The development of renewable energy-powered technology is not only fascinating, but also has the potential to solve some of the world's most pressing problems. Within this emerging trend, Watly stands out as one of the most innovative and versatile solutions ever created. Watly is a machine designed not only to purify water, but also to generate solar energy and provide internet connectivity. This triple-impact solution promises a radical change in the lives of millions of people in underdeveloped regions, helping to meet basic human needs: clean water, energy, and access to information.
With the support of the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme, Watly has developed its first full-scale, functional machine, becoming a clear example of how the combination of advanced technologies and renewable energies can change the world.
Energy and social needs
Clean water and energy are fundamental to human well-being and development. Progress, health, and education cannot be discussed without considering that more than 1.100 billion people lack access to safe drinking water , leading to illness and more than 4.200 deaths daily, according to the WHO. Furthermore, 1.300 billion people lack access to electricity , now an essential resource, and 5.000 billion people lack regular internet access.
Watly stands as a comprehensive response to these challenges, addressing three major interrelated issues: access to clean water, sustainable electricity generation and digital connectivity. The synergy of these three elements makes Watly a revolutionary solution for sustainable development and the future of numerous communities around the world.
How does Watly work?
Watly is a solar- powered machine that can operate autonomously, even in remote areas and off the electrical grid. Its design includes solar panels whose excess energy is used to power various processes, including water purification through vapor compression distillation.
The water that reaches the machine may be contaminated or unfit for human consumption. The vapor compression purification system is capable of removing not only sediment, but also bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and even chemical residues . This makes Watly a key tool in the fight against the global water crisis.
An innovative feature of Watly is that it does not directly use solar energy to purify water. Instead, it uses the waste heat generated by solar panels, thus optimising energy use. As a result, the process is completely self-sustaining, making it a high-performance solution without consuming additional energy.
Watly's Additional Capabilities
In addition to purifying water, Watly has other features that make it indispensable in the communities where it is implemented. The machine generates electricity , which can be used not only for its own operation but also to power other electronic devices via USB connection or through an internal inverter that converts the direct current generated by the solar panels into alternating current.
A crucial part of Watly's design is its ability to connect communities to the internet . The machine acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing people living in the area to connect to the network and access educational, medical, and communication resources. In underdeveloped areas, where internet access is almost nonexistent, this functionality has a direct impact on quality of life, offering new opportunities for personal and social development.
Last generation technology
The Watly system goes beyond the basics; it also utilizes cutting-edge technologies to ensure long-lasting durability and unparalleled efficiency. For example, Watly's creators have incorporated the ability to generate a wireless connectivity zone with a radius of up to 1 kilometer, providing not only internet access but also the ability to remotely monitor device performance. Watly uses advanced sensors and monitoring systems to ensure everything functions correctly at all times, minimizing maintenance intervention.
Furthermore, the water purified by the machine is of superior quality, totally free of pathogens, contaminants and dangerous chemical compounds. The quality of the water is said to be so pure that it is even devoid of minerals, so some remineralizations have been added at the output of the system to ensure that the water is not only drinkable, but ideal for human consumption.
Beyond prototypes: Watly 3.0
The team behind Watly has been working diligently since its inception in 2013. After several prototypes, Watly 3.0 promises to be an even more efficient model. This final prototype features improvements in both capacity and range. This new design allows for the purification of up to 5.000 liters of water per day , the generation of up to 150 kWh of energy daily, and the provision of internet access to more than 3.000 people per unit.
The Watly 3.0 system, which is 40% larger than previous versions, has a structure measuring 40 metres long and 15 metres wide, weighing around 15 tonnes. Its formidable size and capacity make it one of the most impressive solar energy and renewable technology systems in the world.
The team behind Watly estimates that each installed unit will have a lifespan of about 15 years , which, combined with low maintenance costs, makes it a viable and long-lasting alternative for the most needy regions of the planet.
Challenges and future perspectives
Despite impressive progress, the large-scale commercialization of Watly still faces obstacles. The installation cost of a Watly 3.0 unit ranges from €600.000 to €1 million , depending on the technologies used. However, its creators are actively working to reduce these costs and increase production. It is expected that in the near future, up to 50 Watly units can be produced annually , allowing the solution to be scaled up and its impact on the world to multiply.
Watly founder Marco Attisani has indicated that they are exploring new capabilities for the system, such as its potential use in humanitarian crises, where it could be remotely operated by drones. To this end, Watly has begun a collaboration with the European Space Agency.
Watly's viability and success lie not only in its technological advancements but also in its ability to attract investors interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR) . As a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution, Watly represents an attractive investment for governments, NGOs, and private companies alike, all interested in reducing their carbon footprint and improving the quality of life for people in disadvantaged areas.
With the support of public and private entities, and a team of committed engineers, Watly continues to move towards its goal of installing units in some of the most vulnerable areas of the planet such as Sub-Saharan Africa, India and the Middle East.
Watly's future success will depend not only on its technical capabilities, but also on the willingness of global economies to embrace technology as a solution to social, energy and climate problems.
Watly is more than just a technological invention; it represents a paradigm shift in the way we address the global challenges of water, energy and connectivity in the 21st century. While there is still a long way to go, the impact it can have on the world’s most needy communities leaves no doubt about its importance.