A ray of hope for developing countries

Nov 23 2007 by Aled Blake, Western Mail

A COMPANY making next-generation solar technology used to charge mobile phones yesterday announced its first order.

Cardiff-based G24 Innovations – G24i – said a deal for its mobile phone chargers, centred around its revolutionary solar technology known as Dye Sensitised Thin Film (DST), has been made with a company in Kenya. G24i has a strategy to first target markets in the developing world, where people in remote areas have little access to reliable power sources.

Company chairman Bob Hertzberg – a former speaker of the California State Assembly – has formulised the plan because of the massive need for communications technology, coupled with dependable power, in the developing world.

G24i’s chargers will be pioneered by Master IT in Kenya.

Last month G24i, which is headquartered in Wentloog on the outskirts of the Welsh capital, announced the world’s first production of commercial grade DST solar cells, marking the commercialisation of 18 years of research and development in the technology.

The company says it is now focused on producing solar-powered mobile phone chargers for the developing world as the first application of the technology.

G24i’s technology can be mass produced and is not reliant on expensive silicon, as most solar cells are. The company says it is therefore affordable for developing world applications and makes solar power a viable portable energy source in these regions.

Other properties include its light weight, durability, flexibility and ability to produce electricity in low-light conditions.

Master IT was established as a private company to provide financial support to Computers for Schools Kenya, which has computerised nearly 500 Kenyan schools over the past five years.

Tom Musili, managing director of Master IT, said, “I am not just looking for good commercial ideas but also things that will transform and improve Kenyan society.

“I see the huge revolution taking place in communications driven by mobile phones, which are an essential tool even for the poorest in society.

“Most Kenyans do not have access to electricity and we see G24i’s products as a way to bring affordable and convenient power and therefore communications to these people.

“Solar-powered chargers are not a new concept.

“However, current solutions are sold as premium products and have a poor record of efficiency and longevity. DST technology breaks down these barriers in an affordable way.”

G24i’s commitment to the environment has been demonstrated by its plan to become energy self-sufficient, with proposals before Cardiff Council’s planning committee to erect a wind turbine on its site.

Clemens Betzel, president of G24i, said, “Cell phone companies are experiencing unprecedented growth in developing countries, particularly from less affluent people living in smaller towns and villages.

“In 2000 there were 61 million mobile phone users in the developing world. Today there are an estimated 600 million and by 2015 this is predicted to stand at two billion.

“The main barrier to cell phone ownership is not the cost of the handset or calls but the cost of and ability to keep the phone charged. 1.6 billion people still have no access to electricity. Our solar chargers, which are specifically designed for the rugged conditions in developing countries, will help to spread this communications revolution to everyone.

“This agreement marks a major milestone for our company. We have gone from new technology start-up to production of the world’s first DST cells in just 15 months.

“Our first production line will produce 30 MW of solar material next year and an expected capacity equal to 200 MW in 2009.”