A refrigerator that does not need electric current, which works with water and salt And it can also preserve drugs in full climatic emergency or in the most remote villages on the planet. It is not science fiction, but the project with which Four young students from Singapore they just won theEarth Prize 2025one of the most important awards in the world for environmental innovation among young people.
Their ecological refrigerator will soon be used in rural hospitals to maintain essential vaccine and medicines unchanged, often compromised by the lack of electricity. The first 200 specimens are already leaving To be distributed where there is most need.
It works without current, lasts 24 hours and uses only recyclable materials
The device created by the four boys, students of the American School Singapore between 17 and 18 years old, is a lot essential as revolutionary. The heart of the invention is a cooling system based on sodium chloridethe same kitchen salt that we all have at home. When dissolved in water, the salt triggers an endothermic reaction capable of lowering the internal temperature of the container up to approx 3,6 ° Cideal for the conservation of drugs.
This simple chemical reaction, already known in the scientific sphere, has been transformed into one concrete, portable and low cost solutionperfect for being used in contexts where electricity is a luxury or completely absent. The ecological refrigerator succeeds in Keep the cold for over 24 hourseven in difficult environmental conditions, such as tropical ones or in places with limited ventilation.
Made with light and recyclable materialsthis Mini-Frigo Green is designed to last, but also to be easily transported to the most impervious areas. It is a perfect example of sustainable technology in the service of health and climatic justice.
With a 100,000 dollar prize, the project becomes global
The project was selected between beyond 1,000 applications from 100 countries And he conquered the jury of the Art Prize, organized by the Earth Foundation, thanks to its environmental and social impact. The team won 100,000 dollarsof which 25,000 directly to the boyswhile the rest will be reinvested to develop the project e expand its distribution in developing countries.
The goal is now clear: produce and distribute on a large scale These high efficiency refrigerators, collaborating with humanitarian organizations and international health realities. The first 200 devices are already intended for rural hospitals in areas where electricity is not available or intermittent. A small great revolution that starts from a school classroom and can really save thousands of lives.
One of the boys commented:
It is incredible what can be created with such simple elements. We hope that our project can be inspired for many other young people.
A hope that, thanks to a salt refrigerator, has already become reality.
