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I am a passionate social entrepreneur, inventor, vegetarian and a climate activist. In 2017 I co-founded Newdigit Technologies and work as the Chief Impact Officer with a vision to eradicate energy poverty in Nigeria. I am a member of the United Nation Academic Impact fellows, and among the first ever UN Youth Climate Change Summit green ticket awardees. My fight against climate change has been recognized as one of the top ten green innovations by the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC). I am dedicated to eradicating energy poverty in Africa and to helping save millions of people from dying of indoor air pollution.
Joy Egbe - Nigerian, Africa
2020 Winner | Social entrepreneur | Nigerian
Energy poverty is one of the biggest challenges faced in Africa with over 600 million people living in the dark. Meanwhile hydrocarbon-based electrical generators and cookers currently used by many households in urban communities contribute to air pollution which is affecting millions in Nigeria every day. My cause is a personal cause- in 2013 I lost my aunt who was seven months’ pregnant to indoor air pollution. This pushed me to pursue researching energy use in Nigeria and developing the technology Just Add Water - a device that uses conformer solar cells and water to generate hydrogen via reversible fuel cells. The apparatus is designed to produce electricity and cooking gas for households without any cost of refueling - simply the addition of water. We understand that clean water is often scarce in Africa, especially in rural areas, so we developed our technology to perform better with household grey water. Our solution is in its pilot stage, currently serving 26 households in Nigeria and 5 businesses. We believe this technology will revolutionize Africa’s energy and will help eliminate our heavy dependence on the fossil fuels causing so much damage to our planet.
Disclaimer:
NOTE: This content was shared online for the 2019 cycle of the Young Champions of the Earth programme and has not been updated. This listing does not constitute any endorsement by nor status with the UN Environment Programme.
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Young Champions of the Earth is a forward-looking prize designed to breathe life into the ambitions of brilliant young environmentalists.