The proposed Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) distribution programme envisages the distribution of 10 million Compact Fluorescent Lamps in first phase, which would be spread over 4 months, and the distribution of another 20 million CFLs in Phase II, spread over 6 months.
In initial "Environmental Examination Report" of Asian Development Bank (ADB) initiated a technical assistance project for preparing 'Pakistan's Energy Efficiency Development Program'(TA 7660-PAK) to promote energy efficiency in Pakistan. This Initial Environmental Investigation (IEE) was prepared to assess the environmental and social impacts of a proposed Compact Fluorescent Distribution Program that will form the first tranche of the Pakistan Energy Efficiency Investment Program. According to report, the Phase-II will be initiated about 8 months after the completion of phase-I.
The CFLs procured for the distribution will have a specified life of 10,000 hours. Given that the average usage of CFLs in the domestic sector is about 3.69 hours per day, the CFLs are expected to last more than 9 years, on average. However, waste CFL issue is likely to start much before that because of a number of reasons.
Firstly, manufacturing defects and mishandling may result in burning out and breakage of CFLs before completion of their rated life. Secondly, The CFLs may also replace FTLs, which also contain about 10-15 mg of mercury and require proper handling facility.
Lastly, the awareness campaign associated with the program is likely to generate a need for a waste disposal facility for the CFLs are already in use in the country. It is estimated that about 3 percent of the CFLs (900,000) distributed under the programme will require disposal within 3 years after the start of the program.
ADB report observed that the international experience shows that among all these potential programs one of the most efficient is to promote Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) in the domestic sector: it can be quickly implemented; results in savings through its impact on peak demand in the evening; and generates economic benefits for energy users as well as the society at large.
CFLs already have a substantial share of the residential lighting market and are outselling incandescent lamps. The government is interested in an aggressive CFL program that has a quick payback and can have an immediate impact on alleviating the ongoing power supply shortages.
This IEE of the CFL Program is submitted to ADB by the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO). This IEE does not cover the required lamp waste management facility, which is expected to develop in the private sector. A separate assessment will be required for the facility under the environmental regulations of the country.
ADB report stated that the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000 (IEE-EIA Regulations 2000) provide the necessary details on the preparation, submission, and review of the IEE and the environmental impact assessment (EIA). ADB report disclosed that the proposed CFL distribution program is not included in either of the schedules in the IEE-EIA Regulations 2000. Similarly, the proposed program does not fall in the definition of 'project' provided by the Act.
However, "waste disposal facility for domestic or industrial wastes, with annual capacity less than ten thousand cubic meters" requires an IEE, whereas facility with higher capacity requires EIA. ADB report pointed out that it will enhance demand for other energy efficient products. The program shall replace 30 million incandescent bulbs with CFLs. It may be recalled that Pepco and the Discos will handle the distribution of the CFLs.