Q: What are the main benefits of Gravity Light as a technology? Q&A The vast proportion of existing solutions for heat and light in remote, off-grid areas are carbon-based fuel sources, in particular oil. Burning biomass like this for lighting is expensive, is unhealthy, producing toxic fumes and poor quality light, and dangerous. Unlike solar lighting, Gravity Light doesn’t require batteries which can run out and need to be replaced or Gravity Light M. Riddiford and J. Reeves www.deciwatt.net A revolutionary yet simple way to generate power and light, Gravity Light ensures access of to up to 30 minutes of constant light anywhere in the world. Lift the charging weight, which is a bag that the user fills with 9-12.5 kg of material made up of earth, rocks or sand, to allow gravity to do its job. A series of gears and a generator inside translates this slow falling mass into electrical energy. The system can be varied, to provide either task or ambient lighting, or both simultaneously at a lower level. This is artistic inspiration channelled into changing the world via sustainable, free electricity with the potential to lift millions out of fuel poverty and radically improve educational and economic outcomes. This is the first public viewing of the GravityLight prototype, which is due to be launched in early 2014. disposed of – and it doesn’t rely on the external environment, time of day, season or weather. Q: Where are you in terms of production? We’ve currently just started manufacturing the first units in our factory, following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The first 1,500 Gravity Lights are going to be sent out to trialists, based mainly in the developing world, looking in particular for feedback on price and whether they would use it instead of kerosene lamps. Once the trial has taken place, and after any modifications, manufacturing on a more commercial basis will begin in early 2014. Q: What other uses might there be for Gravity Light? There’s a lot of potential in using it as a back-up in disaster and emergency areas and relief situations. It could also take off in camping and garden sheds around the world! Long-term, we want to continue developing innovative power alternatives. 20 InnovationSpace: The Lab