State of Independence
Energy and water serve the most basic human needs but costs, reliability, sustainability and, in the developing world, availability are real concerns. Could things be about to change?
You may not of heard of BeFree Power before – but I’m sure that you will in the near future (the very fact that you are reading this means that their message is getting out there).
So who are they, what do they do…and why do they think it is so important to get their message across?
The Independence personal power station
Derek Burton and Darren James (read Derek & Darren) are both experienced engineers with more experience under their belts than I have been alive. Sharing 50 years of design, manufacture, maintenance and supply chain management between them, both have a passion for sustainability and the environment and have used this as the driving force behind the development of a unique concept, the ‘personal power station’.
Concerned for a long time that they had no control over their own utility supplies, Derek and Darren applied their engineering ‘know-how’ to link several different sustainable energy systems together with their mains services so that they all worked together to provide their water and energy needs in a carbon efficient manner. The result was The Independence ‘personal power station’.
Said Darren James:
“Having spent many years integrating disparate systems for industry, we applied our skills and experience to our own energy and water needs. We have developed an innovative Personal Power Station that is cost-effective, providing resilience and cost savings when linked to traditional mains services, or even a completely off-grid solution where required.“
Derek Burton commented:
“In the developed world, many of us are concerned about spiralling energy and water costs, reliability of supply and our impact on the environment and creating a sustainable future but in the developing world, the absence of investment and infrastructure mean that many people do not even have access to these most basic human resources. Our mission is to enable every human being on the planet to deliver their own basic needs in a sustainable way. “
There are many reasons why you might wish to install The Independence at your home, business or institution – at the very basic level, the unit reduces reliance on utilities providers which can only be a good thing when you consider the constant and inevitable price rises for energy consumption. The fact that the energy industry itself has concerns for the reliable delivery of power (with the prospect of possible power outages in the future if they can’t meet demand) only strengthens the case for this type of equipment.
Above all, The Independence has the potential to save money. By integrating disparate micro-generation technologies, performance is greater than the sum of its parts. The inventors say that the technologies used are very efficient.
On a personal note, I can see the potential for this unit, especially in third world countries where infrastructure is often an issue and the reliable delivery of power and clean water would be of most benefit. And how about ‘Preppers’? I’m sure that many of those planning for an uncertain future might be interested in such a unit! Perhaps BeFree Power should ‘prep’ themselves for orders from the USA?
The inventors feel that The Independence unit might also fit farmers in this country who might have a need for ‘off grid’ power and water – maybe for remote buildings for example, where linking to the grid is just not feasible or cost effective.
In any case, BeFree Power would like to connect with potential users, designers and other like minded individuals in the wider community in order to develop the products further for the betterment of all.
Help is sought and as they so eloquently put it: “Buy a Personal Power Station. Develop a modification. Invent or integrate a new component. Rationalise production costs. Be part of the community. Join the debate. Help us all to Befree. “.
You can’t argue with that.
For further information visit befreepower.com or join in with the community and highlight your ideas at befreepower.ning.com
