The results of a study on "Photonics Technologies and Markets for a Low Carbon Economy" have just been published (you can download the document here). The study assesses the European potential in five green photonic technologies: Photovoltaics, Lighting and Displays, Communications, Sensors and instrumentation and Clean Manufacturing.

The document highlights photovoltaics and energy efficient lighting as two of the most promising alternatives to improve energy efficiency and European competitiveness. In particular:

• Photovoltaics is expected to make a major contribution to the 2020 renewable energy generation target - ptentially 12% of EU energy requirements may be satisfied by photovoltaics compared to a global figure of 0.2% in 2010.
• The use of energy efficient lighting and communications can achieve an estimated 40% energy saving compared to using current technologies