Turning sunshine into drinking water - inventors' plan to save humanity

The portable product is set to launch in March, and co-founder Alexei Levene said the west-London-based group was hopeful of success: "Our vision for Desolenator is that it's going to provide water for a billion people around the world."

Mr Moore said the finished product, which has a life expectancy of 20 years and can churn out 15 litres a day, could become "the most affordable, sustainable and eco-friendly household desalination solution on the market.

"The device does not rely on energy from the grid, which means that people can still obtain clean drinking water during power cuts or if they live off-grid."

Though the product will cost up to £650, Mr Moore said it would be made accessible: "In the developing world we're working with charities and microfinance institutions to bring these to even the poorest of the poor.

"We believe we can make a real impact, while building a strong, competitive and sustainable company."