Global Programme on Sustainability

Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs

The programme supports sustainable economic growth that is both long-lasting and resilient to climate-related stressors. It does this through the integration of natural capital into decision making by governments, the private sector and financial institutions. The inability to value natural capital can undermine long-term growth and critically, the livelihoods of the poorest people dependent on ecosystems for their livelihoods. This programme directly addresses this challenge by (i) investing in data and research on natural capital; (ii) assisting countries to integrate this analysis into government policy making; and (iii) integrating this data and analysis into financial sector decision making.

Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund Round 3

Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs

Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is the fifth most lucrative transnational crime, worth up to £17bn a year globally. As well as threatening species with extinction, IWT destroys vital ecosystems. IWT also fosters corruption, feeds insecurity, and undermines good governance and the rule of law. The UK government is committed to tackling illegal trade of wildlife products. Defra manages the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, which is a competitive grants scheme with the objective of tackling illegal wildlife trade and, in doing so, contributing to sustainable development in developing countries. Projects funded under the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund address one, or more, of the following themes: • Developing sustainable livelihoods to benefit people directly affected by IWT • Strengthening law enforcement • Ensuring effective legal frameworks • Reducing demand for IWT products Over £23 million has been committed to 75 projects since the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund was established in 2013; five projects were awarded in 2014 (via applications to the Darwin Initiative), fourteen in 2015, fifteen in 2016, thirteen in 2017, fourteen in 2018 and in the latest round in 2019. This round of funding includes the following projects (details of which can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/811381/iwt-project-list-2019.pdf). The projects that a relevant for this area are IWT035 to IWT047.

Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund Round 6

Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs

Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is the fifth most lucrative transnational crime, worth up to £17bn a year globally. As well as threatening species with extinction, IWT destroys vital ecosystems. IWT also fosters corruption, feeds insecurity, and undermines good governance and the rule of law. The UK government is committed to tackling illegal trade of wildlife products. Defra manages the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, which is a competitive grants scheme with the objective of tackling illegal wildlife trade and, in doing so, contributing to sustainable development in developing countries. Projects funded under the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund address one, or more, of the following themes: • Developing sustainable livelihoods to benefit people directly affected by IWT • Strengthening law enforcement • Ensuring effective legal frameworks • Reducing demand for IWT products Over £26 million has been committed to 85 projects since the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund was established in 2013; five projects were awarded in 2014 (via applications to the Darwin Initiative), fourteen in 2015, fifteen in 2016, thirteen in 2017, fourteen in 2018 and thirteen in 2019 and ten in the latest round in 2020. (more info here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/919053/iwt-challenge-fund-list.pdf): IWT076, IWT077, IWT078, IWT082, IWT083, IWT079, IWT080, IWT081, IWT084, IWT085

A contribution to Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSDA) the United Nations Development Programme Biodiversity Finance Initiative (Biofin) to support delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs

The programme will support low and lower-middle income countries to grow their economies in ways that help to protect and restore their natural capital and so drive sustainable economic development. It is designed to provide practical support to governments, businesses, and financial institutions to integrate nature into their economic and financial decision-making, understand and manage nature-related risks, and capitalise on growing opportunities to invest in their natural assets. As such, it will support low and lower-middle income countries to transition to nature positive, net zero economies and so protect the poorest communities. Through an integrated set of activities, the programme will deliver the following outcomes: • Private Sector Disclosure Readiness: private sector actors in low and lower-middle income countries – including financial institutions, businesses, and policy-makers - will have the tools they need to understand and manage nature-related financial risk. In particular, the programme will ensure that key institutions have the tools and capacity to respond to growing demand to disclose nature-related financial risk. • Integrating nature at country level: governmental and regulatory decision-makers in low and lower-middle income countries will have the knowledge, skills and data to design and implement policies and programmes that will help to manage nature-related risks, unlock new nature markets, and rebuild natural capital. • Action Plans for Nature: partner governments will develop clear and comprehensive plans to finance the protection and restoration of nature. These plans will act as platforms to mobilise and guide both public and private financial flows. • Evidence Sharing Mechanisms on Nature: better evidence will be available to, and used by, decision makers in low and lower middle-income countries to guide their work. The programme will help to build the evidence about how to best integrate consideration of the natural environment into economic and financial decision making. It will also help decision-makers in governments and the private sector to access and use that evidence easily by building communities of practice and robust approaches to sharing knowledge and information. The outcomes will support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), agreed at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) meeting COP15. As protection and restoration of critical ecosystems is also critical to tackling climate change, it will also support the UK goal to keep global temperature rises within 1.5c degrees.

Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund Round 7

Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs

Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a widespread and lucrative criminal activity causing major global environmental and social harm. The IWT has been estimated to be worth up to £17 billion a year. Nearly 6,000 different species of fauna and flora are impacted, with almost every country in the world playing a role in the illicit trade.

• Developing sustainable livelihoods to benefit people directly affected by IWT,

• Strengthening law enforcement,

• Ensuring effective legal frameworks,

• Reducing demand for IWT products.

By 2023 over £51 million has been committed to 157 projects since the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund was established in 2013. This round of funding includes the following projects: IWT086 to IWT107. Further information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/illegal-wildlife-trade-challenge-fund-iwtcf (Language: English)

Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund Round 8

Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs

Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a widespread and lucrative criminal activity causing major global environmental and social harm. The IWT has been estimated to be worth up to £17 billion a year. Nearly 6,000 different species of fauna and flora are impacted, with almost every country in the world playing a role in the illicit trade.

• Developing sustainable livelihoods to benefit people directly affected by IWT,

• Strengthening law enforcement,

• Ensuring effective legal frameworks,

• Reducing demand for IWT products.

By 2023 over £51 million has been committed to 157 projects since the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund was established in 2013. This round of funding includes the following projects: IWTEX001, IWTEV001-008, IWT108-120. Further information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/illegal-wildlife-trade-challenge-fund-iwtcf (Language: English)

Darwin Initiative

Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs

The Darwin Initiative is the UK’s flagship international challenge fund for biodiversity conversation and poverty reduction, established at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The Darwin Initiative is a grant scheme working on projects that aim to slow, halt, or reverse the rates of biodiversity loss and degradation, with associated reductions in multidimensional poverty. To date, the Darwin Initiative has awarded more than £195m to over 1,280 projects in 159 countries to enhance the capability and capacity of national and local stakeholders to deliver biodiversity conservation and multidimensional poverty reduction outcomes in low and middle-income countries. More information at https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/the-darwin-initiative and https://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/

Fleming Fund - Country and Regional Grants and Fellowships Programme

UK - Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)

The Fleming Fund helps low- and middle-income countries to fight antimicrobial resistance. A management agent has been appointed to deliver: country grants 24 low- and middle-income countries, regional grants in West Africa, East and Southern Africa, South Asia and South East Asia, and a global fellowships programme. These initiatives aim to improve laboratory capacity and diagnosis as well as data and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Through the country and regional grants and the fellowships programme the Fleming Fund will: build laboratory capacity for diagnosis; collect data on drug resistance, drug quality, drug use and the burden of disease associated with AMR; enable the sharing of data relevant to AMR locally, regionally, and internationally; encourage the application of data to promote the rational use of antimicrobials; shape a sustainable system for AMR surveillance and data sharing; and increase national leadership in addressing AMR. Projects funded through Fleming Fund will benefit people in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of drug resistant infection is greater.

Feasibility Studies for the Solar-Wind Hybrid Power System in Nigeria

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

This project is set to revolutionise the renewable energy landscape in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where energy challenges are abundant. Comprising vertical-axis wind turbines and solar panels, our system will seamlessly combine two renewable energy sources to ensure a consistent and uninterrupted power supply, replacing fossil fuel generators, regardless of weather conditions. While the global adoption of solar and wind energy is not new, our project brings a fresh perspective to the Nigerian market. We proudly stand as the first micro-wind turbine company in Nigeria, showcasing our expertise in manufacturing wind turbines and low revolution per minute (RPM) axial flux generators. This not only guarantees energy sustainability but also establishes us as pioneers of innovation and promoting local content in Nigeria's renewable energy sector. Our journey began with the development of a project on this system after analysing a decade of wind data in Kano State, which not only garnered recognition but also secured multiple awards. Our project has received accolades from prestigious platforms, winning competitions such as the Falling Lab competition and representing Nigeria at Germany's Falling Walls Science Summit Berlin. Through Innovation Week workshops and lectures at TU9 Universities in Germany, we honed our business plan and entrepreneurial skills with the support of industry experts. Validation from Aachen University of Technology in Germany and Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, further underscores the credibility of our technology. We proudly earned the title of the most outstanding innovation at the Nigeria International Energy Conference in March 2022 and were named the best climate mitigation startup by the Global Cleantech Innovation Program (GCIP) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Our commitment to addressing energy challenges has been recognised globally, with awards such as the third-best clean energy business idea by the African Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders. We got recognised by BP (British Petroleum) due to our commitment to accelerating the energy transition, this made us part of the NetZero scholar at the One Young World Summit in Belfast. Notably, we received personal acknowledgment from the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano after successfully powering a classroom with this project which acted as initial proof of concept. Once we complete the feasibility studies to fully transform this project into a more reliable, sustainable solar-wind hybrid system, this will represent a transformative force in providing sustainable and reliable energy to communities in need.

Feasibility of Thermophotovoltaic Zero-Emission Generators

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

This project will assess the feasibility of innovative thermal batteries with integrated thermophotovoltaic cells based on earth-abundant semiconductors to displace primary gas generators and backup diesel generators, with an aim towards future prototype / pilot demonstration at Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria and in the context of rural renewable microgrids in Nigeria. As an energy storage technology capable of replacing fossil fuel generators in multiple applications, with zero emissions at point of use, thermal batteries with solid state heat to power cycles provide a very low cost energy storage medium. They can be charged up from grid electricity, but when combined with dedicated renewable generation provide an integrated solution for clean roundtrip on-demand electricity supply.

Automatic Generator Replacement Trial

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Alp are going to remove the need for diesel generators forever. We are creating a new energy infrastructure that is future proofed, connected, intelligent and can deliver clean, reliable power at a fraction of the cost of diesel generation. We take the pain of managing energy generation away from our customers, simply supplying them with the power they need at a price they can easily afford.

Hybrid Wind Solar Generator technology (WiST) in Nigeria

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

The combined impact of burning fossil fuels in traditional fossil generators is damaging to human health and the Environment. Diffusion of these generators is responsible for approximately 1,500 deaths per year in Nigeria and increases the chances of lung cancer by 70% due to respiratory diseases from inhaling generator emissions. The cost of subsidies for power generation in off-grid areas and regions with unstable grid electricity is extremely challenging. We will develop a new team from Eja-Ice, Kinder Energy, and Aston University to address the energy shortage in Nigeria and offer an alternative to popular fossil generators. We will leverage Kinder Energy's Hybrid-Wind- Solar Generator. Kinder Energy has developed and proved a unique Vertical Axis Hybrid Wind + Solar Turbine (WiST) technology that has numerous advantages over all other turbines as follows: • Self-starting -- starts in a zephyr of wind without the need for energy input from the electricity grid or battery • Omni-directional - capable of full operation in gusting and turbulent wind conditions • Self-feathering -- the turbine has no shutdown speed, so it will continue to operate in storm conditions • Bird and bat friendly -- does not kill wildlife • Vibration free and virtually silent -- less than ambient wind noise • Structurally redundant - resulting in a fail-safe design and with rotating parts encased in a stator, operational safety is also enhanced • Radar benign -- will be seen by radar as a fixed item such as a tall building • Suitable for rural environments -- retrofit, or new-build integration • Will create sustainable jobs in manufacturing - under licence - further ongoing employment in maintenance and self-repair. • Hybrid- By applying solar PV film or paint to the turbine's sun-facing surfaces, initial academic studies indicate potentially 20% more power output. Our Technology's key priority is supporting initiatives that help to reduce the impacts of Climate Change for future generations and provide electricity where it is needed, across the developing countries of the world, as a truly Global Solution. Eja-Ice and Kinder Energy have made GESI the centre of their projects by prioritising public engagement and educating underrepresented groups. Eja-Ice has set an example by becoming the first SME in Nigeria to register its systems with the national collateral register as movable assets, allowing women to access loans and overcome the inadequate financing barrier.

Affordable energy storage solution using Battery Cells recovered from e-waste and SoH prognosis empowered by Digital Twins

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Our project, "Affordable energy storage solution using Battery Cells recovered from e-waste and SoH prognosis empowered by Digital Twins," proposes a transformative approach to address energy challenges in Nigeria. Focused on repurposing retired battery cells from e-waste, especially sourced from electric vehicles, our initiative offers a sustainable and affordable solution to the widespread use of fossil-fuel generators. Key Components of our Project: 1. Circular Economy Integration: The project aligns with circular economy principles by sourcing retired electric vehicle batteries, mainly from India, where the adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing. This not only ensures a consistent supply of high-quality battery cells but also contributes to responsible e-waste management. 2. Digital Twins Technology: Central to our innovation is the incorporation of Digital Twins technology provided by ThinkClock Battery Labs. This technology enables real-time monitoring and prognostics of battery health, allowing for optimal performance, extended lifespan, and enhanced efficiency in energy storage applications. 3. Battery-as-a-Service Model: Recognizing the economic constraints in Nigeria, our project introduces a revolutionary Battery-as-a-Service model. This approach eliminates upfront costs for end-users, making clean energy accessible to a broader demographic. Users pay based on actual usage, fostering affordability and sustainability. Strategic Consortium for Comprehensive Solutions: Our consortium comprises ThinkClock Battery Labs, a UK-based technology leader offering Physical/DIgital Twinning services for battery development; Celloop Limited, a Nigerian company specializing in e-waste management and circular economy solutions; and Decibels Lab Pvt Ltd, an Indian company with expertise in battery management systems development. This strategic collaboration ensures a holistic approach, addressing technological, market, and environmental aspects. Market-Driven Adoption Strategy: Celloop Limited will conduct a comprehensive market assessment, identifying early adopters and assessing potential risks. This market-driven approach ensures that our technology aligns with the specific needs and preferences of the Nigerian population, promoting widespread adoption. Anticipated Project Outcomes: The project aims to deliver a tangible proof of concept, showcasing the viability, efficiency, and market readiness of our innovative energy storage solution. In conclusion, our project represents a paradigm shift in the clean energy sector, offering a sustainable, affordable, and market-driven solution to the energy challenges faced by communities in Nigeria. The integration of circular economy principles, cutting-edge technology, and a strategic consortium positions our initiative as a catalyst for positive change in the energy landscape.

Development of a HIGH Capacity FLEXible Energy Storage System for Mini-Grid Application in Sub-Sahara Africa (High ESS)

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

This collaborative project will develop and demonstrate a new technology (HIGHFLEX) that consists of a high-capacity flexible energy storage systems (HIGHFLEX ESS) integrated with innovative Battery Management System (BMS); Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) and intelligent monitoring and performance management system (Digital Twin) for mini grid applications in hot climates. The new technology is a portable and scalable system that facilitates: Quick development of mini grids in SSA. Storage of high-capacity energy generated from clean power sources during peak hours for off-peak utilisation. Delivering reliable and affordable power system through innovative solutions e.g., Digital twin, second life battery, real-time performance management and heat control system. The project's vision is to rapidly accelerate access to affordable off-grid electricity from clean energy sources in SSA. The project taps into the expanding global mini grid markets to offer affordable energy access for social mobility and inclusion in SSA communities not served by main power grids. HIGHFLEX will facilitate steady supply of electricity to rural and unserved areas and reduce energy access gaps between rural and urban communities in SSA where inaccessibility to affordable electricity is one of the main drivers of poverty to over 600 million people. This project has chosen Nigeria as a case for deployment of HIGHFLEX technology because of its over 200 million population and majority of its rural population (48% of its total population) do not have access to affordable and low carbon electricity. The project addresses barrier (access to electricity) to adoption of advancements in healthcare system; developing new technologies for agriculture, commerce, education; and entrepreneurship. HIGHFLEX makes it possible to deliver low carbon electricity to unlock sustainable economic development in SSA communities. This will empower women and children to lead more productive lives and have a better wellbeing. This will in turn encourage gender equality by learning digital and modern skills, which gives girls and women equal access to education, healthcare and enterprise. Furthermore, access to clean energy via mini grid will reduce crime and social unrest, since majority of the population would be productively engaged (Bloomberg 2020). This will lead to improved human security and cohesive communities and societies driven by mutual objective for sustainable development. HIGHFLEX will accelerate access to affordable and low carbon clean energy from bio-diesel, solar and wind (SDG 7), which lower environmental impacts from continued use of diesel-powered generators in Nigeria (world's leading generator consumer) to combat climate change effects (SDG 13).

Decentralised Energy Market Access And Co-finance (DEMA2C)

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

UNSDG 7 targets to achieve universal energy access by 2030, unfortunately, based on the current trajectory there is still a gap and it may be growing. This is so given that globally, about 789 million people (597 million of whom are in sub-Saharan Africa SSA do not have access to energy. Moreover, limited coverage, high interconnection costs, high energy and unreliable supply are the primary challenges of using conventional grid connections for both rural and urban areas. This would have been the opportunity for decentralised grids e.g. solar to fill the gap, especially off-grid communities completely cut-off from the main grid, unfortunately, renewables intermittency and high upfront costs are strong deterrents, moreover, there is a low affinity for financing micro-grid generation because investors struggle to track their ROI. The current set-up/technologies supporting DERs particularly solar are yet to overcome the peak generation and peak consumption mismatch nor track ROI. The DEMA2C consortium including Innovation Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (lead Partner), OtaskiES, Wave Insight, Moneda, MAD and Edo State Ministry of Infrastructure will be developing a technology that will enable the creation of a unified renewables-based grid that can supply on-demand green energy to off-grid communities. The technology will bridge the intermittency of the renewable delivering on-demand energy supply by optimising the link between generation and consumption without additional panels, high storage bank costs nor resorting to fossil-fuelled generators. It will also offer an energy-as-a-service model supported by an innovative payment platform with real-time ROI tracking for investors. This will stimulate investment into DERs to meet SDG 7 target by attracting investors that up to now have been shying away from investing in renewables-based micro grid. Successful deployment of DEMA2C will also enable prosumers are able to get an ROI 5X faster than when they would be just self-consuming their generated capacity. The clean energy DEMA2C enabled micro-grid will facilitate the avoidance of e1.04CO2kg/kW in emissions by replacing the use of generators.

Ubuntu Energy

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

This project aims to build community resilience in sub-Saharan Africa using Energy Ubuntu as a vehicle. It is akin to the 'Uber of Energy', democratising power sharing, transforming wasted energy into community power, and empowering communities to drive their development through sustainable means. It seeks to transform waste energy to community power for productive use. It addresses the developmental challenges of lack of modern and clean energy access, energy poverty and the harmful effects of global warming by improving access to clean and reliable electricity and deriving new business and economic change models, and building capabilities and contributing to SDGs 1,3,4,5,7,8,9,11,12,13. Nigeria's electricity sector faces a problem. Its Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are sub-optimally utilized and substantially wasteful, while it has deficient electricity access of ~60%. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are up to 400% oversized or lack the mechanism required to utilize their generation potential. Some PV systems are up to 80% used during the weekdays but are 20% utilized on weekends. Rural communities only utilize about 5% of the potential PV energy. Yet, 85 million Nigerians have no electricity access, costing Nigeria $26 billion annually for self-generation using carbon-intensive generators, causing excessive carbon emissions and energy waste because excess generation cannot be fed into the grid. To address this challenge, Energy Ubuntu delivers a design and pilot of a smart grid (SG) peer-to-peer (P2P) energy-sharing framework that enables the distribution of excess generation potential to energy consumers to enhance PV capacity utilization and minimize energy waste while providing clean and affordable electricity. It improves PV usage by incentivizing individuals or businesses to sell energy to potential consumers in a peer-to-peer system. The consumers will be SMEs and homes near solar PV systems in rural and urban communities. The project will be implemented over two years with critical deliverables of smart grid design, energy trading software, energy data mining and machine learning models for energy supply, deployment of smart circuitry in 200 sites, energy trade, and the evolution of new business models and community resilience initiatives. It will be implemented by four teams, Greenage Technologies (Technical lead), Nithio (Technical partner), Oxford EPG (research lead), and DRE Partners Ltd (formerly Kula Foods) (Admin Lead). Some co-benefits can be derived from Energy Ubuntu, including sustainable community development and carbon emission reduction leading to improved standards of living while significantly decreasing CO2 emissions.

Energy Intelligence: smart insights for affordable clean energy

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

enee.io increases access to reliable and affordable energy by improving the life and efficiency of energy systems. Through plug-and-play sensors, mobile phone applications and web-based reporting, enee.io provides customers with the information they need to optimize energy usage, improve energy system health and safeguard backup power supplies. We focus on helping people in developing countries who pay disproportionately high amounts for energy and suffering from pollution caused by diesel generators. enee.io is the fitness tracker for energy systems The enee.io product is a low-cost plug-and-play intelligent energy monitoring system (iEMS). The iEMS consists of simple proprietary IoT sensors that are installed on each source of energy generation (solar, grid and diesel generators), storage (batteries) and consumption (residential or commercial & industrial premises). The collected data from the sensors is transmitted to the enee.io cloud based servers where data analysis is provided through our proprietary algorithms. Alerts, insights, and energy performance information is provided through our mobile and web applications. The EC10 project will incorporate AI into our platform to combine data to allow users to fully optimise their energy system. These include how to increase energy availability and resilience; identification of maintenance required to extend asset life and improve performance and total energy cost analysis. The iEMS is affordable and simple to use, representing a quantum leap as a data-driven enabler for households and businesses. We estimate savings of $1900 over 5 years for an $160 investment. The iEMS will increase access for millions of people, to reliable, affordable, and clean energy by providing users with the information they need to optimise their energy system. Allowing them to 'right size' their energy assets and minimise operational costs. Ultimately reducing the reliance on costly and highly polluting diesel generators. There are no other products available on the market that provide this combination of low-cost and cutting-edge technology

PyroPower Africa Stage 2

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

PyroPower is a containerised 100 kW waste to energy technology developed by PyroGenesys and ICMEA-UK in Energy Catalyst Round 6 (ECR6). The conversion of agricultural waste to renewable electricity, process heat and biofuels simultaneously, underpins PyroPower's novel multi-revenue ability to provide reliable, affordable, renewable electricity in off-grid communities. Project partner Mobinet will facilitate access to formal banking services, microfinance and credit using their SIMPAY mobile banking platform. Proactive engagement and facilitation of women farmers and women-owned and run businesses, and wider engagement with disadvantaged groups to ensure they are included and their specific priorities and needs are being met, will be prioritised by all partners. ATMANCorp owns a 700 hectare cassava farm and flour mill in Oyo State and will host the PyroPower pilot along with a Micro Enterprise Park (MEP) and guarantee the supply of agricultural waste. The pilot will provide biofuel to a 250kva genset used to generate power for the factory and MEP and supply culinary-grade steam used for sterilising food processing lines in the factory. Aston University will build on their biofuel work with PyroGenesys in ECR7, to develop a continuous liquid biofuels process for producing diesel and kerosene. Manufacturing methods required to scale up the process for commercial production, will be developed by ICMEA-UK. Introduction of these liquid biofuels to the Nigerian market, in the form of renewable alternatives to diesel and kerosene, will be managed by Ardova PLC, a major Nigerian hydrocarbon reseller that supplies petroleum products to around 500 filling stations across the country. Within 5 years of project start, lessons from the pilot will inform the rollout of 100 commercial PyroPower installations across Ardova's filling station network. Deploying Mobinet's SIMPAY payment platform will support cashless electricity purchases made using featureless mobile handsets with no internet access in communities selected by Ardova to host commercial PyoPower installations. The export of solid biofuels in the form of solid smokeless biochar briquettes as a renewable alternative to coal, will be managed by PyroGenesys ECR7 partner Coal Products Limited (CPL).

ECOSMART:2

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

ECOSMART:2 will demonstrate the smart integration of a novel, enhanced anaerobic digestion (AD) process with solar technology to form the basis of a circular economy model, providing affordable, clean, secure energy access. Through development and operation of the ECOSMART:2 modules, new integrated UK-Nigerian enterprises and supply chains will be established, aligning social and gender considerations with economic and environmental benefits. With a focus on valorising agri/food waste streams (e.g. cassava and water hyacinth), ECOSMART:2 will ensure a high proportion of beneficiaries are women and those on low incomes. ECOSMART:2 will build on the consortium's expertise, utilising locally available materials and low-cost components to ensure affordability, and reducing feedstock retention time through system design to to accelerate the AD process. It will also produce soil amenders and fertiliser to replace expensive, synthetic fertilisers, thus supporting local, sustainable agricultural practices. With a 4.5-year payback, this model of affordable, low carbon, secure bioenergy will tap into Nigeria's £7.45Bn microgrid market to support enterprise and capacity building opportunities with operator training and local manufacture as well as up-skilling both upstream and downstream enterprises/supply chains for the provision of feedstock and the sale of energy and fertiliser. AD and control systems will be adapted by UK SMEs for global commercial opportunities. With a focus on flexible energy use and affordability, advances in demand-side management and microgrid technology, ECOSMART:2 presents developing countries with an opportunity to leapfrog expensive, centralised infrastructure.

Mobile Power’s combined ‘battery-as-a-service’ and ‘vehicle-as-a-service’ business model pilot in rural Nigeria

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Transport in Nigeria is reliant on fuel that is expensive, often poor quality & reliant on government subsidy. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producing country but subsidises fuel resulting in a cost to the state. Technical advances in electric vehicles in China and India has seen an explosion in cheap electric motorbikes and electric agricultural tricycles. Africa has the richest renewable energy resources on the planet in the form of solar and biomass. However the issue is power distribution not generation. An innovate battery technology is needed to unlock an electric vehicle revolution in rural Africa. Mobile Power has designed and tested an energy distribution ecosystem that supplies affordable, clean power to poor households and enterprises in off-grid communities across West Africa using a pay-as-you-go smart battery rental system. The core innovation is in the cost-effective distribution of electricity off-grid. Mobile Power's batteries are charged at solar charging stations called "MOPO Hubs". The MOPO Batteries are then rented directly from the Hub or distributed through MOPO Agents using our smart battery technology. Our inbuilt security system prevents unauthorised activation of battery packs and unauthorised charging. This project will focus on the rural Nigeria market providing clean affordable power to 75 villages by: REPLACING HOUSEHOLD GENERATORS: The MOPO Batteries provide electricity for households and micro-enterprises for phone charging, lights, TVs, radios and run other DC appliances such as freezers, sewing machines or agricultural machinery. IMPROVING RURAL TRANSPORT NETWORKS: The MOPO Batteries will power electric motorbikes and agricultural tricycles, using a battery swap model, renting out the motorbikes and batteries. This rental model makes it affordable to the market - cheaper than fossil-fuel alternatives. BIOMASS PILOT: Our MOPO Hubs will be powered mostly by solar but we will also charge the batteries using electricity generated from cassava waste through the PyroGenesys' PyroPower process. A site has already been identified in Oyo State as a pilot site. This will demonstrate our model with multiple renewable energy sources. Women make up 60-80% of the Nigerian farmers and yet have significantly less access to motorised transport than men. This is associated with typical gender-related roles (greater responsibility for children), gender-related financial and economic situations (less access to money) and gender-related expectations about access to transport. Tearfund Nigeria will work in these 75 communities to provide Transforming Masculinities training that has been proven to improve gender equality and women's access to clean electricity and transport.