A solar powered computer named The Watly machine is to provide clean water, electricity, and internet in Africa. The machine developed by an Italian-Spanish start-up, Watly will be a welcomed technology in the continent where about 625 million people are without electricity and about 39% of the continent do not have access to safe drinking water.
The Watly machine prototype has already been tested in Ghana’s countryside, works by capturing solar energy through photovoltaic panels on the surface of the Watly module, which is converted into electricity through an internal 140 kwh battery. This powers a patented water treatment system that uses a graphene-based filtering process before the water is boiled and then distilled.
The process can deliver 5,000 litres of safe drinking water each day. The battery also powers a connectivity hub that provides wireless internet access within an 800-meter radius and a charging station for electronic and mobile devices.
Marco Attisani, the founder of Watly said:: “This is an infrastructure solution for people without access to three fundamental pillars of civilization – water, electricity, and internet. We are taking people to the heart of the 21st century.”
He added: “No technology can change the world without a human factor. Local partners will care for the logistics, spread the word, play a role in education, and leverage functionality.
“Within eight years, the company hopes to install 10,000 units across Africa, and estimates this will create 50,000 jobs. Many of these will relate to construction and maintenance of the machines and their products while others will come indirectly through businesses benefitting from a reliable supply of vital services.”
The solar powered machine will soon be launched across the continent, starting with Nigeria and Sudan.
