OSRAM SYLVANIA has opened an expanded clean room dedicated to solid-state lighting research and announced research and product development awards from the U.S. Department of Energy totaling nearly $2 million.

"As the economic downturn threatens to slow the pace of green technology investments, I'm proud to say OSRAM SYLVANIA is steadfast in our dedication to solid-state lighting research," said Charlie Jerabek, president and CEO of OSRAM SYLVANIA. "The next-generation lighting OSRAM SYLVANIA is developing will save businesses and consumers millions of dollars in energy costs each year."

The new fully-equipped clean room environment is the result of a multi-million dollar investment by OSRAM SYLVANIA and positions the lighting company for expanded research initiatives.

OSRAM SYLVANIA is part of the world's second largest producer of solid-state lighting, also known as light-emitting diode (LED) technology. The company is ranked as Boston's number-one clean technology employer, according to the Boston Business Journal, with more than 200 scientists and engineers working at its Massachusetts research facilities.

DOE Announces Core Technology and Product Development Awards

The U.S. Department of Energy Solid State Lighting Research and Development Program awarded OSRAM SYLVANIA nearly $2 million on March 27 to fund Core Technology and Product Development projects that will take advantage of the company's new clean room facility.

"This new clean room strengthens our research and development capabilities and makes us an even more valuable partner for the Department of Energy Solid State Lighting Programs," said Martin Zachau, OSRAM SYLVANIA vice president of research and development.

The company will use the research award to develop an LED replacement for a small halogen spotlight, known as an MR-16 lamp. The award will also fund a basic research project to optimize LED phosphors for more efficient, next-generation white LEDs.

Both projects will significantly contribute to the stated goal of the Department of Energy Solid State Lighting Program: "By 2015, develop advanced solid-state lighting technologies that, compared to conventional lighting technologies, are much more energy efficient, longer lasting, and cost competitive by targeting a product system efficiency of 50 percent with lighting that accurately reproduces sunlight spectrum."

OSRAM SYLVANIA will begin work on the projects in mid-2009 and conclude by 2011 with published reports to DOE officials.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA

OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and specialty products that feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.