NAME
Reyhan Jamalova
TITLE
Founder of Rainergy
LOCATION
Quba, Azerbaijan / University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
ABOUT
Reyhan Jamalova was born in Quba, a town located northeast of Azerbaijan. Despite growing up in an environment with limited access to STEM education, she overcame societal expectations, pursuing an academic path that led her to Baku at 12. At 14, Reyhan started Rainergy, a project focused on harvesting energy from rainwater, and has since gained international recognition for her groundbreaking work. Now in her final year at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Computer Science, she continues to balance her studies with her leadership role at Rainergy.
Rainergy helps mitigate energy poverty in rural areas that experience frequent rainfall. By providing a renewable energy source that is both cost-effective and low in carbon emissions, Reyhan’s technology offers a solution to communities that face unreliable power grids. The scalable technology has the potential to serve millions in similar regions, promoting environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
MOTIVATIONS
“Growing up in Azerbaijan, a country not widely known for its rainy climate, I nevertheless experienced firsthand the impact of heavy rainfall, particularly in my hometown of Quba, one of the regions that receives high precipitation throughout the year. As a child, I developed a mild resentment towards rain, not only because of the inconvenience it caused but because of the occasional power outages that would occur whenever a storm hit. I remember sitting in the darkness, counting the minutes until the lights flickered back on, feeling trapped in an uncomfortable, powerless silence.
These moments, although fleeting for me, planted a seed in my mind. How could it be that in an age of technological advancement, people could live in a permanent power outage? As I grew older and learned that over 200 million people around the world still lived without electricity, it struck me as unimaginable that the very thing I took for granted—light, connectivity, modern conveniences—remained out of reach for so many. The disconnect between the untapped natural resource of rainwater and the absence of electricity in these rainy regions pushed me to explore a solution.
One rainy day, when yet another blackout hit our home, the idea came to me: What if we could harness the rain itself as a source of energy? Why couldn’t the abundant rainfall be turned into power for those who needed it most? At just 14, this question ignited my curiosity and inspired me to take action.
That opportunity came through ClimateLaunchpad, the world’s largest green business idea competition, which also serves as a pre-accelerator for budding environmental innovations. ClimateLaunchpad provided me with the platform to turn my simple idea into something tangible. It was there that Rainergy was born – a project dedicated to producing electricity from rain, specifically targeting energy-deficient and underserved communities in rainy regions.
The importance of renewable energy in these areas cannot be overstated. Access to sustainable electricity doesn’t just mean light in the darkness – it can transform lives by enabling children to study after sunset, improving healthcare with reliable equipment, and reducing the reliance on harmful energy sources like kerosene.”
IMPACT
CHALLENGES
Rainergy encountered significant challenges, particularly during the ClimateLaunchpad Program, where initial skepticism and criticism emerged, along with some technical issues on generator development. Determined to overcome these obstacles, Reyhan’s persistence garnered support from the Azerbaijani government and international investors, including The Global Good Fund and the Islamic Development Bank. With assistance from the Azerbaijan State Agency on Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources, they successfully constructed a third prototype that produced 120 watts of power at a rotor speed of 180 cycles per minute.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented another hurdle, preventing testing in foreign rainy countries. Instead, the team chose Dashdatuk village in the Lankaran region of Azerbaijan for trials, benefiting from its average annual rainfall of 500-600 mm, with peaks reaching 1800 mm.
GOALS
Reyhan plans to expand Rainergy’s impact globally, targeting regions with frequent rainfall but energy scarcity. She is committed to further developing the technology while continuing her education. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science, she plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration, all while focusing on scaling Rainergy and advancing its technological capabilities.
REYHAN’S ADVICE
“If you have an idea that could help solve a global problem, don’t wait – take the initiative and start small to turn it into something real and sustainable. Your age doesn’t matter – I started at 14. The difference between those who create solutions and those who simply think about them is action. Believe in your ability, your vision, and your idea. Educate yourself, and seek help from people who share the same goals and passion. In a time when climate change is one of the greatest threats we face, action is more important than ever. Yes, there will be challenges: not everyone will see your vision, and progress may be slow. But if you’re committed to making a difference and truly believe in your idea, go for it, and make it happen! Remember, access to renewable energy can transform lives, enabling better education, healthcare, and opportunities for those in underserved communities. Your efforts can help build a brighter future for many.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Whether you’re part of the renewable energy sector, a STEM education advocate, or an individual passionate about sustainable solutions, there are ways you can support Reyhan Jamalova’s work and contribute to Rainergy’s mission:
For businesses and investors: Rainergy offers a scalable solution for regions with frequent rainfall but unreliable power sources. Consider investing in Rainergy or similar renewable energy projects that aim to reduce energy poverty while promoting sustainability.
NGOS: Partner with Rainergy to help improve its technology or implement it in other regions that face energy scarcity.
For educators and advocates: Reyhan’s journey began with access to education. You can help open doors for the next generation of innovators by supporting STEM programmes in underserved regions, particularly for young women.
For consumers: As a consumer, you can advocate for and support the adoption of renewable energ by choosing green energy tariffs. Raise awareness about technologies like Rainergy that can provide sustainable alternatives in areas facing energy poverty.
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