Sesame Solar and Watergen have joined forces to create mobile nanogrids that can provide renewable power and clean water in various situations. The nanogrids use solar energy, green hydrogen and atmospheric water generation to offer a self-sufficient and eco-friendly solution.
How the Nanogrids Work
The nanogrids consist of a retractable solar array that charges a battery system to produce green hydrogen via electrolyzers. The hydrogen system needs deionized water to run, which Sesame keeps on hand during deployments. However, Sesame has now teamed up with Watergen, which makes atmospheric water generators that pull H2O from humidity in the air, purifies it for drinking and has its U.S. headquarters in North Carolina. By combining their technologies, they have come up with a system that ensures a steady supply of deionized water for green hydrogen production, advancing Sesame Solar’s off-grid system.
The Benefits of the Nanogrids
The nanogrids can generate clean, off-grid power within 15 minutes using solar and green hydrogen. They can also provide services like medical response, water purification, Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging. The nanogrids are designed to be easily transported and deployed in various scenarios, such as emergencies, entertainment, education and rural development. The nanogrids are also a green alternative to diesel-powered generators that emit harmful particulate matter. The only byproduct of the nanogrids is oxygen, which is beneficial for the environment.
The Impact of the Partnership
The partnership between Sesame Solar and Watergen is a game-changer that promotes sustainability in mobile and off-grid environments by providing a source of safe, clean water for both drinking and renewable energy production. According to Lauren Flanagan, Sesame Solar cofounder and CEO, “Being able to now make our own water as needed, to make our hydrogen gas as needed, to in turn be the backup power to the battery if solar conditions are not ideal, it’s unique. Nobody’s really applied it this way that we’re aware of.” Watergen CEO Steve Elbaz also said in a statement, “Watergen’s cutting-edge technology, creating water from air within any mobile vehicles, enables for a completely sustainable approach for emergency teams responding to impacted communities.”
The nanogrids have already been tested to support the island of Dominica in the wake of Hurricane Maria and with Comcast to support communication recovery after Hurricane Ida. Other early users include the U.S. Air Force and major telecommunications companies and emergency response organizations.
