Off-grid technology innovations have recently sparked an extensive amount of enthusiasm, curiosity and media coverage. The Off-Grid Technology Village is at the forefront of these innovations with cutting edge research and development of off-grid products and technologies. The village is located at the Arava Institute’s Daniel Fischel and Sylvia Neil Family Research and Visitor’s Park on Kibbutz Ketura, and is dedicated to bringing off-grid technologies into developing markets using strategic partnerships in target countries.
The Off-Grid Village showcases an innovative ecosystem that incorporates inexpensive and rapidly deployable structures that are used for research testing. These on-site methodologies demonstrate and validate off grid product solutions for energy, water and agriculture needs. These products could be invaluable to underserved populations that are not connected to the national grid.
The village includes three different natural building structures used for technological research and demonstration, each of which models a standard shelter found in off-grid communities around the globe. Similar designs of these structures are common in rural and urban developing regions.
- Collect, summarize, and analyze data from the Hub’s installations to demonstrate long-term system quality and practical application.
- Provide an incubator for innovation in renewable, decentralized energy technologies.
- Promote a long-term cooperative strategy for Israel, the Middle East, and the world to build sustainable, efficient, and economic solutions for off-grid communities.
The village offers a unique testing and demonstration site to introduce new technologies and prototypes. Local research and small start-up technology is tested and displayed on an ongoing basis. Current research projects include:
- Vacuum Tube Solar Oven: A solar oven that uses insulated tubes to absorb the sun’s energy to heat water or food.
- Solar Cooker: This cooker offers a sustainable alternative to open-fire cooking which has been linked to health issues.
- Solar Generator: Powerful and compact, this solar generator can supply power for hours and is durable, easy to use, and lightweight for portability.
- Powerpot: As water boils in this pot, phones and other electronic equipment are charged.
- HomeBiogas: A bio-digester fit for a single household, which converts organic waste and animal manure into usable energy for cooking, heating and other needs.
