Wednesday, 18 December 2024
A project from the 糖心原创 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 糖心原创, 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.鈥�
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
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.