I was wondering why our government suddenly made a complete
ban on incandescent electric bulbs its prime concern (Law
of the RF No 261-FZ “On Energy Saving and Raising of Energy
Efficiency and on Introduction of Changes into Some Legislative
Acts of the Russian Federation” of November 23, 2009).
And recently I have heard the news that Europe has been closing
production of incandescent electric lamps of the first generation
(luminescent, with mercury) – the very lamps that have to
replace our incandescent electric bulbs. And these environmentally
unfriendly productions are offered cheaply to those who would
be eager to buy them. Let us make a simple calculation. If:
1. each individual has to buy at least a couple of such bulbs;
2. the average cost of such a bulb will amount to about 150
roubles (about USD 5);
3. manufacturer’s profit will make 35%;
then buying an environmentally unfriendly technology for
USD 1 mln and spending additional RUR 150 mln (approx. USD
5 mln) to launch the production of such “miracle” bulbs in
Russia, someone will get USD 484 mln of profit [35 % from
RUR 42 bln. (140 mln people õ 2 õ RUR 150) – 6 mln]. I suspect
that Presidential Administration has already known who should
get the money.
However, my heart aches not because all of this: these environmentally
unfriendly bulbs can allegedly economise so much energy as
produced by half of our projected nuclear power stations.
And this will cost by 50 – 60 times less than construction
of ten nuclear power stations. Even if we have to spend from
our pockets (our federal budget) another 3 – 4 bln roubles
(USD 100 – 140 mln) on collection of burnt-out bulbs, construction
or reconstruction of about 1,000 of landfills for burying
of such a massive of waste of the first class of hazard (as
a “miracle” bulb contains about 50 mg of mercury), in any
way, such energy saving lamps will be dozens of times (!)
more profitable for Russia than even more dangerous nuclear
power stations.
I shall be glad if someone could correct these calculations.
See also:
The
original
YABLOKO
for Environmental Safety
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