By 2012, European businesses will no longer be able to purchase inefficient lighting options. Previously, the phase-out of incandescent bulbs had been staged for 2010. In formalizing a proposal to improve the energy efficiency of street, office and industrial lighting products, as well as household lamps, the European Commission has adopted two ecodesign regulations, according to a news report.

The regulations are expected to save as much as 80 TWh by 2020, or as much as the annual production of 20 power stations of 500 megawatts each. That is roughly the amount of electricity consumed in Belgium.

The move is expected to eliminate 32 million tons of CO2 emission annually. Starting this year in Europe, regular incandescent light bulbs will be replaced by progressively improved alternatives. By 2012, the inefficient incandescents will be completely banned. Europe’s choice of 2012 mirrors the U.S. phase-out of incandescents, signed into law in December as part of the Energy Bill.

General Electric has reduced its emphasis on incandescent bulbs - and abandoned its plans for a high efficiency incandescent. GE competitor Philips has been in high gear to develop efficient light bulbs. Here’s some more info on LED penetration.

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