A total of 1,800 special energy efficient LED lights have been fitted with 2,000 metres of energy efficient linear lights on the London landmark.

The £2 million ($3.2 million/€2.4 million) installation of the system was carried out by London 2012 sponsor EDF Energy and General Electric (GE), a worldwide Olympic sponsor.

Both are sustainability partners of London 2012.

They reached a deal with the London Mayor Boris Johnson and the City of London Corporation to install the lighting system.

Abseilers have spent 4,000 hours above the Thames fitting the new energy efficient lights.

It forms part of the efforts to make the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics the first truly sustainable Games.

"We are incredibly proud to have been involved with the lighting scheme at Tower Bridge," said GE Lighting EMEA President Phil Marshall.

"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 on the Bridge, ensuring those in the city can fully enjoy the new lighting scheme and see Tower Bridge as they never have before."


Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive of EDF Energy, added: "We are proud to be able to help show off London's most famous bridge over the Diamond Jubilee weekend and throughout the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"EDF Energy powers some of London's most iconic landmarks with low-carbon electricity, including Tower Bridge.

"Thanks to its new state-of-the-art lighting, Tower Bridge has further reduced its carbon footprint to become a standout symbol of sustainability, encouraging visitors and residents to live a lower carbon lifestyle."

There are also plans to hang a giant set of Olympic rings and the Paralympic Agitos from the bridge during London 2012.

Spectacular one-off lighting displays will take place during key moments of this summer's Games.

The new system will be in place for 25 years, and it is claimed that it will reduce the energy consumption of the bridge by 40 per cent.

"Tower Bridge is already a global icon and this much-loved landmark is now even more spectacular thanks to a world-class illumination system," Johnson said.

"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.

"What's more, thanks to the commitment and generosity of all the partners, including the City of London Corporation, EDF Energy and GE, this is a lasting legacy for decades to come, achieved with zero price-tag for the taxpayer."

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