Sparsh from Patna, India is the second finalist for the Children’s Climate Prize 2022

During the months of September and October, this year's five finalists for the Children's Climate Prize 2022 will be presented. In a world where greenhouse gas emissions are increasing, electricity prices are soaring and the need for green energy is great, the jury has appointed Sparsh, 17 years old from Patna, India, as one of this year's finalists for his invention The Thermal Floater. Sparsh's technology converts thermal energy from the sun into electrical energy, and has huge potential to make a difference globally and mitigate climate change.

Increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions is devastating for the climate, causing higher temperatures, extreme weather and increases the risk of wildfires. The need for green and clean energy is inevitable as it helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Thus, such solutions have a positive impact on both the environment and human health, and contribute to energy supply and development. Sparsh, 17 years old from Patna, India has invented such a solution and is one of the finalists for the Children's Climate Prize 2022.

- I am really excited to be one of this year's five finalists. Initially, when I received the news, I was in awe and speechless that I was able to be selected out of hundreds of applicants all over the world, says Sparsh.

Sparsh’s invention, the Thermal Floater, efficiently converts thermal energy from the sun into electrical energy. The floating device can easily be installed on any inland or stagnant water bodies, thus it doesn't require any dedicated land resources. The module is just 15 cm by 15 cm and can easily be connected to several units to generate even more energy. In an array of modules, the system can generate electricity up to 10 kWh per day, which is 3x more efficient than a typical solar panel of the same size. Apart from converting thermal energy, the modules also contribute to other environmental benefits, such as reducing evaporation (increasing water availability for other uses), as well as reducing algal bloom in freshwater.

- If I win the Children’s Climate Prize, I plan to use the prize money to fabricate and enhance the physical prototypes of my idea so that I can test it in real life and in extreme conditions. Furthermore, I would file for a patent and get it to the market as soon as possible, as it will allow me to make a difference and help the world change for the better.

The winner of the Children's Climate Prize is announced in November and receives a diploma, medal and the prize money of SEK 100,000 to develop their project further. This year marks the seventh edition of the award, and since 2020 it has been the Children’s Climate Foundation that awards the prize annually.

The Thermal Floater - converting thermal energy from the sun into electrical energy
Sparsh, 17 years old from Patna, India

Jury motivation:
The ongoing discussions on renewable energy sources, soaring energy prices and growing electricity demand makes Sparsh’s innovation much needed. With the Thermal Floater, Sparsh has an impressive way to mitigate climate change by using thermal energy. Also, the whole idea of a floating device is great and innovative, making use of water surfaces, such as dam reservoirs, wastewater treatment ponds or drinking water reservoirs and thus reducing pressure on land resources. This solution is easy to implement and very accessible, thus it creates a huge potential globally for both households and to countries where land resources are scarce.