Cardiff, Wales and Nairobi, Kenya – November 12, 2007 – UK company G24 Innovations Ltd (G24i) has announced its first order for mobile phone chargers centred around its revolutionary solar technology known as Dye Sensitised Thin Film (DST). The chargers will be pioneered by Master IT Ltd in Kenya to bring affordable and convenient mobile communications to some of the poorest sections of society.
Last month, G24i announced the world’s first production of commercial grade DST solar cells, marking the commercialisation of over eighteen years of research and development. The company is now focused on producing solar-powered mobile phone chargers for the developing world as the first application of the technology.
G24i’s technology can be mass produced and is not reliant upon expensive silicon, as most solar cells are. It is therefore affordable for developing world applications and makes solar power a viable portable energy source in these regions for the first time. Other unique properties include its light weight, durability, flexibility and ability to produce electricity in low light and cloudy conditions.
Master IT Ltd was established as a private company to provide financial support to Computers for Schools Kenya, which has computerised nearly 500 Kenyan schools over the past 5 years. Tom Musili, Managing Director of Master IT Ltd, explains: “I am not just looking for good commercial ideas but also things that will transform and improve Kenyan society. I see the huge revolution taking place in communications driven by mobile phones, which are an essential tool even for the poorest in society. Most Kenyans do not have access to electricity and we see G24i’s products as a way to bring affordable and convenient power and therefore communications to these people.
“Solar-powered chargers are not a new concept. However, current solutions are sold as premium products and have a poor record of efficiency and longevity. DST technology breaks down these barriers in an affordable way.”
Clemens Betzel, President of G24i, adds: “Cell phone companies are experiencing unprecedented growth in developing countries, particularly from less affluent people living in smaller towns and villages. In 2000 there were 61 million mobile phone users in the developing world. Today there are an estimated 600 million and by 2015 this is predicted to stand at 2 billion.
The main barrier to cell phone ownership is not the cost of the handset or calls but the cost of and ability to keep the phone charged. 1.6 billion people still have no access to electricity. Our solar chargers, which are specifically designed for the rugged conditions in developing countries, will help to spread this communications revolution to everyone.
“This agreement marks a major milestone for our company. We have gone from new technology start-up to production of the world’s first DST cells in just 15 months. Our first production line will produce 30 MW of solar material next year and an expected capacity equal to 200 MW in 2009”.
Notes to Editors:
About G24i
G24 Innovations (G24i), a UK based company, is the world’s first to commercially manufacture next generation Dye-Sensitized Thin Film solar cells, an alternative to traditional silicon solar cells.
Dye-Sensitized Thin Film solar cells are unique in that they are extremely lightweight, durable, and produce electricity in low-light and indoor conditions. As a result, G24i’s advanced solar cells are perfect for powering mobile electronic devices such as mobile telephones, cameras, and portable LED lighting systems.
On a larger scale, G24i’s flexible thin film integrates effectively into clothing, tents, electronic advertising displays, and works well for indoor building integrated photovoltaic systems where local regulation requires on site generation or significant energy efficiency measures.
G24i’s proprietary high speed roll-to-roll manufacturing process allows for large volume production at our 23 acre, 187,000 square foot facility. Further information at: www.g24i.com.
For more information, please contact:
G24 Innovations:
Eliot Abel
+44 (0) 2920 837 340
eliot.abel@g24i.com
FD (PR):
Andy Field or Oliver Williams
+44 (0) 20 7831 3113
andy.field@fd.com
olly.williams@fd.com
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