account.

In brief, this means that the market share of EBs will rise from approximately one third (in 2004) to two thirds in the future. The remaining third will be for applications which can only be implemented using magnetic ballasts. Consequently, further developing electromagnetic ballasts can meet environmental objectives. They can even be exceeded if the use of electronic and electromagnetic ballasts is application-oriented.