RESEARCH CONDUCTED by a University of the West Indies energy think tank indicates that coal is the most efficient energy source in powering a light bulb.
Arguing that given the current inefficiencies in the electricity production and distribution system, it takes approximately two barrels of oil to keep a 100-watt light bulb burning continuously for a year, the think tank said using coal-generated energy to do the same job would reduce the cost significantly.
“Using LNG instead of oil would cost roughly half the amount to burn the light bulb, and using coal would be about one-seventh the cost,” the group said.
The think tank said using current prices, it would cost US$178.70 to purchase two barrels of oil to power the incandescent bulb. It said if coal were to be utilised to do a similar job, it would take only 396 kilograms (871lb) of the product at a cost of US$23.8, or 13 per cent of the cost of oil. The think tank also said liquefied natural gas (LNG) would be a more expensive option to coal. The researchers argue that it would require 333 litres of LNG to power the same 100-watt bulb, which would cost US$83.3, or 47 per cent of the cost of oil.
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‘Using LNG instead of oil would cost roughly half the amount to burn the light bulb, and using coal would be about one-seventh the cost.’
About 871lb of coal is needed to power a 100-watt light bulb for 12 months.
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