Worldwide, nearly 1.3 billion people live without electricity. That’s about 18 percent of the global population, 97 percent of which live in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia.

Craig Jacobson, co-founder and CEO of Point Source Power, had a solution to this problem in the palm of his hand. Point Source Power created a device to harness thermal heat from cooking stoves and convert the energy into electricity. This invention was originally created for adventurers on camping trips so that they could charge their cell phones while on vacation.

However, he saw a much greater demand for the invention in developing countries, so Point Source Power produced the VOTO: a low-cost fuel cell that operates at cook-stove temperatures and converts biomass directly into electricity. This device includes a charger for cell phones and batteries, as well as an LED light.

In an interview, Jacobson said, “People view fuel cells as an advanced technology that only wealthy countries can afford. We see things differently. We’ve created a technology that uses inexpensive materials found in homes throughout developing regions of the world – biomass and cook stoves.” In addition, the VOTO fuel cells are very tolerant of contaminants such as carbon and sulfur, which would likely ruin other fuel cells.

The VOTO is easily integrated into the daily routine of the average person. Accessing electricity does not involve an extra step in their day; instead, it is a part of their time spent cooking. Jacobson added, “Cooking is something that has to be done every day. We have taken cutting-edge technology and matched it to this daily ritual.”

As of now, VOTO products are only available in Kenya. The goal is to have these fuel cells available in homes all across developing regions, increasing people’s overall access to electricity.

– Hannah Resnick

Sources: Berkeley Lab, International Energy Agency, Launch, Point Source Power, Smithsonian
Photo: PointSourcePower