It is pretty surprising that the UN has recently rejected the right of clean drinking water as a basic human right. While I shall not delve in that here, it is practically true that every individual requires clean drinking water and it is a basic need that most people across the globe are deprived of. Also, producing heat or fuel from cow dung may not be very cool, but in countries such as India, it is something that has been going on since ages.
Dean Kamen has unveiled the latest iteration of his power and water package for the third world. The two components are a water purifier called Slingshot that uses a fraction of the power of alternatives and a Stirling engine based power generator that works on cow dung. The $1500 water purifier will produce 1000 liters of water a day, while the $3,700 generator produces around 1 kW, which is enough to deliver light to a small village. With most villages in third world countries still in need of both electricity and clean drinking water, these gadgets are very practical.
I still am not so sure if many across the world who need these gadgets the most, would be willing shell the amount of money that is required for the initial investment. While they might be still good for government purchases, that still brings in the not-so-trustworthy politicians in to the picture and I do not like that one bit. The intent is really good and hopefully these gadgets will make a difference.
