Use of tungsten at opera house ‘unethical’

A report into Jersey’s refurbished Opera House found its lighting system uses an ‘unethical’ amount of energy.

It said the traditional technology was ‘completely incompatible with a modern requirement’ using up to 83 per cent more electricity than LEDs.

The tungsten sources, which require hefty phase control dimming, were ‘hugely heavy on electricity consumption and regarded now as unethical when utilised in a theatre that has undergone a recent refurbishment.

‘The eco credentials being completely incompatible with a modern requirement’.

The report, commissioned by the Jersey government,  points out that of the 1000W fed to an incandescent lamp, some 940W is emitted as heat.

While the report doesn’t reveal the power consumption of the 30-year-old show lighting at Jersey Opera House, it says a typical theatrical rig using tungsten sources consumes 268 KWh compared to 46 KWh for a comparable LED rig.

The consultants say the figures are ‘startling’.

The authors also say that it will be increasingly difficult to acquire replacement lamps.

‘As we head towards a greener future, manufacturers are reducing or discontinuing the production of energy-inefficient tungsten lamps. This situation is making these bulbs increasingly hard to find and, consequently, more expensive. By investing in LED lighting now, you can avoid supply chain uncertainties and ensure seamless performances without any unexpected hitches.’

Deputy Kirsten Morel, minister for sustainable economic development, said the report confirmed performances could be put on at the opera house using the current lighting, and carbon-saving improvements had been made to the heating system.

He added: ‘With Jersey’s electricity being generated from nuclear power, the issue of the power use is less significant that the report suggests.’

The independent lighting audit was taken in the final stages of the government-funded £11.5m project.

The report was carried out by a company called Lighting Plan.

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