Energy consumption in the production of high-brightness light-emitting diodes

High-brightness light-emitting diodes (LEDs) form the basis for solid-state lighting (SSL) systems. SSL systems have the potential to reduce electricity consumption of lighting systems as they are much more efficient than current lighting technologies. One concern is that the full life-cycle energy requirements of SSL systems, including the production of the materials and LED components, may negate any savings during the use phase. As a start to estimating the life-cycle energy requirements of SSL systems, we present an estimate for the manufacturing energy consumption of high-brightness light-emitting diodes. Results are based on full-scale, research-scale, and laboratory-scale equipment energy use data, and data from logic chip production processes. Energy consumption estimates for wafer production are 15 kWh to 60 kWh (approximately 1,000 LEDs).