Groundbreaking projects funded to propel low-carbon energy transition

This interdisciplinary, challenge-led research initiative aims to enable a transformative transition to low-carbon energy systems in developing countries. Supported by the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund – a £1 billion commitment to research and development in clean energy technologies and business models – the projects, have each received a share of over £33 million, and will fostering equitable partnerships with in-country researchers.

Why this matters

Access to sustainable energy is a critical enabler of development, climate action, and equality. Millions in developing nations face energy inequality, which hampers socio-economic growth and exacerbates vulnerabilities to climate change. By supporting innovative, locally co-created solutions, these projects will:

• Advance progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
• Foster inclusive and sustainable energy access, ensuring no one is left behind.
• Enhance global knowledge exchange, connecting UK and international expertise to deliver lasting impact.

A collaborative approach

The Ayrton Challenge Programme promotes equitable partnerships between UK and in-country researchers to ensure projects are locally relevant and impactful. By networking with other initiatives under the wider Ayrton Fund, these projects aim to deliver scalable solutions to energy and climate challenges globally.

Frances Wood, UKRI International Director, said: “The Ayrton Challenge Programme demonstrates the power of research and innovation to address critical global challenges. These projects exemplify how equitable, interdisciplinary collaboration can unlock transformative solutions, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive energy future for all.”

Highlights of the funded projects

• Smart hydropower solutions (SMART-HS) (Lead UK research organisation (RO), University of Oxford): revolutionising clean hydropower generation in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to meet growing energy demand sustainably and equitably. 
• Sustainable, holistic and inclusive energy systems for well-being (SHINE) (Lead UK RO, University of Bristol): leveraging a well-being framework to design inclusive energy systems in The Gambia and Ghana, addressing socio-economic, environmental, and health challenges.
• Mainstreaming Gender equality and social inclusion for a just energy transition in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania (JustGESI) (Lead UK RO, University of Sheffield): advancing gender equality and social inclusion in the energy transitions of Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
• Circular microgrids: circular economy pathways for renewable microgrids in Africa (Lead UK RO, De Montfort University): deploying renewable microgrids in Africa using repurposed electronic waste to reduce costs and environmental impact.
• African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) (Lead UK RO, University of Nottingham): turning schools in Kenya into renewable energy hubs to foster community resilience and education.
• Innovative recycling of e-waste for critical metals and sustainable economy in Malaysia (iRECYCLE-Malaysia) (Lead UK RO, Queen’s University Belfast): innovating sustainable e-waste recycling to recover critical materials and boost Malaysia’s circular economy.
• REACH-PSM: resilient renewable energy access through community-driven holistic development in perovskite solar module manufacturing (Lead UK RO, Swansea University): Manufacturing advanced solar technologies in Africa to empower local communities and create sustainable energy solutions.
• Moving IMPACT: integrated means to power agriculture, clean cooking and transportation (Lead UK RO, Imperial College London) this project explores how solar mini-grids integrated with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure can meet agricultural and community energy needs in Sub-Saharan Africa, advancing sustainable energy access and local development.
• SMART-SIP+ - innovative approaches to downstream energy utilisation from solar irrigation pumps in Bangladesh (Lead UK RO, Birmingham City University) harnessing excess electricity from solar irrigation pumps to support clean energy transitions in rural Bangladesh, enabling sustainable agriculture, cold storage, and food processing while reducing emissions and post-harvest losses.
• Co-designing clean energy for rural Africa with service innovations and digital twins (CREDiT) (Lead UK RO: University of York): the project focuses on developing solar mini-grids in rural African communities (Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia). By leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies and participatory design, it aims to co-create sustainable Energy-as-a-Service business models while empowering communities, particularly women, through skills training, knowledge-sharing, and resources to manage and expand solar energy solutions.
• Super-efficient sustainable cooling solution for all applications (S2Cool) (Lead UK RO, Northumbria University): addressing energy-efficient cooling solutions to combat extreme heat in Pakistan.
• SCI-FI: sustainable cooling infrastructure for fisheries in Indonesia (Lead UK RO University of Birmingham): creating sustainable cooling infrastructure for fisheries in Indonesia to reduce food loss and boost livelihoods.
• Participation of Women in Renewable Energy (POWERE): inclusive Innovation with Floating Photovoltaics in Remote Island and Coastal Communities (Lead UK RO, University of Sussex): empowering women in Indonesia and beyond through innovative floating solar technologies for island and coastal communities.