The plasma screen television is poised to become the next victim of the battle to curb energy use.

Giant energy-guzzling flatscreens are expected to be banned under legislation due to be agreed by the EU this spring.

Plasma screens have been nicknamed the '4x4s' of the living room because they use up to four times as much electricity and are responsible for up to four times as much carbon dioxide as traditional cathode ray tube sets.

The most energy intensive will be phased out under the new EU standards for minimum energy performance, which will follow the voluntary withdrawal of the traditional 100watt light bulb.

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The remaining TVs of all types will have to carry energy rating labels designed to make it easy to distinguish between the best and worst performers.

LCD flat screen TVs are much more energy efficient than their plasma cousins so are unlikely to be banned.

A 42in LCD TV uses similar amounts of energy to a much smaller traditional set.

A spokesman for the Department-for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the plasma TV would not be banned completely, with eco-friendly sets remaining on the market.

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