A new study by researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has found a way to make LED streetlights more energy-efficient.
Their breakthrough material, called nanoPE, could significantly reduce carbon emissions by improving the way LEDs handle heat.
According to their research, if the U.S. adopted this technology, it could cut over one million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The study, published in Light: Science & Applications, highlights how this nanomaterial helps streetlights stay cool while maintaining their brightness.
Why do LED streetlights need an upgrade?
LEDs are already preferred for lighting because they last longer and use less energy than traditional bulbs.
However, they still waste a lot of energy as heat—about 75% of the energy that goes into an LED is lost this way. When LEDs overheat, their lifespan shortens, and they become less efficient.
Professor Qiaoqiang Gan from KAUST, who led the study, explained, “LEDs are great, but small improvements can make a big difference. Lighting accounts for about 20% of the world’s electricity use and nearly 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so every bit of efficiency matters.”
How does NanoPE work?
NanoPE is a special type of nanoplastic that improves LED cooling. It allows infrared light, which carries heat, to pass through while reflecting visible light.
This means that LEDs coated with nanoPE can release excess heat into the sky, preventing it from being trapped inside the streetlight. At the same time, the visible light is reflected downward to illuminate the streets.
Streetlights using nanoPE are designed differently from traditional ones. Instead of directing light straight down, they are positioned so that the infrared light can escape upwards. The study found that over 80% of the heat escapes through nanoPE, while more than 95% of the visible light is reflected back onto the ground.
NanoPE is made from polyethylene, the world’s most commonly used plastic. To create it, scientists added tiny pores—only 30 nanometers wide—into the plastic, making it act like a selective filter for different types of light.
This innovation allows nanoPE to improve LED cooling without affecting brightness.
Dr. Hussam Qasem from KACST, who contributed to the study, said, “Our design improves LED cooling and maintains high brightness, making it a promising solution for sustainable lighting in Saudi Arabia.”
This discovery could change the way cities light their streets, making lighting more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. With further development, nanoPE may be used worldwide to help reduce carbon emissions and cut down on electricity costs.
Source: KSR.
