Sustainable Technology for Atmospheric Water Harvesting (WaterSustTech)

Water scarcity is a worldwide issue that affects 1/3 of the world's population. This project will focus on alleviating water shortage issues in regions where there is a lack of access to water such as Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Ethiopia and Sudan, which represent two typical climates on the African continent. In both countries, the total number of people lacking access to clean water is about 74 million, and over 100 million lack access to improved sanitation. The situation is exacerbated by climate change causing erratic rainfall patterns in areas already experiencing prolonged drought.

Michael Farnsworth of StormSaver Ltd will lead the consortium in a feasibility study of a novel Sustainable Technology for Atmospheric Water Harvesting 'WaterSustTech', a simple yet very effective system for collecting drinking water from the air, using the difference between night and daytime air temperatures. The technical lead is Prof Saffa Riffat, University of Nottingham. He and his team developed the concept and technology that utilizes phase change materials to create a simple system that will be ideal for Sub-Saharan Africa and many arid regions of the world.

The UK team has longstanding collaborations with many African countries on research and charitable projects addressing issues related to food security, energy and water supply and therefore are deeply aware of issues that affect African communities. Through the established network, two identified African partners from both countries offer local research expertise and commercial capacity and therefore are highly suitable for joining this project.