A new report from technology research corporation iSuppli warns that we’re facing a global LED shortage in 2010. Hooray!
Why am I cheering? Because the reason for this shortage is a huge surge in demand for the energy-efficient lighting in the electronics industry. Yes, it’s bad that the supply is low, but it’s great news that the use of more efficient lighting is becoming more mainstream.
The report says that demand for LEDs is expected to rise by double-digit percentages for at least the next three years. In 2009, 63 billion units were consumed out of the 75 billion unit capacity worldwide. The worst-case scenario is a rise in prices for mid-range and high-end computers and HDTVs because of their larger displays.
The solution is simple enough though: increase production. The two largest suppliers have gotten the hint — Aixtron and Veeco Instruments are doubling their production by the end of this year.
via PC Mag