According to the World Health Organization, at least 840 million people around the world are without access to electricity, hindering their ability to work beyond daylight hours, carry out essential tasks and stay connected to the wider world. With electricity demand expected to increase by 70% by 2035, and traditional fossil fuels estimated to be depleted in the next 52 years, a solution is urgently needed.
The Clean Energy Revolution Is Here
WaterLight is a revolutionary device that transforms salt water into life-changing electrical power for millions
Challenge
Inspiration
Electricity provides economic opportunity and quality of life. Fisherman can’t fish at night; kids must do their homework by candlelight – which can cause fires; artisans can’t craft at night to fill their orders, and mobile phones cannot be charged.
We connected with the age-old traditions of the Wayúu, an indigenous community living on the remote La Guajira peninsula straddling the Colombia and Venezuela border.
Idea
Wunderman Thompson Colombia and renewable energy start-up E-Dina collaborated on WaterLight – a revolutionary device that can transform half a liter of salt water into an incredible 45 days of light.
E-Dina and Wunderman Thompson Colombia turned to the Wayúu, whose access to electricity is limited, but are surrounded by arid desert terrain that turns out to be the most powerful battery in the world – the sea. With WaterLight, the Wayúu can transform this abundant natural resource into a safe, sustainable way to power their lives, from night fishing to charging mobile phones, without the need to travel for miles, creating a sense of connection within the community and to the wider world.
Growth
WaterLight is poised for a worldwide rollout, demonstrating how technology, creativity and humanity can produce a ground-breaking idea and transform life for millions of people. For many developing nations such as Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Gabon, Somalia and Syria that lack access to energy but with the benefit of a coastline, as well as governments, NGOs and private organizations seeking sustainable technology solutions for coastal communities, WaterLight is a forward-thinking, cost-effective option. With the global refugee crisis set to worsen, this device can provide invaluable aid for charities providing migrants with essential amenities, particularly in situations where resources are scarce.
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Awards
2021 Cannes Lions
Design, Consumer Technology & Homeware
Silver Lion
2021 Cannes Lions
Innovation - Product Innovation
Bronze Lion
2021 Cannes Lions
Brand Experience & Activation - Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility
Bronze Lion
2022 Clio Awards
Innovation
Bronze
2022 Clio Awards
Design
Silver
2022 Clio Awards
Design
Silver
2022 One Show
IP & Products
Gold Pencil
2022 One Show
Experiential & Immersive
Gold Pencil
2022 One Show
Health & Wellness
Gold Pencil
2022 One Show
Sustainable Development Pencil
Sustainable Development Pencil
2022 One Show
IP & Products
Gold Pencil
2022 One Show
Design
Gold Pencil
2022 One Show
Green Pencil
Merit
2022 One Show
Health & Wellness
Merit
2022 One Show
Brand-Side / In-House
Shortlist
2022 D&AD
Impact - Design
Graphite Pencil
2022 D&AD
Product Design
Graphite Pencil
2022 D&AD
Impact - Local Solution
Wood Pencil
2022 D&AD
Creative Transformation
Shortlist
2022 D&AD
Direct
Shortlist
2022 D&AD
Direct
Shortlist
2022 D&AD
Impact - Initiative
Shortlist
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