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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.
Global Energy Transfer Feed-in Tariff (GETFiT)
UK - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The Global Energy Transfer for Feed-in Tariff (GET FiT) Programme was established in 2013 with the main objective of assisting Uganda to pursue a climate resilient low-carbon development path by facilitating private sector investments in renewable electricity generation projects. The support provided was expected to improve access to electricity and promote growth and economic development in Uganda and contribute to climate change mitigation.
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.
Floating Instream Tidal and Solar (FITS) Power Plant - Nepal Pilot Project
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Harvesting hydrokinetic energy from running river water presents a highly attractive addition to the existing renewable energy sectors. Critically, and unlike most other renewables, this technology guarantees a predictable and consistent energy output which can contribute to the baseload power requirements of its energy off-takers. AEL has developed an innovative hybrid technology which couples run-of-river hydrokinetic generation with solar - the Floating Instream Tidal and Solar (FITS) power plant. FITS technology has been specifically optimized for river deployments, and is scalable to enable both energy access and utility scale power generation. This project will deliver the first fully developed FITS pilot, supplying constant renewable power to an off-grid community in rural Nepal. The electricity supplied will be used to provide lighting and cooking facilities to households in the community, and will additionally power water filtration and pumping equipment, providing access to clean water for drinking and water for agricultural industry.
Solar And Biogas Off-grid Power (SABOP) for Rwenjeru Agrotourism and Demonstration Farm, Mbarara, Uganda.
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
In this project, we will integrate of 2 well-established technologies (solar photovoltaic power and biomethane from biodigestion of waste biomass) to create a 24-hours' all-weather electricity supply minigrid that will tackle the colossal lack of access to energy in Uganda (particularly Rwenjeru Agrotourism and Demonstration Farm). Also, we will implement a renewable milk chiller as a productive use of energy at Rwenjeru. Furthermore, we will conduct a market analysis and develop a business plan for the viable and affordable deployment of the project outcome and for future scale-up beyond the project. Our waste-to-energy anaerobic digestion system will help to process food and agricultural waste that will otherwise pollute the environment, into clean renewable energy (24hrs) for an agrotourism business and \>1,000 farmer's household. By performing initial socio-economic appraisal, we will access the affordability of potential end-users and the viability of the SABOP energy platform. We will leverage on the intrinsic waste-to-energy approach of the SABOP system to match the affordability of Ugandans. The implementation of a smart minigrid allows us to accurately measure loading and generation capacity of SABOP and to effectively plan for expansion into neighbouring communities. We will engage with local and national stakeholders to ensure buy-in and share outcomes from the project to improve energy policy in Uganda. The use of biomethane as an alternative to gasoil is expected to improve local air quality, with regards to NOx and particulate matter. We will reduce Rwenjeru's dependence on highly polluting diesel and petrol powered electricity generators. By generating electricity with solar power instead of fossil fuels, we can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Our stakeholders and community engagement (workshops, social media, and flyers) will increase environmental awareness and prompt end-users to be more resource efficient in other parts of their daily life. Reliable electricity supply from the SABOP system will improved street and community lighting which will enhance security in Rwenjeru. By increasing the productivity and profitability through energy access, as well as providing cheaper biofertilizer to farmers (76% women), households will be able to improve the quality and quantity of food in the homes with positive impact on the general health and well-being of people.
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).
REACT Mid-stage - Renewable Energy Access for the Conversion of Tuk-tuks
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Following the successful early-stage project, this project aims to further develop the innovative technologies and business models that together will improve energy access to hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankan three-wheel tuk-tuk drivers. Tuk-tuk-drivers -- male and female - rely on their vehicles as an important source of income but currently lack access to energy which is affordable, reliable and carbon free. The project will convert internal combustion engine tuk-tuks to electricity and power them with clean and renewable solar energy. Tuk-tuks are the main light transport method in Sri Lanka and other adjacent countries such as India, Thailand and Indonesia - there are over 1.2 million tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka which generate considerable air pollution. The vast majority of these vehicles are powered by out-of-date two or four stroke petrol engines. In addition, the recent fuel price rise and severe supply instability has affected the tuktuk drivers' community who are subsisting on low-incomes. Following the innovative concept of tuktuk conversion and battery subscription scheme developed from the early-stage project, we aim to mature the user-centred technology and business model in this mid-stage project and address several technical and business challenges, to pave the way for successful exploitation. The design of the conversion kit including mechanical, electric and electronic components, will be reiterated and improved towards final products; long-term strategic suppliers will be identified and the partnership will be developed; partnerships with local garages and fuel stations (charge stations) will be developed; data will be collected and new business opportunities will be identified; training courses will be developed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vehicles. A large trial will be conducted to prove the concept and collect valuable data. The team will also work with the local authorities to promote the technologies and businesses. The Technology lead for the project is an industrial firm, Alta Vison (Pvt) Ltd (AVL) who have a rich experience in renewable energy system installation and operation, and energy storage system development. Another business partner Large Minority who has valuable experience and connection with end-users will join the team. They are supported by two academic partners with sound track records and knowledge in mechanical and electric system design, electric and hybrid vehicle research and development. The team has both a strong technological and business background, as well as good understanding of the local market and the policy landscape in Sri Lanka.
Islanded Wave Powered Microgrid Pilot for Remote Islands in Thailand
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This project is a building on and adding to our successful Energy Catalyst R8 early-stage project, demonstrating good feasibility of the proposed concepts in enhancing the efficiency of onshore wave energy converters (WECs) and developing advanced wave-powered microgrids (WPMG) in the selected remote islands of Thailand with limited or no grid access which currently use expensive, polluting diesel generators (DEGs) as the main supply. The unit cost of the electricity generated by WPMGs can be significantly reduced by advanced predictive optimal control strategies to improve the wave power output of the WECs in a range of sea states with state-of-the-art power electronic components and novel microgrid energy management systems (EMS). The EMS can significantly reduce the power conversion/distribution losses and use deep-learning-based algorithms to forecast the stochastic loads in varying weather and wave conditions. Moreover, the microgrid provides a reliable and secure source of electricity using distributed and remote EMS services. In this mid-stage project, we aim to systematically demonstrate the efficacies of the whole concept to pave the way for sea-trial testing validation at the final stage. The consortia will integrate all the key components into one hybrid system-level wave-to-wire (W2W) WPMG simulator to validate the functionalities of the microgrid efficiently and economically in various scenarios close to real sea conditions. The wave prediction will be enabled by the latest Radar-based technology to provide shutdown signals for detrimental waves and to increase the survivability of the WECs. We aim to increase the technology readiness level (TRL) of the proposed WPMG technologies to build up a stand-alone microgrid in the final stage. Overall, the project aims to provide inclusive community-based renewable energy (sensitive to gender equality and social inclusiveness) that addresses the lack of energy access in Thailand's remote and isolated islands and eventually in other SE Asia countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. The project consortia include key industrial players, including Aquatera, Hitachi Energy, Toshiba, EcoWavePower, and major universities QMUL, Manchester & Exeter, for successfully delivering the project objectives. Following our successful workshops in the early-stage project, we will hold further technical and training workshops for the technology transfer in the SE Asia region, especially for female professionals, to promote gender equality in the renewable energy sector.
Bitesize Energy Portable Productive Power for Enhanced Energy Access and Productivity
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Despite its potential, Malawi's Mini-grid market remains in its infancy, facing barriers to realising full impact. These include, most notably, accurately forecasting Average Revenue per User (ARPU) and Average Weekly Time of Power (AWTP) when assessing potential locations, and initial low energy demand during evening hours, increasing battery storage costs. Building upon existing hardware and software developed by CREATIVenergie during Energy Catalyst 7, our approach stimulates impactful community demand for energy by integrating portable small-scale productive applications into a rental model that incorporates pay-per-use battery swapping, simultaneously generating local data on ARPU and AWTP to support accurate load projection analysis and de-risk prospective minigrid investments. To sustain operations, we will employ a two-tier 'franchisor-franchisee' model. As franchisors, Challenges Catalyst will partner with local aspiring mini-grid developers (MGDs) to act as 'franchisees', procure hub equipment, manage branding and set quality standards. Franchisees will own and operate the pay per use battery swap and PUE model, collecting ARPU and AWTP data and acting not only as the frontline for customer interactions, but also as community advocates for present and future energy needs. Guided by Malawi's Integrated Energy Plan, we will target communities where minigrids have been identified as the preferred electrification option. As we expand, we will also target more remote off-grid communities, inclusively recruiting and training local franchisees. This project includes the following key work packages: * Hardware and software development involves updating electronics hardware design, software design, casing design, prototyping, and testing for battery rental and management. * During the demonstrator implementation phase, tasks include installation, manufacturing hardware for trials, deploying and commissioning hubs, commissioning portable productive loads, installing communication systems, conducting trials, and data collection. Ongoing operation, maintenance, and data collection are also part of this phase. * Commercial implementation involves conducting baseline community and energy needs assessments, establishing franchisee relationships with MGDs for franchised hubs, providing commercial and franchisee training, mentoring, community marketing, implementing the hub model, and monitoring and evaluating hub performance. * The project focuses on MGD and government engagement, including convening a stakeholder technical advisory board, assessing data needs, developing an MGD value proposition, and establishing a complementary go-to-market strategy. * Franchise model development activities include establishing a franchise structure and legal framework, designing the franchisor business and revenue model, codifying operations and quality systems, optimising franchisee training and support programs, developing a marketing and branding strategy. * The development of a comprehensive business and financial plan.
ACE DELIVERS: Distribution of Energy to the Last-Mile through an Inclusive Value-Chain Ensuring Responsible Services
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
African Clean Energy (ACE), in collaboration with The Challenges Group, seek to establish a scalable, decentralised and digitised distribution model for transitioning households from harmful charcoal usage to sustainable local fuel options. ACE has demonstrable demand for its sustainable briquettes, however, the existing method of ordering and delivering fuels through local agents becomes impractical and unsustainable as ACE expands its geographical market penetration. This project will demonstrate the advantages of developing an inclusive approach to reconfiguring and incentivising Uganda's current physical infrastructure -- including local retailers serving as satellite suppliers, and motorcycle riders -- to promote efficient and cost effective decentralised last-mile delivery. By then overlaying this infrastructure with a digital framework, the approach will enhance access to affordable sustainable cooking options. This will, in large part, be accomplished by further enhancing ACE's proprietary app, ACE Connect. The project's innovativeness revolves around the following three components: 1. Digital Technology: Inspired by companies like Jumia Foods, ACE will utilise digital technology to engage and incentivise decentralised distribution value chain players and drive the transition to sustainable energy. 2. Hybrid Finance Model: ACE will implement a hybrid finance model that utilizes measured carbon offset revenue and scalable digital systems. By utilising digital tools to measure, collect, and monetise impact data, the project aims to disrupt existing practices by introducing positive incentives and commercial operations that consider both the "ability to pay" of end consumers and the "willingness to pay" of Carbon Offset Buyers.This approach aims to alleviate the financial burden on the poorest households while ensuring their active engagement in the project. 3. Value Chain Replication: The project will ensure replication the innovative decentralised and digitised value chain approach in different contexts (including humanitarian, development and conservation) through partnerships with third parties. This strategy enables scalability and financial viability in multiple locations, promoting sustainable growth. Given 92% of energy consumed in Uganda comes from biomass, primarily charcoal, used for home cooking, this project is extremely timely. Uganda has experienced a significant loss in tree cover due to charcoal production, prompting recent executive orders to ban charcoal production in Northern Uganda. ACE's responsible approach to catalysing a just transition from the charcoal value chain will have a lasting impact on affordable, reliable and low carbon energy access in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Off-Grid Renewable Energy Production and Storage with Organic Rankine Cycle, Solar and Waste (RESORCS)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
According to the International Energy Agency, around four percent of the world electricity supply comes from solar electric cells. Solar energy is abundantly available in South Asia and in Sub Saharan Africa that is not harnessed nowhere near its full potential. The conventional technologies that harness solar energy are solar thermal and solar electric cells. Solar electric cells have a low conversion efficiency compared to solar heating cells and other thermal based energy conversion methods, for example an IC engine. Despite having a recycling efficiency of around 95%, recycling of solar electric cells is currently an expensive process. RESORCS project aims to design, construct and test an off-grid renewable energy production technology with a novel high output Rankine engine, local waste and solar energy harnessed with a concentrated solar collector. A concentrated solar collector can collect thermal energy efficiently and relatively cheaply. Collected thermal energy is used to propel a Rankine Cycle engine based rotary turbine generator to generate electricity. Thermal energy collected can be boosted using thermal energy produced with waste combustion and bio-gas generated using waste. This hybrid combination can produce high grade thermal energy that will also increase thermodynamic efficiency of the prime mover, in this case, the FeTu turbine. Thermal energy collected during day is stored in a thermal energy reservoir that can be regulated based on demand. Electricity generated can be used directly, fed to the grid or stored in a battery bank for night time use or during high demand. It can also be used to power sustainable clean transport systems such as electric cars. The system can be used either as a standalone application or a grid connected system. The system is suited for a cluster of households or a small-scale enterprise. In summary, the project aims to: design and optimise a concentrated solar collector system with environmentally friendly materials and technology for optimal efficiency; develop a thermal energy storage system and a Organic Rankine Cycle engine based turbine generator which is suitable for the concentrated solar collector system; design electricity generation and control system with the concentrated solar system Stirling engine generator with grid connectivity; design and integrate a waste combustion system to boost energy; prototype the combination system and test its performance in different modes of use; and investigate the design and impact of the system, pre and post design and construction
UNIQUE STEAM TO POWER GENERATOR SYSTEMS FOR DECENTRALISED THERMAL PLANTS AND SMALL WASTE INCINERATORS
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Nigeria and other ODA countries have limited and unreliable grid electricity supply which limits industrial growth and productivity. As a result of power intermittency and being offgrid, many industries are reliant on highly polluting costly diesel generators. Heliex Power manufactures a unique energy recovery technology based on twin-screw steam turbine, which is easy to retrofit, install and operate in industrial applications that produce waste heat. Saturated wet steam is common in these thermal processes, and industries benefit from a Heliex TST unit as its innovative expander technology is unique in working with saturated wet steam to generate power. Current version of Heliex has sold over 85 units across Europe, but requires reliable grid connectivity to operate, and so is unsuitable for ODA countries. The aim of this project is develop the electrical and control systems to allow offgrid/decentralised operation. Project developments include modifications to the electrical part of the unit, its control to the new system requirements, modifying steam components as identified during an engineering review, plus testing and certification of the equipment. The solution offers an alternative to replace or reduce the power generated from diesel generators by industry with clean power generated by the Heliex unit. This cost-effective solution will also make it affordable for industrial customers to run their factories, especially with the removal of government diesel subsidies in Nigeria. Long term, Heliex with our local distributor in Nigeria, and in other ODA countries will further promote the installation of our equipment in industry significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Cotton Footprint: transitioning the carbon intensive cotton and textiles industry to renewable infrastructure through a whole supply chain approach
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
A collaboration to deliver affordable energy solutions in rural Pakistan communities who are integral to the farming and production of global cotton supplies. The Affordable Clean Energy Farm (ACE-Farm) is a novel insetting scheme that aims to redistribute capital via investments by fashion brands, textiles manufacturers and clean cotton networks to reduce the impact of their own carbon consumption. This project will continue the work delivered by UK energy management company, Pilio, and Pakistan energy infrastructure company, SAMA^Verte, under an Energy Catalyst 8 funded feasibility study. Within this continuation project, we will demonstrate the economic model that aims to bring clean and affordable energy access to Pakistan's 10m cotton workers. Our focus is on creating a multiplier effect via a range of ecosystem services, including household energy access, productive energy on industrial cotton farms (ginners) and enabling micro-enterprises to offer energy services and create new markets. Within this project Pilio will develop our technology platform, that measures the investment brands make in terms of carbon reduction and affordable energy uptake, as well as economic terms including ROI. This project will be delivered in close working partnership with WWF Pakistan and global sustainability experts, Better Cotton.
SolarERA (Solar Electrification of Rural Areas)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The people of Thar Desert have little to no electricity access. Those that have access, use diesel polluting generators to produce this electricity, while fuel supply is unreliable and intermittent. The Thar is the most populous desert in the world, with approximately 16.6m people living there. Tharis are far behind the Pakistani average on economic skills. They rely predominantly on agriculture/livestock and "Thari crafts" (ornate embroidered/sewn garments such as quilts and cushions) to survive. The Thari women who make these crafts are extremely hardworking and talented, spirited and committed. Empowering women can change the destiny of Tharparkari people. However, the unavailability of electricity needed to power productivity enhancing stitching/sewing machines, means these women must make every stitch painstakingly by hand. As such, garment making is incredibly slow, laborious, and they are unable to leverage their skills to benefit their families and the wider village community. By the end of 2026, SolarERA systems will be ready to provide a unique electrification solution that will benefit these people by affording them access to off-grid electricity and in turn electric sewing/craft machines, and in doing so revolutionise their current economic situation. As a result, Thari-crafts can form the bedrock of the economic model that will provide microfinance institutions with the confidence to offer the initial investment to fund the SolarERA pico-grids. From this key initial electrification enabler, further downstream benefits can flow in relation to Health and Well-being, Education and Learning, Communication and Connectivity etc. Additionally, SolarERA will serve to preserve the age-old Thari crafts skills of these women, passed down by successive generations for centuries. The benefits to project partners are clear, major growth in jobs (25-UK, 125-PAK) and economic activity (£22.5million in revenues) by 2031. Kunwaa Foundation will be able to achieve its aim of improving the lives of the Thar people more easily and faster. SALATEEN will become a leader in the supply and installation of pico-grids across Pakistan and neighbouring countries. Zhyphen will see a significant boost in exports of critical technology for the enablement of low-cost off-grid solar solutions, enhancing it and Brunel-University-London's reputation as leaders in this area
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.
Li-Ion Battery Storage Circularity For Africa By Africa for Low-Carbon E-Mobility E-Agriculture and Minigrids
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Kampala, Uganda has the 17th worst air pollution in the world, with an abundance of motorcycles contributing with unregulated emissions. 75% of Ugandans are rural farmers, living off of subsistence farming with energy access rates below 10%. Meanwhile, the two-wheeled EV (2WEV) market is taking off in the region, poised to help reduce air pollution but introducing a looming e-waste problem caused when their lithium-ion batteries reach the end of their service life. Taken separately, these are problems. But together they represent an opportunity to turn e-waste into e-resources, increase energy access and agricultural productivity, and boost the uptake of clean energy solutions. To this end, Soleil Power and STI4D are implementing a project to build high-quality 2WEV batteries designed for efficient repurposing into affordable and scalable 2nd-life products for energy access customers. We want to get ahead of the curve by enabling a circular battery value chain right from the start. Li-Ion batteries have a long total life-span but they are removed from EV service once they are depleted to 80% of their original capacity. Thereafter, whilst they are no longer optimal for EV use, they still have very high potential value in stationary applications such as mini-grids and institutional ESS. To capture this value, STI4D and Soleil will also design affordable 2nd-life products that can be deployed off-grid or as backup-power. Soleil will build on existing partnerships to test these innovative products. E-mobility company Zembo, building 2WEVs and battery swapping/charging infrastructure, sees high value in procuring their batteries domestically as well as having a partner to offtake them after they have completed their service. E-Ag partner Regenerators, who are working to increase smallholder productivity through the introduction of an electric tractor will also pilot the EV battery. Soleil's experience shows that much of the cost associated with the repurposing of EV battery products depends on the complexity of disassembly, testing and rebuilding used battery-modules. The new designs will streamline and accelerate this process to reduce e-waste and facilitate circularity whilst increasing access to clean and affordable energy. A better understanding of the battery circular economy in East Africa is critical to finding optimal ways to incentivize commercial investment, so STI4D and Soleil will also use the project as a case study on which to conduct a value-chain analysis, developing and collecting data on sustainable business models including for combining energy access systems with battery-charging as anchor loads.
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.
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