- Home
- Aid by Department
- Department of Science, Innovation and Technology
Department of Science, Innovation and Technology
Renewable ENergy Demand Assessment and eNtrepreneurial Growth (RENDANG) for Energy Access in Malaysia
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Our project addresses challenges and opportunities in rural electrification, particularly for remote Orang Asli communities in West Malaysia. Despite the country's considerable urban development and high electrification rates, about 200 of these villages remain under-electrified. A critical challenge in deploying distributed systems in communities is assessing and growing demand for electricity. Current approaches in distributed systems involve surveying communities, then designing and installing systems such as mini-grids based on this initial assessment. Mini-grid construction can be a slow process, and during the wait, communities may lose interest or trust in the electrification process. When the mini-grid eventually comes online, demand can be disappointingly low, as the community is only just starting to develop their productive use businesses and grow their payment behaviour. We propose to address this problem by integrating the Community Energy Toolkit (COMET), a community engagement software tool to assess demand, and a mobile mini-grid to provide quick and temporary electrification to build demand, while deploying more permanent solutions. Our project involves a collaboration between Smart Villages Research Group (SVRG), Energy Action Partners (ENACT), and the COMET team, to develop an integrated model that merges COMET's predictive capabilities with the immediacy of mobile mini-grids in Pos Titom located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. This approach will accurately assess energy needs to be met by cost-effective Clustered Solar Home Systems (CSHSes), foster demand for productive uses of energy using the mobile mini-grid, and encourage sustainable income via targeted capacity building for village-based enterprises enabled by these systems. This innovative model aims to bridge the gap between the initial community engagement and the installation and commissioning of a distributed energy system. It will help maintain community interest and grow energy demand gradually, a crucial step for scaling distributed energy systems sustainably. We expect the combination of the two technologies to be widely scalable. Whilst we will be validating the approach in Malaysia, the successful demonstration of the impact will allow us to apply this innovative suite of tools to improving minigrid and energy access development worldwide, where for example latest estimates (World Bank ESMAP, 2022) forecasts a need for at least 200,000 more minigrids to be able to meet SDG energy access targets in Africa alone.
Electrical Storage Systems for Sustainable Uninterrupted Clean Energy and Water Supply to Hospitals and Communities in South Sudan
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This is a combined ElectricalStorageSystem (ESS) and SolarWaterPumping project. It will supply 24/7 power and water to 2 hospitals and 1 school in selected countries. We are combining the service to the institution with community based water kiosks, and the earnings from water sales will pay for system upkeep and cover lifetime replacement costs. The innovation of this project is to test the combination of different existing technologies to provide services with excellent social returns, and with a sustainable finance model included. Installing solar energy systems means schools and hospitals have uninterrupted daily energy; sufficient ESS capacity ensures 24/7 availability. Solar powered water pumping, with ESS backup, provides clean water 24/7, from multiple access points, supplying the local community as well as the schools and hospitals in this project. The erratic costs of running and maintaining diesel generators are eliminated by the minimal maintenance requirements, and these costs are covered by income from sales of water. The project will be delivered in South Sudan. We have selected this country because of the implementation challenges posed due to recent socio-political activity, and because this is a place with the greatest need. This technology will be a model for hardest-to-reach countries and locations. Aptech has a strong presence in South Sudan, and is one of the few companies that has the capacity to implement this project in partnership with SVRG. South Sudan has been devastated by war and disease. Access to clean energy and water is critical to the improvement of educational and medical services within South Sudan, where less than 50% of people have access to water resulting in low life expectancy and very high infant mortality rates. Access to electricity and water in institutions in these countries is under 20% resulting in load sharing and power outages of at least 8 hours, which disrupt services. We will monitor the impact of the project on the community and establish the sustainability and replicability of the system in additional institutions. Aptech has consulted with both the government of South Sudan and local NGOs to identify institutions to launch this pilot project, and they are very supportive of our plans. Once we have proof of concept, we will present our findings to NGOs, private institutions, and the governments to promote the replication of the system, through collaborative partnerships, and to expand access to electricity and water for institutions all across each respective country.
Innovative Agricultural Cross-Subsidised Financing of Access to Clean Energy and Sustainable Cooling with Smart Agri-Centres in Uganda
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
In an EnergyCatalyst7 project, SVRG with Ugandan partners developed a game-changing approach to rural energy-access, economic-empowerment and agricultural-productivity. The SmartAgri-Centre(SAC) combines a50kW centralised solar-power plant with an integrated set of community productive use and agri-value-addition services, in a large central community hub. Feedback from the local community shows the social impact the Centre has brought, including improved environment, knowledge of farming practices, income, savings and positive impact on family life and education. In the first year of operation, analysis showed that the SAC services helped farmers quadruple average annual earnings (up from $800 to $3100), increase yields across a variety of crops, and reduce input costs by 30%. Across the community, in that year, the centre generated additional value of $211,500. GESI impacts were also apparent: the majority of the 110members of the newly-formed agricultural cooperative are women, and female farmers reported positive impacts from the SAC. 40% of Co-op board members, and 40% of the business committee are female. The SAC is designed to address specific priorities and needs of a community, so each is subtly different. But the average cost to SVRG and partners of providing the infrastructure, and years of community support/training is around$250,000. The data we have collected suggests that communities should be able to afford to repay this cost in less than 2 years from their increased earnings. Our challenge in scaling this solution is to determine the best business model and community engagement strategy for the community to be able to repay the costs of providing the SAC from their agricultural income. According to the data we have collected, the community earns enough to repay the costs in under 2 years. However, the mechanism for this is far from obvious. Individual farmers in these communities are highly risk-averse (as well as lacking financial skills and creditworthiness). Entering into contractual arrangements with 100+ separate farmers to ensure repayment would be unworkable. Alternative models (operating the centres ourselves and collecting revenues and taking a cut of agricultural earnings as a "benign middleman", or establishing/empowering a community cooperative to do the same, have other risk factors and disadvantages). In this project, SVRG and partners will construct and operate 6 of the SACs in new communities, trialling different business/repayment models, to establish the ones that will allow us to scale the roll-out of the technology to rural communities with the highest amount of success, impact and commercial return.
Renewable Energy Agro-Processing Hubs for Energy Access and Economic Development in Rural Rwanda
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Our project, REAP (Renewable Energy Agro-Processing) hub, is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering rural communities by providing sustainable access to renewable energy and enhancing their food production capacities. Through the integration of innovative technologies and community-driven approaches, we seek to create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact in underserved regions. At the heart of our project is the vision to address the energy poverty prevalent in remote rural areas, where communities face challenges due to lack of reliable and affordable energy. Bby harnessing the power of renewable energy, we can unlock tremendous potential, enabling these communities to improve their quality of life and drive sustainable development. We begin with robust community engagement and needs assessment to truly understand the energy requirements and aspirations users. By working closely with the target communities, we ensure that our solutions are tailored to their specific needs and integrate seamlessly into their daily lives. Through strategic partnerships (Smart Villages Research Group and NjordFrey), we will deploy renewable energy technologies to support high yield fish/vegetable production with value addition (cooling/food drying). Intelligently monitored and coordinated through a digital monitoring system, the REAP hub will automatically balance the energy and production demands to increase efficiency and reduce energy and production costs. The REAP project extends beyond energy access. We recognise the vital role of productive systems in rural communities, such as agriculture and small-scale enterprises. By incorporating energy into these systems, we unlock new opportunities for income generation, value-chain development, and market access. This integrated approach fosters economic growth, creates employment, and reduces poverty, ensuring long-term sustainability. Furthermore, our project aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By promoting renewable solutions and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, we contribute to combating climate change. The impact of the REAP project last far longer than our project implementation. The knowledge, skills, and partnerships developed throughout the project will serve as a catalyst for replication and scaling up to 2,000 hubs across Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions and transformative development models. Through collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainable development, REAP aims to empower rural communities, unlock their potential, and create a brighter future for all. Together, we can build resilient communities, promote Gender and Social inclusivity, and achieve a greener and more prosperous world.
Safely transforming phytoremediation crops into bioenergy
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This project will optimise technology to efficiently and safely produce biogas using plants grown on contaminated land. Terra Power is based in the UK and was founded to develop this technology. The project involves partners in the UK, UAE, and Indonesia. Our UK partner, Loughborough University, brings research expertise, AD capabilities, and all required lab equipment. Terra Power worked with Loughborough to deliver a successful proof-of-concept project, and published results in a co-authored paper in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Phytoremediation (June 2020) Our UAE partner, Zest Associates, brings cleantech commercialisation expertise, green finance expertise, start-up incubation experience and project leadership capabilities critical for successful delivery. Our Indonesian partner, Nexus3, brings access to test sites, skills in site characterisation, toxics management, and testing the production of mercury-absorbent polymer locally, maintaining relationships with target communities, policymakers and local subcontractors. This project supports the production of cost-effective and locally secure low-carbon energy for the energy-poor in countries affected by site contamination, tackling the energy trilemma. The project also delivers co-benefits including reduced carbon emissions, valorising remediation activities, improving health, especially of women and children, restoring soils, create local economic development, in turn addressing Sustainable Development Goals 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 & 15, and supporting compliance with the UN Minamata Convention on Mercury.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities Aston University
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the Aston University. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities University of Bath
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the University of Bath. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities Bath Spa University
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the Bath Spa University. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities Birmingham City University
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the Birmingham City University. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities University of Bradford
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the University of Bradford. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities University of Brighton
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the University of Brighton. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities Brunel University London
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the Brunel University London. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities City St George's, University of London
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the City, University of London. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities Coventry University
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the Coventry University. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities Cranfield University
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the Cranfield University. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities University of Derby
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the University of Derby. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities Durham University
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the Durham University. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities Edge Hill University
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the Edge Hill University. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities University of Essex
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the University of Essex. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) - Institutional Support Grant for Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible activities University of Hull
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant has been awarded to the University of Hull. This funding provides flexible institutional grants that can be used strategically to support activities that are Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliant as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This may include underpinning ISPF activity funded through other delivery partners, or by directly supporting research that addresses the problems faced by developing countries that are not funded through the ISPF grants of other delivery partners.
Advanced filters
To search for Programmes in a specific time period, please enter the start and end dates.