News facts
The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) presents stories from its network members showcasing climate change technology solutions. Through its network, the CTCN delivers technology solutions, capacity building and implementation advice to developing countries at their request.
CTCN Network member Solvatten, a Swedish social enterprise, has developed an innovation that can save millions of lives and ease daily burdens for families living in poverty around the world.
Solvatten is a dual water treatment and solar heating system designed for use at the household level. The device harnesses the power of the sun to treat and heat water. This solar technology reduces the need to burn wood or charcoal to boil water. The device is made of durable plastic materials and requires no batteries, chemicals or spare parts. The unit can boil up to 40 litres per day and has an average lifespan of 7-10 years. This leads to reduced deforestation, reduced burning of solid fuels, and consequently reduced emissions, as well as reduced fuel expenses for its users, while securing access to safe drinking water and fewer harmful fumes. 350,000 people are currently benefitting from this product.
For example, by using solar energy instead of charcoal to heat and purify water, the Solvatten project in a Kenyan urban neighborhood saves up to 6,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. A farmer from Bungoma in Western Kenya, explains how Solvatten has changed the life of her family: “Solvatten has improved the health of my family. Nowdays there are no stomach or headache complaints. I have money to save and it helps me to pay school fees for my children. For a whole year I have not taken anybody to hospital due to stomach problems”. For more information on Solvatten in Kenya, see the video below.