The University of Oxford has developed a renewable energy generation technology that uses locally-sourced, cost-effective components to produce clean energy. The core of the innovation is an off-the-shelf induction motor, which is controlled using a patented electronic circuit, to ensure that the maximum available power is extracted, over a wide speed range. The economical design requires minimal maintenance and can be controlled remotely, meaning that it is perfectly suited to remote locations.

The advantage of this technology is its flexibility; it can be used to realise multiple, diverse, off-grid applications, including powering a microgrid, purifying water using membrane distillation, and pumping water. This technology has been successfully proven with a wind-powered prototype, which has been operating reliably and efficiently for thousands of hours. The next step is to develop more demonstrations and explore ways in which this technology can be used to provide robust, renewable energy to remote communities across the globe. The goal is to achieve affordable, reliable, sustainable energy access for all, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7 of the UN.