London Mayor Boris Johnson says he has a “spectacular” view of the picturesque Tower Bridge from his office. That view will soon get even better.

GE and its UK partner EDF Energy have received a formal approval to install GE’s new energy efficient LED technology and a cabling system to illuminate the 800-foot bridge. The new lighting will replace a 25 year old legacy system and help cut the amount of energy required to light the landmark by 40 percent. GE and EDF, a top supplier of electricity in London, are sponsors of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in the British capital this summer.

The new system is designed to enhance the architectural features of the 117-year old bridge. GE’s multi-color LEDs with variable intensity will illuminate the bridge’s Victorian gothic turrets, granite and stone towers as well as an aerial walkway and suspension chains.

The flexibility of the lighting design will allow London officials to transform the bridge into a centerpiece for other celebrations and special event’s such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and New Year’s Eve festivities.
 
Among the featured LED systems is Tetra Contour, GE’s more efficient and more durable alternative to neon lighting. Tetra Contour will follow the metal curves on either side of the towers and across the walkway.

LED projectors will enhance the architecture of the two towers, while the system’s three color options – gold, silver and bronze – will allow the bridge to take on different looks during the Olympic Games. Other GE LED lighting and floodlighting will offset the artistic lighting and showcase the beauty of the bridge and the two towers.

The lighting system is just one of 75 many-faceted GE projects connected to the 2012 games. The projects range from supplying uninterruptable power generators for the main Olympic stadium to advanced diagnostic equipment to diagnose strains, sprains and other sports-related health concerns. GE will also provide a large number charging stations for a fleet of Olympic electric vehicles.

The bridge lighting will be installed by the French firm Citelum, which has designed lighting for landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, and the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.