Logan based PowerWells has been producing off grid micro-solar kits for remote communities in Indonesia and has turned its attention to the unfolding situation in earthquake-ravaged Lombok.
Old solar panels are used for the kits and the energy storage component is mainly sourced from laptop batteries that have been discarded, but still have useful capacity. The battery and other components of the micro-solar systems (except for the panels) are packed into old cooking oil drums.
Communities use the PowerWells to charge small electronic devices and torches, plus power lighting for a communal space.
The idea for the PowerWell originated with an concept floated late last year, so the startup’s evolution has been rapid. To date, 11 Indonesian villages have received kits. As well as overseas, PowerWells sees potential for the product in helping communities in very remote parts of Queensland.
PowerWells was one of 10 startups from the Redland and Logan region chosen by the Queensland Government to participate at Myriad 2018, a technology and innovation event held earlier this year.
“Powerwells have found a terrific use for electronic waste that reduces landfill and could be a game changer for people in isolated communities around the globe,” said Innovation Minister Kate Jones. “Not only will their innovation make the world a better place, this concept has huge commercial potential. That’s why we’re investing in companies like Powerwells – to create sustainable jobs in places like Logan.”
The Myriad exposure has benefited the startup by helping it to refine its ideas and gain leads, along with more support.
“We started only six months ago and without the help of Queensland businesses to fund our recent community engagement trip, our product might not be what people living in remote areas actually need,” said Powerwells Co-Founder Nick Kamols.
Among the businesses to support the trip was solar installer, Gem Energy.
The recent earthquake tragedy in Lombok, Indonesia has grabbed the team’s attention.
“There are people over in Lombok that could use our help. We’re busy working out a plan to get these systems over to the people that need them,” stated the group yesterday.
A little solar power (and energy storage) can go a long, long way in remote and/or impoverished communities, as well as disaster zones. A report we mentioned last month indicated micro off grid solar systems deployed in households across East Africa are significantly boosting productivity and general quality of life.
More than 1 billion people around the world live without access to electricity, with many relying on toxic, dangerous, polluting and expensive fossil fuels such as kerosene for lighting. These households pay a high price for what is poor quality lighting – both in terms of health outcomes and financial costs. The use of kerosene also doesn’t help them recharge their mobile phones and stay connected.
Where kerosene can’t, solar energy can; cleanly and cheaply – and does a whole lot of other good in the process.
About Michael Bloch
RSS - Posts
Speak Your Mind