Bringing energy where it’s needed most - Renovagen Ltd launches campaign to fund FAST FOLD solar power systems for disaster relief operations.

Renovagen Ltd has launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund FAST FOLD portable solar power systems which will be donated or loaned free-of-charge to disaster relief and humanitarian charities and NGO’s. These self-sustaining renewable energy systems, which can be moved by hand and deployed extremely quickly, will reduce their dependency on fuel supplies for provision of essential life-saving power.

The FAST FOLD system consists of an Energy Hub with AC power output and up to 10kWh of energy storage housed in a robust “peli case” for outdoor use, plus flexible folding solar photovoltaic mats of up to 1.6kWp each in capacity which can be deployed in seconds by two people. It is much smaller, lighter and quicker to set up than other multi-kW portable off-grid renewable energy systems – and with single button operation is much easier to use – so it’s ideal for use by workers or volunteers at sites which are remote or have been cut-off from fuel supplies and heavy transport infrastructure. The FAST FOLD provides enough power for communications, medical equipment, lighting, water purification, laptop computers, mobile device charging and other essential equipment which disaster relief personnel rely on to deliver an effective response.

The system has been developed at Renovagen’s facility in Milton Keynes (United Kingdom), where units are also being assembled for initial orders from non-governmental and governmental organisations, charity and rural electrification projects. Renovagen previously developed the larger RAPID ROLL portable solar power system with a solar field that “unrolls like a carpet” and was successful in equity crowdfunding, raising 262,000 GBP in 2014 and 985,000 GBP in 2016 to support the development of these products.

The Indiegogo campaign, with an initial target of 50,000 USD, aims to galvanise public support for the use of smarter and more effective technology in disaster relief and humanitarian operations, in the context of an increasing number of disasters around the world every year.

John Hingley, Managing Director of Renovagen Ltd said “8.7 million displaced people currently live in temporary camps, and 80% of them don't have access to electricity. Up to 200 natural disasters affect 160 million people worldwide every year and the majority of these involve power outages of some degree. We want to help address many of the problems encountered in running essential equipment in areas without access to fuel for generators or electricity - which in many cases can be life-saving".

A number of high-profile NGO and charity organisations, listed on the Indiegogo campaign, have indicated their support and wish to receive FAST FOLD equipment funded in this way. Renovagen hopes to exceed the initial target by many multiples in order to deliver many more FAST FOLD systems to a range of NGO’s and charities.

Link to Indiegogo campaign page: https://igg.me/at/fastfold

Media Contact:
Colin Miller
Head of Business Development, Renovagen Ltd
Email: colin.miller@renovagen.com
+44 1908 766 349