Catalyst for Change Challenge 2025(Second Edition)

Round 1:Independent Ideation

Theme:Bringing Renewable Energies to Local Areas
Compiled by-Utkarsh Wadhawan

1. Statement of the Problem and Context Clean Water and Sustainable Energy in Remote Communities:
A Dual Crisis Hundreds of millions of people continue to experience acute water shortages and energy poverty in
spite of technological advancements and increased global efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). According to the United Nations' 2025 Energy Progress Report, more than 666 million people do not have
access to electricity. The majority of these people reside in isolated, impoverished, and vulnerable regions where
expanding the central power grid is not only logistically and economically feasible. Access to healthcare, education,
and socioeconomic advancement are all still hampered by the lack of clean, reasonably priced, and dependable
energy, especially in remote areas. Meanwhile, the global water crisis is getting worse.
It is anticipated that people will reside in places with scarce water supplies. Freshwater resources are under more
stress due to arid climates, growing populations, and erratic weather patterns. Nearly 3 billion people could
experience water scarcity by 2050, which would double the number recorded in 2016. Recent government studies
reveal persistent water shortages in nations like India. Communities in eastern India were significantly impacted
when the Central Water Commission reported in April 2025 that some reservoirs were only 37.64% of their capacity.
Conventional techniques, like using diesel generators to generate electricity and tankers to transport water, are
frequently unsustainable, expensive, and filthy. These remedies only offer short-term respite and damage the
environment. People are kept in cycles of poor health, gender inequality, and limited resources because of the
connection between water and energy poverty.In addition to violating fundamental human rights, this situation
jeopardizes SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). At the nexus of water and
energy, the crisis calls for quick and creative solutions. These solutions ought to be scalable, sustainable, and
tailored to underserved communities by conventional infrastructure.

2.Innovative Product/Solution: "Water & Light Tower" for Solar Desalination Overview of the Concept: A
modular, self-sustaining vertical system called the Solar Desalination "Water & Light Tower" was created to provide
isolated and resource-constrained communities with two necessities: potable water and renewable electricity. The
Tower serves as a catalyst for comprehensive rural transformation by tackling the twin issues of energy poverty and
clean water scarcity at the same time. Important Aspects & Innovation Combined Solar Desalination:
Fundamentally, the Tower uses cutting-edge solar panels to capture sunlight, which powers a low-maintenance
desalination unit on-site (using solar still technology or multi-effect distillation). This makes it possible to turn
brackish or salty water—from the sea, borewells, or rivers—into potable water without relying on fossil fuels.
Renewable Energy Generation: Power is produced by highly efficient photovoltaic cells and stored in sturdy lithium
or sodium ion batteries.The electrical output supports local DC appliances, powers LED street lights, and charges
USB/mobile devices. Intelligent "Water & Power ATM" Dispenser: The community's access to power and water is
controlled by a prepaid, card- or app-based system, which guarantees fair distribution and promotes responsible use.
Remote monitoring of usage data is possible for diagnostics, maintenance, and billing. Modular, All-Weather
Design: Rapid deployment in difficult terrain is made possible by the structure's modular design, which consists of
easily transportable components and prefabricated, corrosion-resistant panels. The Tower's hybrid solar-thermal and
battery-banked systems are designed to operate even on cloudy or monsoon days. Low-maintenance and
community-operated: Local residents who have undergone a basic induction program can perform maintenance
because core mechanical sections are made for routine cleaning and tool-free assembly. Troubleshooting is made
easier with remote monitoring.

Add-ons: A satellite internet module to facilitate telehealth and digital education. Integration of rainwater harvesting
for increased productivity during the rainy season. To encourage conservation, water ATMs offer reward points.
Mechanism and Function Water Intake & Pre-Filtration: A base-level, solar-powered pump pulls contaminated or
salty water into the Tower. Large particles and certain pollutants are eliminated from the water as it passes through
carbon and sediment filters. Solar-Driven Desalination: Salts and impurities are left behind when the water is
evaporated by the core desalination unit using solar thermal energy. A small village could be supplied with up to
2,000 liters of drinkable water per day thanks to the sequential condensation plates that recover the vapor. Power
Generation & Storage: The tower's solar panels provide power for the desalination process as well as extra
electricity for community use. There are charging stations positioned throughout the base for small appliances,
phones, and lanterns; battery storage guarantees operation at night or on overcast days. Access & Distribution:
Electricity is supplied through charging stations or local grid integration, and water is supplied through controlled
taps (also known as "Water ATMs"). Prepaid cards, mobile codes, or biometric identification can be used to control
usage, encouraging accountability and equity. Remote Monitoring & Data Analytics: IoT sensors send real-time data
via GSM/Internet, recording fault conditions, water production, and battery health. Predictive alerts are sent to
maintenance teams to reduce downtime. Impact on Society and Scalability The Tower can be expanded modularly,
with multiple units that can be connected to microgrids for regional coverage or networked to serve larger
communities. In addition to the obvious advantages, the system reduces the amount of time that women and girls
spend fetching water, provides educational opportunities, and generates jobs in the area (maintenance, facilitators).
3. Plan for Impact and Implementation A. Perceptible Effect Direct Advantages for the Community: The
Water & Light Tower is a modular system that combines clean water and renewable energy. ensures that homes,
schools, and clinics in isolated or disaster-prone areas have continuous access to up to 2,000 liters of safe water and
electricity day and night. drastically lowers respiratory and waterborne illnesses (by substituting the use of firewood
and diesel), resulting in hundreds of people per installation living healthier, more productive lives. releases women
and girls from the daily chore of fetching water, freeing up thousands of hours to devote to local leadership
positions, education, or business. uses internet and device charging modules to promote socioeconomic advancement
and digital inclusion. More Comprehensive SDG Alignment Several SDGs are advanced by the solution, including:
SDG 6: Sanitation and Clean Water SDG 7:Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 3: Health and Well-Being SDG 5:
Gender Equality SDG 13: Climate Action.

Distinct Implementation Method

1. Quick "First Tower" Pilot Launch: Initiate a living lab demonstration with regional partners in a pre-surveyed
rural location that is under water and energy stress within three months. Feedback systems are set up, and
community stakeholders—including women and young leaders—are trained in their use. Open, transparent
innovation: Local languages are used to publish all technical specifications, lessons learned, and savings
information.
2. Extension in Modules By using the "Beacon Model," every tower that succeeds turns into a beacon that serves as
a practical skills academy as well as a utility. Microgrants and "waterpreneur" kits are given to local training
program graduates, particularly women and young adults, so they can spearhead installations in nearby villages.
3. Public-Private-Philanthropic Involvement: Intersections with the Governments,international foundations, local
SMEs, and rural development organizations to jointly fund expansion and provide installation subsidies for the most
vulnerable areas. Connect the system to online payment systems to unlock community-operated O&M funds and
enable micropayments.
4. Adaptive, Data-Driven Scaling: Strategies for site expansion and product improvement are driven by ongoing
IoT-powered usage, health, and satisfaction data. To verify success, an impartial panel monitors measurable social
impact metrics, such as women's leisure time, school attendance, the decline in disease outbreaks, and the
establishment of new businesses.
Future Prospects By the third year, create a patchwork network of "water & light villages" that will have a
cross-cutting effect, resulting in circular economies, greater resilience to disasters, and eventually plans to replicate
the model in a variety of geographical locations, such as deserts, deltas, mountains, and islands. Keep improving in
response to community input by incorporating rainwater collection, agro-solar integration, and affordable.