Lighting fit for a Queen: GE LED systems light up Tower Bridge for Diamond Jubilee celebration

Tower Bridge, one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, has been transformed with a new world-class lighting system in time to mark the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The energy efficient lighting system features GE Tetra Contour LED lighting, and gleamed white to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Watch the video here:

The new lights brighten up the bridge, enhance its architectural features and replace static lights with bulbs that can vary in intensity and color, while at the same time cutting energy consumption considerably.

The new lights will take center stage during the 2012 Games when Tower Bridge will be fitted with its giant Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos (symbols of movement in the shape of asymmetrical curves) for the 45 days of the Games. The bridge will also light up for spectacular one-off lighting displays during key moments of the Games.

Londoners will enjoy benefits from the deal long after the Games, as the new lighting system will be in place for 25 years. In total 1,800 special energy-efficient LED lights have been fitted, along with 2,000 meters of energy-efficient LED linear lights, 5,000 meters of cable and 1,000 junction boxes. Final planning permission for the project was granted in November 2011 and work began immediately to install the new system.

Tower Bridge, already the world's most recognizable capital landmark now has a world-class lighting system to suit its status.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Tower Bridge is already a global icon and this much-loved landmark is now even more spectacular thanks to a world-class illumination system.

"As London gears up for a summer like no other, this fantastic lighting makeover is another example of how the capital is benefiting from the Games. Tower Bridge can now play a starring role in our celebrations, starting off this weekend by being bathed in a stately white light for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee."

Mark Boleat, the Chairman of Policy & Resources for bridge-owners the City of London Corporation, said: "The new lights will give Tower Bridge an elegant night-time look for the next 25 years, with the capability of creating firework-like displays on occasions of importance for London and the nation."

Phil Marshall, President and CEO, GE Lighting EMEA said: "We are incredibly proud to have been involved with the lighting scheme at Tower Bridge. The combination of architectural and floodlight LEDs were specified to help reduce the energy used to light the bridge by up to 40% compared with the previous system. As a London 2012 Sustainability Partner and London 2012 sponsor, GE is excited to have successfully contributed to the future of Tower Bridge and to London's sustainability commitments. Furthermore, during London 2012 as part of the overall celebrations, there will be an evening light display every evening at on the Bridge, ensuring those in the city can fully enjoy the new lighting scheme and see Tower Bridge as they never have before."

GE Lighting

GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs over 17,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the Reveal and Energy Smart consumer brands, and Evolve, GTx, Immersion, Infusion, Lumination and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better.

GE Lighting Solutions

GE Lighting Solutions, a subsidiary of GE Lighting, is a proven expert in the light-emitting diode (LED) category with an expansive installed base of more than 25 million linear feet of LED lighting. We provide an extensive line of high-performance LED product solutions, including lamps, architectural lighting, retail display lighting, signage lighting, outdoor lighting and transportation lighting solutions. For more information on GE Lighting Solutions, visit www.gelightingsolutions.com.