Although remarkable progress has been made on energy access in recent years, 840 million people around the world still live in the dark, according to the WHO. The demand for electricity is expected to increase by 70% by 2035 and traditional fossil fuels are estimated to be depleted in the next 52 years. Access to electricity translates into a better quality of life. But in some areas of the world, when the sun goes down, people can no longer do some of their activities: The fishermen can’t fish at night, children must do their homework at candlelight, artisans can’t work at night, and mobile phones can’t be charged.

Colombian renewable energy start-up E-Dina and WPP’s Wunderman Thompson Colombia came up with a solution to this problem, developing a revolutionary product that uses a natural resource to emit light. During our weekly #ThrowBrandThursday column, our attention falls on WaterLight, a portable device that allows locals to continue their activities even after the sunset.

The device works like a lamp, capable of transforming salt water into electrical power. Fueled with a half-liter of salt water, the gadget is capable of delivering 45 days of light and also works as a small-scale generator, able to charge small appliances such as a cell phone or a radio. Suitable to seawater, the portable lamp can also work on freshwater when mixed with salt and even urine.

WaterLight harnesses the power of ionization, a scientific reaction in which salt water electrolytes react with the magnesium found inside the product, generating electrical energy. Its design is inspired by Colombia’s indigenous Wayúu community and their strong connection with the sea. Living on the remote La Guajira Peninsula with limited access to electricity, they are surrounded by “the most powerful battery in the world: the sea.”

The WaterLight visually captures the community’s rich cultural heritage: The wooden surface is adorned with traditional patterns and symbols of power, drawing inspiration from the ancient art of Kanas weaving, while the strap is developed by an Eünün (craftswomen of the community).

Bas Korsten, Global Chief Creative Officer, Wunderman Thompson, says: “WaterLight demonstrates how the holy trinity of technology, creativity, and humanity can produce a genuinely ground-breaking idea — one which holds the potential to transform life for millions of people. Cutting-edge innovation will only move the dial so far: To drive real change for a better world, we need ideas with humanity at their core.”

The waterproof gadget has been developed in line with E-Dina’s commitment to sustainability, being assembled with 100% recyclable materials. The WaterLight is crafted to work 5,600 hours, which equates to more than 230 days or two or three years of use.

The device’s potential is global. Many other developing nations such as Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Gabon, Somalia, and Syria find themselves in a similar position to La Guajira, encountering difficulties when it comes to access to energy but having the benefit of a coastline. WaterLight can prove to be a cost-effective option for governments, NGOs, and other private organizations that want to help these coastal communities.

Credits:

Client: E-Dina

Product: WaterLight

Agency: Wunderman Thompson Colombia