Sheldon Anthony IO

Given the magnitude and urgency of water crises, there is a need for innovative and sustainable solutions that can address the causes and effects of water scarcity. One of the emerging technologies that claims to offer a solution is atmospheric water generation (AWG), which is the process of extracting water from the air. Hydropanels are a promising technology that could help address the global water crisis and provide access to safe and reliable drinking water for millions of people. AWG is not a new technology, but it has traditionally required large amounts of energy and has been limited to places with high humidity.

Water scarcity is a global challenge that affects millions of people and threatens the sustainability of life on Earth. According to the United Nations, by 2025, nearly 1.8 billion people will live in areas with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world population could face water-stressed conditions.^[1]  Climate change, population growth, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources are some of the factors that contribute to this crisis. The effects of water scarcity are far-reaching, impacting human health, agriculture, ecosystems, and socioeconomic development. Water scarcity can alter the hydrological cycle, reduce stream flows, lower groundwater levels, and increase salinity and pollution. This can damage the health and diversity of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and threaten the survival of many species of plants and animals. It can affect other sectors that rely on water, such as energy and tourism, and hamper economic growth and development.

Atauro is an island located off the coast of Timor-Leste in the Indonesian Archipelago. In addition to its natural beauty, what makes this island particularly special is that, according to Conservation International, it is surrounded by “the most biodiverse waters anywhere in the world.” Because Atauro lacks reliable water infrastructure, community members face severe water stress and widespread water-borne illness as a result of contaminated or unreliable water sources. In an attempt to keep community members safe, bottled water is shipped in from the mainland and was the primary source of drinking water. But as a result, an excess of plastic waste threatened the precious marine life inhabiting Atauro’s beaches and reefs. Faced with fresh water scarcity, a remote location, harsh landscape, and poverty, the Island of Atauro presented several obstacles to finding a sustainable, resilient drinking water solution. The community needed a way to breakaway from reliance on plastic bottles, but also needed access to a water supply that was both clean and resilient despite the challenging conditions of the island. Conservation International, in partnership with the Atauro community and SOURCE, installed 80 Hydropanels across two villages on the island to provide a reliable supply of clean, safe drinking water completely free of infrastructure and made from only sunlight and air. With reliable water access for the first time, and free of the dependence on single-use plastic bottles, residents can shift their focus to helping their communities thrive and protecting the wildlife that calls Atauro home.^[2] 

Hydropanels can produce an average of 4 to 10 liters of water per day, depending on the humidity and solar radiation levels. The hydropanels can operate in a wide range of climates, from arid deserts to humid tropics. ^[3]  They are independent of infrastructure and do not require electricity, pipes, or wells to function. They are resilient and can provide water even in times of drought, disaster, or conflict. They are transparent and allow users to monitor the quality and quantity of their water through a wireless network. They are sustainable and do not deplete or pollute natural water resources. They are cost-effective and have a low maintenance cost and a long lifespan. They are eco-friendly and reduce the use of plastic bottles and the carbon footprint of water transportation. Hydropanels are based on the principle of condensation, which is the process of changing a gas into a liquid. The Hydropanels consist of two main components: a solar panel and a water collector. The solar panel provides the energy to run a fan that draws in ambient air and passes it through a hygroscopic material that absorbs the water vapor. The water vapor then condenses into liquid water inside the collector, where it is stored in a reservoir. The water is then mineralized with calcium and magnesium to enhance its taste and health benefits. Hydropanels are an important innovation for sustainable technology because they can provide a renewable and resilient source of drinking water that does not depend on existing water infrastructure or natural water resources. It can reduce the environmental and social impacts of water scarcity, such as pollution, conflict, and plastic waste.

Market leaders in sustainable technology are using it to address the global water crisis and provide access to water in places where it is scarce, contaminated, or expensive. These technologies can be used together to create a self-sufficient system that provides water and energy without the need for fossil fuels or grid connections. Hydropanels and AWGs are still relatively new technologies, but they have the potential to revolutionize the way we generate energy and provide clean water. There is still a need for more comprehensive and integrated approaches that can address the root causes and effects of water scarcity, such as improving water governance, enhancing water efficiency, promoting water conservation, and investing in water infrastructure and services. Only by adopting such holistic and sustainable solutions can we ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and affordable water and that we protect and preserve our precious water resources for the present and future generations.