Nuru Energy has revolutionized efficient and economical
means of energy production. Thus far Nuru Energy has attained the funds to
invent two new pieces of technology.
The first and more famous is the
NuruPOWERCycle. The power cycle generates up to 20 minutes worth of light with
the requirement of 60 rotations of human pedaling. It is more efficient than
solar panels by more than 100 percent. Since the POWERCycle is not affected by
the weather, it can be recharged and stored anytime, anywhere.
The second
invention by NuruEnergy is the ultra-portable and rechargeable LED task light.
This creation rules out one very specific product: the kerosene lamp. The
kerosene lamp is popular in rural India however is also popular for creating poor
health and a bad atmosphere. Nuru energy has therefore created an alternative
for a major segment of India’s population, as well as in an affordable manner.
In energy entrepreneur lingo there is such a thing called
“energy poverty.” Energy poverty is the absence of energy, and it exists among
2 billion people in the world. Despite the global war against pollution and CO2,
the developing world is lucky to have light at the flick of a switch.
Especially when compared to more societies in the developing world that have
even in the year 2013 lived in off-grid areas with no energy. Lack of light means
lack of opportunity, prosperity and higher responsibilities like governance.
Nuru Energy not only finds solutions to reduce India’s degree of poverty but
also does so in a nature-appreciating fashion.
Since inception, Nuru Energy has seen kerosene usage reduce
by 35-40% per month. India’s rural has seen village entrepreneurs increase
their income by 60% due to their decision to operate on Nuru technology. Thus
far in its lifespan, Nuru energy has manufactured 10000 Nuru lights and have
positively impacted the lives of consumers in 30 villages. The company has more
innovative products to come and is seeking to increase tie-ups with
non-profits, and corporations to reach out to more consumers.
“We have 2 lights at home. My mother previously had to
use a kerosene lamp to cook and the smoke had given her a bad cough. She now
uses the Nuru Light and her cough has improved” – A Nuru Customer.
Location:Hathikhamba Village, Rayagada District, Odisha
Age: 13
Family: Mother, Father, 1 Brother and 1 Sister
Nuru customer since: September, 2011
Services used: Light charging
Closest entrepreneur:Ranjan Lima
Use (hours per night): 4
Previous spending on kerosene (per month): $2
Savings (per month): $0.80
Biggest impact: “I now have a light to study with!”
To know more visit http://nuruenergy.com/
Nuru Energy is doing fantastic work in the space of providing basic lighting services in energy deficient areas. Its utility is surely beyond rural areas given the recent power crisis in various states in India. That said, I personally believe that the business holds tremendous potential given slow pace of electrification of rural areas and power shortages in urban areas. Scaling up opportunities will be more profitable by partnering for-profit entities as opposed to NGOs. Must explore tying up with MFIs where they can evolve an efficient financing arrangement as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments and feedback Bharat. We are actually in the midst of tying up with some organized retail and distribution partners. For any specific questions or comments related to Nuru's work in India please feel free to reach me on gmalik@nuruenergy.com
DeleteThanks!
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