Disruptive innovation doesn't´always require disruptive technology. Sometimes you can create tremendous social value by cleverly exploiting laws of Physics which are well known since the 17th century.
Using renewable energy sources (solar light, etc.) is certainly great for the planet. But sometimes, this requires investments time scales and know-how which are beyond the reach of those who have a really urgent need to improve their daily quality of life....
So, what is the type of energy that has powered architecture, food hunting and processing, and in fact most human activities since the beginning of times? Human labour, actually. Or, if you like, the conversion of the chemical energy associated to the food that we eat into mechanical energy to dig a hole, lift a weight, throw a stone, etc. So, when we cannot count on any external energy source (not even sunlight at night, right?), we should remember that until we are alive and fit, we can generate mechanical energy....and then convert it into the type of energy that we need.
Enter the GravityLight Foundation. They have devised a clever solution to a daily challenge for millions of African families. The need light in their houses, and most of the time, especially in rural areas, they use kerosene lamps, which are expensive and unhealthy.
So, GravityLight has manufactured a lamp powered by gravity, which is 100% clean and require no other fuel than the food that keeps you going!
GravityLight works by connecting an elevated weight — filled with rocks or sand — to a pulley system that slowly powers a generator as the weight falls to the ground. So, as long as you can pull the weight up, you have light. See it in action:
GravityLight are keen to hear from partners and supporters. They have an assembly and sales facility in Kenya and deserve our support!
All pictures from https://gravitylight.org