Simple and efficient energy conservation in Germany, Heureka!

• Feb. 23 by Oliver Appleby (3)

German Bright spark Heinrich Frühauf had a lightbulb moment recently, pioneering a new energy saving technology, using mobile phones to alert street lamps when they are needed by residents of Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz in the Erzegebirge region of Germany.

Frühauf, resident of Doblitz, a nearby town who has been successfully using a similar scheme for over a year is credited with the idea saving the town 4000 euros ($5300) per year, according to the Berliner Morgenpost.

A patent is pending on the concept, which will allow the idea to be marketed under the banner of ‘Dial4Light’.  There will be a charge residents for use of the system, with €3.50 being the figure quoted by the company for 60minutes of light. If a compromise between marketeering and public service can be reached this could be a viable solution for all concerned parties.

With the worldwide global economy looking as shaky as the global climate, energy boffins should be keeping an eye out for simple, effective ideas like this in order to save natural resources, as well as our economy.