Aid by Sector
REPP - Renewable Energy Performance Platform
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Renewable Energy Performance Platform (REPP) is a private finance investment vehicle which mobilises private sector development activity and investment into small- to medium-scale renewable energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa. This is through providing technical assistance, development capital and ‘viability gap’ financing, giving communities access to clean energy supplies and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions. REPP was initially set up by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in 2015 but was transferred to the FCDO in 2022. REPP consequently has a separate DevTracker account under BEIS which can be found here - https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-13-ICF-0013-REPP/summary.
Increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Eastern Caribbean
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to improve energy security in the Eastern Caribbean
E-LIEU : A unique Energy resource in the face of naturaL rIsks: LakE KivU (Rwanda)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Lake Kivu is located on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, along the western branch of the East African Rift, a region of active volcanism and high seismicity. The lake spans nearly 2400 km2 and contains nearly 60 km3 of methane (CH4) and over 300 km3 of carbon dioxide (CO2), dissolved in the deep and saline lake waters, from 250m- 485m below the surface. Upper waters of the lake are less saline and ventilated by inflow of cold but relatively fresh groundwater at 250-260m, leading to a strong, stable density stratification called the chemocline. The lake's unique stratification, combined with volcanic and tectonic activity, presents a natural risk of overturning known as a limnic eruption. Methane from Lake Kivu is extracted for electricity production in Rwanda by KivuWatt (owned by Contour Global, UK), who produce 26 MW, and Shema Power Lake Kivu (SPLK) (RW) who produce about 37 MW of power, with plans to increase the rate of extraction. This represents a very significant fraction of the energy needed for the 400 MW of power used in Rwanda: at present extraction rates, the lake could continue producing power for over 100 years. Gas is produced by extracting water from a depth of 260-270m. As it decompresses, the CH4 and CO2 come out of solution. The degassed water is then reinjected into the lake, near the chemocline. The CH4 and CO2 are separated by washing the gas in a stream of shallow lake water, extracted from a depth of 60-70m, at a pressure of about 6 atm. This water resorbs the CO2 and some H2S, and is then reinjected at a depth of 70-100m, while the CH4 remains as a gas and is transported to power plants on the lake shore. We plan to develop fundamental new understanding of the fate of the return water, both (A) injected deep in the lake, near the chemocline, to ensure minimal dilution of the methane rich deep water, and also (B) injected much shallower in the lake with the resorbed CO2, to ensure this does not degrade or stress the surface water ecosystem, especially the fish which are an important food resource. The research will involve running small-scale laboratory and theoretical models of the mixing produced by the plumes of reinjected water. This will enable accurate predictions of the evolving stratification and gas concentration in the lake over the next 50-75 years. We will use the models to explore different approaches for reinjection to identify the most effective approach. We will also develop new quantitative understanding of the risks and likelihood of a lake overturn event, leading to a major release of the dissolved gas, perhaps triggered by a fissure eruption of the nearby and active Nyiragongo Volcano. We will work with the University of Rwanda to build a cohort of students in Rwanda with specialist modelling capability on lake mixing; we will run workshops describing the research and demonstrating modelling tools which will emerge from the project, with KivuWatt and SPLK, as well as REMA the government environment agency and REG, which maintains and operates the energy infrastructure in Rwanda. This will help optimise the longevity of the power generation from Lake Kivu, minimise impact on the shallow lake ecosystem; and assess the evolving risks of a limnic eruption.
Pacific Clean Energy Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Pacific Clean Energy Programme (PCEP) will support increased investment in renewable energy, and aims to improve access to electricity, increase the proportion of electricity from renewable sources, and reduce greenhouse gas emission.
SIGMA - Novel Seismic Sensors for Improved Geothermal Monitoring and Development in East Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
East Africa sits atop one of the world?s most promising yet underused renewable energy resources - geothermal energy, the natural heat stored within the Earth. This energy is clean, reliable, and available year-round (baseload). Kenya has already shown how powerful this resource can be: since the 1970s, it has become the world?s sixth-largest producer of geothermal electricity. However, neighbouring countries with similar geological potential have not yet achieved the same success. Many barriers remain to unlocking East Africa?s full geothermal capacity, especially the deeper ?supercritical? systems that hold far greater energy and mineral potential. Context and Challenge The project responds to two major global challenges: the need for low-carbon, sustainable energy and the growing demand for critical metals used in renewable technologies such as batteries, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Supercritical geothermal systems - extremely hot and deep reservoirs - could supply both: vast amounts of renewable energy and valuable mineral-rich fluids. Yet exploring these deep systems requires new scientific tools, data, and training and an enhanced hazard awareness associated with the wider volcanic system. Despite Africa?s enormous geothermal potential, progress has been slowed by limited access to advanced technologies and technical expertise. Developing safe, efficient, and equitable geothermal energy systems therefore requires both scientific innovation and strong international collaboration. Aims and Objectives This collaborative project brings together two major research institutions - Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT, Kenya) and the University of Oxford (UK). Together they will: Test next-generation seismic technologies in geothermal fields, including portable low-cost seismic sensors (MEMS-based nodes) and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) that converts existing fibre-optic cables into dense seismic arrays. Generate high-resolution images of geothermal systems, revealing how heat, fluids, and gases move from deep magmatic zones to the surface. Develop advanced data analysis and uncertainty modelling techniques to reduce risk in geothermal exploration and management. Build regional research capacity by training scientists from Kenya and other African nations in seismic monitoring, imaging, and data interpretation through workshops and field training. Strengthen international and interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating physics, engineering, and geoscience expertise from Africa and the UK. Potential Applications and Benefits The project will deliver both scientific and societal impact. New, low-cost seismic tools and open-access methods will help governments and companies assess geothermal potential more accurately and safely, reducing financial and environmental risk. The research will also enhance understanding of volcanic and earthquake hazards, improving safety for nearby communities. Training activities will expand regional expertise and create opportunities for early-career researchers, ensuring that future geothermal developments are led and managed within Africa. The project will serve as a model for sustainable, locally driven energy innovation, with Kenya demonstrating how advanced science can support economic growth, climate resilience, and the global transition to net zero. Ultimately, this partnership aims to unlock the full potential of East Africa?s geothermal resources - producing clean energy, securing vital materials for the green economy, and strengthening scientific collaboration between Africa and the UK.
Climate Investment Funds (CIFs)
UK - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The $8 billion Climate Investment Funds (CIF) accelerates climate action by empowering transformations in clean technology, energy access, climate resilience, and sustainable forests in developing and middle income countries. The CIF’s large-scale, low-cost, long-term financing lowers the risk and cost of climate financing. It tests new business models, builds track records in unproven markets, and boosts investor confidence to unlock additional sources of finance.
Climate Public Private Partnership Programme (CP3)
UK - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The Climate Public Private Partnership Programme (CP3) aims to increase low carbon investment in renewable energy, water, energy efficiency and forestry in developing countries. By showing that Low Carbon and Climate Resilient investments can deliver competitive financial returns as well as climate and development impact, CP3 seeks to catalyse new sources of climate finance from institutional investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.
Clean Energy Innovation Facility (CEIF)
UK - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
ODA grant funding that supports clean energy research, development & demonstration (RD&D) to help improve the performance of innovative technologies, and to accelerate the clean energy transition to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change in developing countries
Accelerate to Demonstrate (A2D)
UK - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The A2D programme contributes to the UK’s £1bn Ayrton Fund commitment to accelerate clean energy innovation in developing countries. A2D will focus on developing innovative technology-based solutions particularly through transformational “lighthouse” pilot demonstration projects in four thematic areas: critical minerals, clean hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation and smart energy.
SMART-HS: Smart Hydropower Solutions for Sustainable and Equitable Energy Access in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The Smart Hydropower Solutions (SMART-HS) project will revolutionise the optimisation of clean hydropower energy generation in the Lower Mekong region of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia through the implementation of smart and inclusive hydropower prediction services. SMART-HS aims to support the energy efficiency and dam safety of the existing dense hydropower network to align with fluctuating energy demand and reservoir inflows. This will be achieved in the context of unprecedented climate variability, climate change, and ageing infrastructure in the region, while developing inclusive energy practices to ensure that no community is left behind. Hydropower systems currently provide more than 50% of the energy in the region but are threatened by the increasing frequency of extreme inflows under climate change, the loss of storage due to reservoir sedimentation, and rapidly ageing infrastructure. Integrating advanced monitoring and forecasting systems to secure sustainable hydropower production and dam safety, within this context, is crucial. SMART-HS will enhance the efficiency of the existing network of hydropower plants by using real-time and forecast data on water levels, weather conditions, and energy demand to inform predictive analytics, facilitating proactive adjustments in energy output to meet variations in demand. The existing hydropower network is predominantly composed of micro-plants located in remote and underserved regions, with ageing infrastructure and significant dam safety risks. Ensuring dam safety is paramount to protect downstream communities from harm while sustaining energy provision. We will provide comprehensive training to support sustainable energy generation and minimise socio-economic and environmental impacts, particularly for small hydropower plants in underserved communities. SMART-HS places a strong emphasis on inclusive energy practices to ensure that no community is left behind. By empowering local communities to participate in and benefit from hydropower projects and supporting gender equality, we aim to foster inclusivity and sustainable development. The overarching aim of SMART-HS is to address the pressing challenge of meeting the growing energy demand in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia by distributing clean energy to rural and remote areas in an equitable and sustainable manner. SMART-HS will accelerate the clean energy transition through a smart and inclusive hydropower system. We address this aim through three main objectives. (1) Implement advanced, low-cost monitoring and forecasting systems for hydropower plants across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia through the integration of sensors, IoT devices, and machine learning algorithms for real-time data collection and predictive analytics. (2) Optimise energy generation to align with fluctuating demand and water flow supply, ensuring the efficient utilisation of hydropower resources. (3) Provide training and support for small hydropower plants in underserved communities to ensure sustainable energy access, thereby enhancing sustainability and empowerment. SMART-HS’s applications and benefits include: (1) Enhanced efficiency and reliability of hydropower generation, supporting underserved communities and the stability of the region's energy supply; (2) Improved resilience to demand fluctuations and grid disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted access to electricity; and (3) Promotion of inclusive energy practices, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas and fostering social cohesion and equity. By harnessing smart prediction services and promoting inclusive energy practices, this project offers a transformative approach to sustainable low-carbon hydropower generation and distribution in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, with methods that are transferable to other transboundary systems globally. We aspire to create a more sustainable and equitable clean energy future for all.
REACH-PSM: Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Context Energy inequality continues to hamper socio-economic growth in many African nations, where millions lack reliable access to electricity. Traditional energy sources are expensive, environmentally damaging, and dependent on external supplies, which limits their sustainability and accessibility. The REACH-PSM project (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing) aims to revolutionise energy access by enabling the local development and manufacturing of sustainable perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa. The Challenge With >500 million people in Africa without electricity, there is an urgent need for scalable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy solutions. Current renewable technologies, while beneficial, often fail to address local contexts and can result in significant environmental waste, particularly from end-of-life photovoltaic systems. The challenge lies in developing a localised manufacturing process for next-generation solar technology that is both cost-effective and sustainable, with simultaneous development of efficient end-of-life treatment to mitigate waste, allowing for widespread adoption across Africa. Aims and Objectives The REACH-PSM project seeks to accelerate the development and commercialisation of PSMs by focusing on the following objectives: Delivering commercially competitive low-cost manufacturing of PSMs in partner locations in Africa with a performance of >15% PCE and a lifetime of >10 years. Developing novel components of PSMs, and identification of domestic green supply-chains to enable regional manufacture and improve sustainability. Delivering PSMs designed for the circular economy with optimised end-of-life processing, minimising waste and maximising the circular flow of materials delivering enhanced commercial viability, sustainability, and resource security. Creating novel sustainable business models and community co-designed products that are suitable and appropriate for use. Potential Benefits The REACH-PSM project will accelerate the transforming energy access agenda in Africa by pioneering the development of locally manufacturable PSM, demonstrating the first next generation solar module manufacturing in Africa. This localised production will not only empower communities by fostering energy independence and creating jobs but also set a new standard for sustainable energy solutions. By utilising sustainable materials and processes, the project will also address the environmental challenges associated with traditional solar technologies, offering a more resilient and adaptable energy solution. Ayrton Challenge Areas The project addresses the Next Generation Solar Challenge Area. REACH-PSM advances perovskite technology, which offers the potential of more distributed solar manufacturing thanks to low-cost processing and manufacturing routes. REACH-PSM will collaborate across the Ayrton Fund portfolio to amplify impact. We will align with the Ayrton Challenge on Energy Storage, the LEIA programme, the Climate Compatible Growth Project, and the Zero Emission Generators initiative, exploring synergies in local manufacturing, circular economy principles, and sustainable energy solutions. ODA Compliance REACH-PSM is fully compliant with ODA criteria, as it directly addresses the economic and social challenges of Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa—countries listed on the OECD DAC. By focusing on localised manufacturing and sustainable energy solutions, the project promotes economic development and improves the welfare of communities most in need. The expected outcomes include significant advancements in energy access, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment, aligning with the broader goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG13 (Climate Action). We also seek to advance progress towards SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Bridging the Efficiency Gap of Metal vs Carbon back Electrode Perovskite Solar Cells to Support the Clean Energy Growth Transition in South Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Affordable energy for all Africans is the immediate and absolute priority in the Sustainable Africa Scenario (SAS) 2030. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Africa Energy Outlook 2022 report, solar energy-based mini-grids and stand-alone systems are the most viable solutions to electrify rural areas, where over 80% of the electricity-deprived people live [1]. Though Africa has 60% of the best solar resources globally, it has only 1% of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. Thus more investment and effective solar PV capacity building is required in the region to make electricity from clean energy sources as the backbone of Africa’s new energy systems. The existing silicon PV technology alone cannot meet this demand as it is an expensive mature technology, with global materials security issues, and enormous quantities of PV waste with poor recycling options [2]. Emerging PV technologies such as halide perovskite solar cells combine the unique properties of high power conversion efficiency (>25 %), low-cost printability, and provision to adopt a circular economy to ensure a sustainable clean energy transition for the region [3,4]. Halide perovskite PV offers the lowest cost of solar PV to date (<32 $ per MW h) and it matches with the levelised cost of electricity by solar PV (18-49 $ per MWh) required in Africa in the Sustainable Africa Scenario, 2020-2030. However, the mainstream highly efficient halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) use thermally evaporated metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu) etc as the back electrode. These metals account for 98 % of the cost, 65 % of the carbon footprint and 45 % of the energetic cost of perovskite solar cells [5]. Replacing these metal electrodes with carbon electrodes enhances the stability, scalability and commercialisation aspect of PSCs along with further reduction in cost and carbon footprint. However, carbon back electrode-based PSCs (c-PSCs) have consistently lower power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to metal electrode-based PSCs (m-PSCs) (20 % vs 26 % efficiency comparison for 0.1 cm2 area devices) limiting their commercialisation. The proposed project aims to bridge the gap in power conversion efficiency between the carbon-back vs metal electrode-based PSCs and demonstrate low-cost and highly efficient (>15 %) printable carbon electrode-based mini modules (10 x 10 cm2). This aim will be realised by combining the strengths of know-how in the fabrication and device physics of efficient halide perovskite solar cells of UK-based physicists with the defect analysis strengths of African physicists. To bridge this efficiency gap, the challenges to overcome are (i) reducing the interfacial losses and (ii) efficient photon management inside the perovskite active layer and the research objectives are identified accordingly. The proposed aims and objectives will formulate the foundations for achieving the vision for the proposed project: to provide accelerated growth in the scale-up of cheaper and cleaner energy sources in South Africa to achieve Sustainable Africa Scenario 2030 through capacity building in cost-effective and efficient PSCs in the partnering institution (University of Pretoria) in South Africa. References: IEA Africa Energy Outlook 2022 Charles et al Energy Environ. Sci., 2023, 16, 3711 Carneiro et al Energy Reports 2022, 8, 475 Faini et al MRS BULLETIN 2024, 49 Zouhair Sol. RRL 2024, 8, 2300929
SOLACE: UK?Africa Solar Alliance on Clean Energy: Single-Substrate, Solution-Processed All-Perovskite Tandem Cells
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Affordable, reliable clean energy is essential for development, yet many in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania still face limited or costly electricity. Solar can help, but next generation devices must be efficient, low cost, stable in hot, humid climates and, ideally, locally manufacturable so more of the value chain remains in Africa. SOLACE is a UK?Africa partnership to develop low cost, high efficiency all perovskite tandem solar cells and build the skills to use them. Perovskites can be made from inks at low temperature, cutting manufacturing cost. Stacking two PSCs into a single tandem device can capture more energy than a single cell. SOLACE brings together laboratories in the UK and Africa to co-develop these tandems while building a local ecosystem and talent pipeline of skilled practitioners to develop them. All-perovskite tandems are feasible, but performance and durability are still limited by interface losses, defects and contact layers, and by the challenge of coating both sub-cells sequentially on one substrate without dissolving the layer underneath. Advancing fundamental understanding of interface and defect losses will guide materials design and layer sequencing that improve durability under hot, humid conditions. We will achieve this through complimentary expertise combining modelling and advanced characterisation, running in a feedback loop with materials development to drive improvements. SOLACE will deliver robust, fully solution processed tandems on a single substrate, establish clear design rules linking materials, interfaces and thickness to efficiency and stability, release open standard operating procedures, analysis tools and well documented datasets so others can reproduce the results, and build long term capability through training schools, a UNESCO Campus Africa bootcamp and reciprocal exchanges, with equitable authorship and clear gender targets. Four linked work packages run in a feedback loop spanning materials and devices (WP1), modelling (WP2), advanced photophysics (WP3), and capacity and outreach (WP4). Through these work packages, we will deliver: 1. Design rules with quantitative band alignment, interface recombination kinetics, mobility lifetime products and contact resistance, with model and experiment in agreement. 2. Devices that are reproducible, fully solution processed single substrate tandems with >15% efficiency and verified stability under heat and humidity and optimised interlayers and defect control. 3. Tools and data, including open SOPs, analysis notebooks and FAIR datasets to enable independent replication. 4. Capacity and equity through exchanges and training with at least 40 percent women, documented skills transfer and equitable authorship and IP frameworks. The benefits are practical and near term. Policymakers gain evidence-based guidance on solar options suited to equatorial climates, supporting affordable clean energy plans. Industry and utilities gain design rules and stability criteria that can improve performance and lifetime of next generation solar and inform procurement. The research community gains open tools and data that speed discovery and enable fair comparisons. Most importantly, partner countries gain durable capability in fabrication, modelling and diagnostics, reducing reliance on imported expertise, supporting future manufacturing readiness and helping to retain more of the value chain within Africa. In short, SOLACE couples cutting edge solar research with practical training and open infrastructure to deliver both the knowledge and the local capacity needed to advance affordable, high efficiency all perovskite tandem solar for Africa.
Circular Microgrids: Circular Economy Pathways for Renewable Microgrids in Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlights that over 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa's population remains without electricity and in some rural areas access plummets to as low as 5%. In response, our project leverages the principles of the circular economy to pioneer the development and deployment of cheaper and cleaner renewable energy microgrids across Africa. Recognizing the continent's urgent need for systemic and sustainable changes in energy access, reliability, and generation, our initiative addresses these issues by tapping into the growing global stock of electronic waste from the first generation of electric vehicles (EVs). By repurposing components such as lithium-ion batteries, power-converters, and electrical motors, which are unsuitable for transport but remain functional for stationary applications, we offer a novel solution to the challenges of energy generation, storage and distribution. These components can be integrated into solar energy storage within microgrids, micro-wind or hydro generation systems and energy controllers, presenting a unique opportunity to bolster renewable energy infrastructure at lower cost while mitigating the environmental impact of electronic waste. The project's objectives are to Create knowledge and build capacity for repurposing electronic waste in microgrid development. Develop a circular value chain framework and business model for microgrid applications. Implement circular economy principles for cost-effective energy storage solutions. Deepen understanding of the dynamics between energy producers and consumers within the African context. Co-create and advocate for circular microgrids through stakeholder engagement and policy formulation across sub-Saharan Africa. Establish a Pan-African, multisectoral, interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence in circular microgrids. The project will be delivered through the Pan-African, multisectoral, interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence—Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC). CEPREC will serve as a triple helix hub, fostering collaboration among academia, government and industry through workshops, training sessions, and knowledge exchange activities. The project brings together engineering and social sciences expertise from De Montfort University, University of Warwick alongside policy and impact expertise from Chatham House, and partnerships with universities and governments from six African countries. The team will include 26 academics (11 UK & 15 African), 26 Researcher and innovation Associates (5 UK & 21 African) and 16 PhD scholars (2 UK & 14 African). The project, which aligns with the national priorities and targets of the participating countries, has strong government and industrial support with national governments pledging support that includes participating in the steering committee and utilizing project outcomes to shape national policies. Similarly, participating universities and industrial partners have endowed PhD-studentships, which will be jointly supervised by UK and African academics. Aligned with the Ayrton themes of Low Carbon Supplies and Smart Delivery, our project is poised to make a significant impact on the delivery of Affordable and Clean Energy, in line with SDG7 as well as reduce the environmental footprint of energy solutions, contributing to SDG12&SDG 13. Operating across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Namibia, and Rwanda, the project will offer a comprehensive perspective on the energy landscape in sub-Saharan Africa, while also providing insights tailored to each country’s specific needs and opportunities. By adopting an approach that is rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a clear focus on sustainable development, our project is poised to deliver transformative impacts in the beneficiary countries, creating a paradigm shift in the way energy is produced, consumed, and thought about in Africa.
SolarSaver2 (SS2) Low Cost Energy Solution in Africa Energy Catalyst Round 10: Mid Stage
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
SOLARSAVER2 focuses on delivering a sustainable business model for using innovative low carbon off grid drying solutions. The project aims to create value for small- and large-scale sub-Saharan agricultural producers and other stakeholders by adding a new sustainable technical and processing solution delivered at a pricing level suitable for deployment in Africa and Asia to create highly nutritious products and reduce food waste. Fruit and vegetable products are of high moisture content. The key target is to significantly reduce the energy consumption, operating costs and carbon footprint of conventional drying techniques using an innovative low-temperature drying process. The sustainable delivery of low cost drying has a significant impact on the different sections of society such as the poor (majority of farmers) and women (about 50%) are catered for. Extensive operations and trials are planned with partners in Tanzania including local manufacturing. The processing solution is such that it can be easily deployed on-farm at different degrees of decentralisation and in centralised small, medium and large-scale industrial sites.
VUTSELA: Sustainable Farm-based Biogas Systems with Community Impact in Eswatini
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
VUTSELA means "keep burning" in Siswati. Energy access in Eswatini is limited and very dependent on neighbouring countries with 80% of electricity being imported from South Africa and Mozambique. Liquefied petroleum gas availability is declining sharply with production facilities in South Africa closing down. The bulk of the population (78%) are based in rural areas, contributing to the crisis of ensuring viable and sustainable supply of energy to households. Decentralised energy supply solutions such as solar PV and biogas are suitable solutions to this problem. Biogas may be particularly well suited for adoption in Eswatini as 71% of the land is agricultural and feedstock for digestion is readily available. Biogas generated sustainably from waste could satisfy household or light-industrial heating requirements, which form the majority of energy needs. Farms would be an appropriate route to market entry as digestion provides the added benefit of waste disposal and fertilser production in addition to energy savings from biogas production. As 37% of the economically active population of Eswatini is employed in agriculture, targeting farms aids the economic survival of a backbone of employment in the country. Moreover, it effectively exposes a large proportion of the population to a new technology (biogas generation through anaerobic digestion) which aids in education and wider scale later adoption. This project aims to roll out 100 digesters (plus an initial 15 prototypes) to low income farms in Eswatini and the bordering regions of South Africa. Eswatini is targeted due to the reasons stated, and South Africa is seen as a potential market expansion in neighbouring regions with a similar context. This project period will be used to gain valuable market feedback through community engagement and the established methods of Smart Villages Research Group to understand and define the real needs of the local farms and communities and use this information for design revisions before future commercial rollout and continued operation. The project will be executed with a local tertiary training centre, STREEC, aimed at equipping Eswatini youth with technical skills in renewable energy and entrepreneurship. Small commercial farms will be chosen for initial sites within a 100km radius of the training centre for ease of monitoring, training, and engagement hubs for wider groups of low income farmers to introduce the technology and understand the specific needs and value to the community. Innovation will be largely focused on technology adoption and developing a viable and sustainable business model.
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.
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