Energy-saving light bulbs will soon completely replace traditional bulbs in the European Union as countries start to phase out the less efficient models.

The process is set to start next week in a move to reduce CO2 emissions by one million tonnes by 2020, reports Business Green.

Dan Norris, environment minister, said the measure would help to stop consumers from wasting money and energy on old-fashioned bulbs.

He noted that the UK already has a voluntary initiative in place and that the rest of the EU is set to follow its example.

Under the Eco Design of Energy-using Products Directive, which was passed in December 2008, the use of 100W bulbs will be banned from September 1st 2009, with other wattages to be targeted in the next three years.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has assured retailers that they will be allowed to sell out their existing stock of traditional bulbs and that no-one would be forced to change to energy-saving bulbs.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, low-energy bulbs use 80 per cent less electricity than the models that are due to be phased out.