AMTH’s LED Roadway Upgrade Cuts Energy Use by Up to 69%

The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (AMTH) has completed a major LED conversion across its regional road network, replacing older fixtures and lamps in all five Regional Units. The project is expected to reduce annual electricity consumption by about 11.64 million kWh while improving nighttime visibility and delivering projected economic benefits of nearly €30.95 million through 2036.

Key takeaways

• Annual electricity use is projected to fall from 17.92 million kWh to 6.28 million kWh.

• Average regional energy savings are approximately 65%, ranging from 62% to 69%.

• The investment totals €12.22 million.

• Energy savings and reduced maintenance are expected to generate €30.95 million in benefits by 2036.

• The upgrade covers Evros, Rhodope, Xanthi, Kavala and Drama.

For contractors, property managers and hospitality operators evaluating large-scale lighting upgrades, the project demonstrates how a properly specified LED system can combine lower operating costs with better lighting performance. Similar principles apply to commercial parking areas, access roads, campuses and multifamily properties, where fixture selection, layout and long-term maintenance planning directly affect project returns.

Regional energy savings

The replacement program produced measurable reductions in every Regional Unit. Rhodope recorded the highest projected saving rate at 69%, followed by Drama at 68%. Kavala is expected to save 65%, Evros 64% and Xanthi 62%.

Kavala had the highest pre-upgrade consumption, at approximately 6.18 million kWh annually. After installation, its projected use falls to about 2.20 million kWh. Across the region, the reduction reflects both more efficient LED equipment and an upgraded approach to roadway illumination.

Financial impact through 2036

The project’s €12.22 million capital cost is being evaluated against an estimated €20.95 million in electricity savings through 2036, using an electricity price of €0.18 per kWh. The region also expects to eliminate roughly €1 million in annual lighting maintenance costs under the project design.

Together, the projected energy and maintenance gains produce a total economic benefit of €30.95 million by 2036. For organizations planning similar work, the figures reinforce the importance of evaluating total cost of ownership rather than focusing only on fixture prices. Led Lumenaires supports this process with spec-ready SKUs, bulk availability, large-project quotes and assistance with product selection and layouts.

Better roadway visibility and infrastructure efficiency

The AMTH says the new equipment provides stronger and more uniform illumination at key road corridors, junctions and settlement entrances. Improved consistency can support safer nighttime travel while reducing the energy demand associated with public infrastructure.

The project also illustrates why LED conversions are increasingly central to commercial and industrial renovation plans. High-performance fixtures, appropriate photometric design and dependable warranties can help reduce service interruptions and simplify ongoing maintenance. For contractors and facility teams, rebate guidance, volume pricing and fast fulfillment can further improve the feasibility of a broad lighting retrofit.

A long-term modernization strategy

Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis described the work as more than a fixture replacement, emphasizing its measurable benefits for citizens and the region. The investment positions AMTH to reduce operating expenses while modernizing lighting across its entire road network.

For public agencies and private operators alike, the outcome offers a practical benchmark: LED upgrades can deliver environmental gains, lower utility exposure and improved visibility when they are supported by careful specifications and lifecycle planning.

Sources

• New LED lighting in the road network of the AMTH Region – Energy savings of 62% to 69% and economic benefitof 30,9 million Euros – Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Περιφέρεια Ανατολικής Μακεδονίας Θράκης.