Electricity is a critical form of energy for modern society. Everything relies on it, communications, information, entertainment, medicine, cooking and more. Yet, many people in the world still live in areas where they lack access to electricity. Without regular electricity, they lack basic lighting—or even the ability to power small electrical components like a cell phone or a tablet. In these areas of the developing world, batteries are relatively expensive and a poor substitute for locally generated power. Here enters the bold innovation and solution that is Gravity Light—a gravity-powered electricity generator that can power lights and small devices.
Light for the Developing World
This gravity-powered electricity generator was developed by the GravityLight Foundation and Deciwatt—two nonprofit organizations—to design a new bold invention that can bring electricity to the masses at a local level and low cost. Thomas Edison, the famed American inventor, developed the incandescent electric light bulb some 130 years ago. This invention was deemed as a great innovation because it expanded the length of the productive day, by allowing people to see after sunset. However, in spite of achieving this breakthrough over a hundred years ago, a quarter of humanity in the world still lacks basic electricity. It’s thus no wonder why a gravity-powered electricity generator is a bold solution the world needs today.
Scientific American, estimates that 79 percent of people in Third World countries have no access to electricity. A total of 1.5 billion people in southern Asia and Africa still live in the dark. They lack not only light but also power, which prevents them from connecting with the wider world through phones and computers, and hampering their ability to learn and interact with the worldwide knowledge economy.
Africa is a matter of fact the second-most-populous and second-largest continent on the globe. In most parts of Africa, people still use kerosene lamps at night. Africans have no choice but to use the dangerous, expensive and polluting kerosene lamps in order to see at night and in the early morning. According to Ponmile Osibo, from the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, “The situation in Africa at the moment is quite significant, over 40 percent of the population does not have access to energy.”
Negative Effects of Kerosene Light
When night time comes, Third World countries rely on kerosene lamps for the most part. This simple way of accessing light triggers negative effects. Here are some truths about kerosene:
- Kerosene is expensive – In developing countries, fuel (which is usually kerosene) consumes up to 30 percent of working people’s income. Lack of cheap electricity traps people in poverty.
- Kerosene is dangerous – It’s flammable. It can spill. It can cause fires that rip through the small poor neighborhoods where it is the only fuel source.
- The use of kerosene adds to pollution – Lamps using kerosene contribute 3 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions. It is also a source of black carbon. In addition, it is a source of indoor pollution that is unhealthy and yields negative respiratory consequences.
With the existing problems affecting Third World countries, GravityLight Foundation and Deciwatt decided to take action. The result was GravityLight, which produces light by simply lifting weights. Martin Riddiford and Jim Reeves, both based in London, invented the gravity-powered electricity generator.
Reeves notes that “With GravityLight, all you need is a weight.” Veritably, as a gravity-powered electricity generator, GravityLight can replace kerosene lamps. The device has a bag that is filled with sand or rocks and attached to a cord. The bag then slowly descends. This action powers the light, which lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. The team has already prepared an Indiegogo campaign to raise money for the second generation of GravityLight. The first prototype has been tested in 26 different countries. For just $20 a unit, people can have light anywhere.
The Benefits of GravityLight
The developers insist that their gravity-powered electricity generator must be beneficial to their intended demographic who struggle in Third World countries. These are the positive aspects of using GravityLight.
- It is easy to use. GravityLight is not rocket science because people will not have a hard time learning how it works.
- Since it is a gravity-powered electricity generator, there is no need for batteries.
- GravityLight pays for itself because it is completely self-sustained.
- The device can power reading lights, radios, and other small electrical machines.
GravityLight is notably a gravity-powered electricity generator that consists of the hanging point, white LED, power output socket, weight cord, bag pulley, bag hook, and a rewind cord.
Gravity-Powered Electricity Generator for All
GravityLight Foundation does not just want to aid light-source problems in Third World countries, they also want to help people through creating local jobs, improving living conditions and teaching skills. The organization wants to improve the local economy by means of making a sustainable demand for safe and clean lighting solutions. Caroline Angus, the co-founder of GravityLight Foundation, says that “The need for light is universal. Given there are solutions out there that can replace a kerosene lamp, we need to urgently get those out there.”
Third World countries do not have the luxury of electricity and must rely on kerosene lamps. The bold new idea of GravityLight, as a gravity-powered electricity generator, can be the right solution for lighting demands across the world.
