
In the last few years, all kinds of sources have been tapped to provide portable power. Hydrogen “pucks,” wood stoves, cooking pots and solar panel generators all power USB devices and small electronics.
This is the first time we’ve seen gravity harnessed to directly power anything (OK, not including hydroelectric power plants). In this case, it’s a light designed to replace kerosene lanterns in poor regions around the world.
The Deciwatt GravityLight is a light powered by the slow descent of a weighted bag that holds up to 12.5 kilograms of ballast material, which could be basically any heavy substance. A person lifts the weight and turns on the light. As the weight slowly descends, it powers a small generator that powers a light.


