Foundation Projects

PowerWells Foundation addresses two critical global issues: electronic waste and energy poverty. As a necessity for modern life, lack of electricity completely limits Internet adoption. Charged devices and lighting are a critical stepping stone to wider internet adoption; unlocking educational resources and social/economic opportunities - families can earn more, study after dark and end a perpetuating cycle of information poverty.

PowerWells seeks to bridge the digital divide by repurposing electronic waste to build small scale solar systems bringing light, device charging and Wi-Fi to villages in Sumba. 

The project aims to:

• Install 350 household PowerWells into family homes, providing light and device charging.
• Install 4 PowerWells Community Wi-Fi hubs, including medical centers and schools to offer basic Internet access to over 5,600 people across Sumba villages.
• Train 12 local team members in Sumba to safely repair and maintain PowerWells systems, building local capacity, longevity and creating job opportunities.
• Divert 7,200 cells and 600 computer screens from landfills, significantly reducing e-waste and offsetting 46 tonnes of CO2 emissions from replacing harmful kerosene lanterns and aligning with SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production.

This project is an Ian Peter Grant for Internet and the Environment.