Nottingham University Project to Turn Kenyan Schools Into Renewable Energy Hubs 

This interdisciplinary, challenge-led research initiative aims to stimulate 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.

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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.

Prof Lucelia Rodrigues, project lead, said: “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.

 “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,” said Frances Wood, UKRI International Director.

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