Lighting and displays: Overview
From glowing filaments to self-lit pixels: how electricity becomes light
What this tile covers Turning electricity into light, from LEDs and lasers to screens. Share of use 2.5% share of final energy use (2025)Share of world total final energy consumption (about 435 EJ, calculated: motor systems 13,462 TWh are 53% of electricity, so about 25,400 TWh or 91 EJ, and electricity is about 21% of final energy) that passes through this device or is used by this sector, latest year available. Electricity-based devices use electricity's 21% share of final energy (IEA WEO 2025). Overlaps between devices and sectors are allowed and noted. IEA 4E estimates lighting at about 3,600 TWh, 12% of world electricity, in 2025 including industry (IEA's narrower buildings and outdoor figure is about 8%); 12% of electricity's 21% share is about 2.5% of final energy (calculated). Displays not separately counted. Source: The role of LED lighting in climate, IEA 4E Solid State Lighting Annex.
Key facts
| Chain | Electrical → light (+ heat) |
Included from the reference tables
- LEDs
- Fluorescent and gas-discharge lamps
- Incandescent bulbs
- Lasers
- LCD and OLED screens
Linked to the material world
Ga GalliumIn IndiumREE Rare earthsAlso in Conversion devices
ST Steam turbines and thermal power plantsCCGT Gas turbines and combined cycleICE Internal combustion engines and gensetsGen Generators and alternatorsMot Electric motors and drivesPE Transformers and power electronicsFC Fuel cellsElz ElectrolysersHP Heat pumps, air conditioning and refrigerationEH Electric heatingBlr Boilers, furnaces and stovesExplore paths from here
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