Wednesday, 18 December 2024
A project from the University of Nottingham is one of thirteen UK research projects that will address urgent global energy and climate challenges through the Ayrton Challenge Programme.
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.
The African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) project, led by the University of Nottingham, proposes to turn schools within informal settlements into Community Energy Hubs. This will be achieved through innovative business models that make energy generation and storage technology accessible, fostering sustainable energy practices, enhancing local resilience, and empowering communities to take control of their energy production and consumption.
Over 800 million people live without electricity globally, 600 million in Africa. African SCENe was born from a desire to accelerate adequate, affordable, and reliable renewable energy within low-income suburban communities in sub-Saharan Africa, whilst enhancing nutrition, clean energy awareness and education.
The core team, led by Professor Lucelia Rodrigues from the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, spent 12 months in two major informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, working with communities to co-create a workable business model that is supported by informal schools and approved by the Kenyan Ministry of Education.
The team, in collaboration with Strathmore University in Kenya, will use the £3m Ayrton fund to test this through a 3-year 10-school pilot in Nairobi that will enable them to address social-economic viability and prove the business model.
I am delighted we have been awarded Ayrton Fund to put the results of our feasibility study into practice. African SCENe addresses 13 Sustainable Development Goals and has the potential to significantly improve lives not only in Kenya but also in low-income communities across the world.”
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.”
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More information is available from Professor Lucelia Rodrigues on lucelia.rodrigues@nottingham.ac.uk , or Faith Pring in the Press Office on faith.pring@nottingham.ac.uk
Faith Pring - Media Relations Manager
Email: faith.pring@nottingham.ac.uk
Phone: 0115 748 4411
Location: University of Nottingham, University Park
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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