The ZE-Gen Technology Accelerator is a multi-stage funding competition, with up to £10.8 million in funding available to accelerate the development and commercialisation of renewable energy-based alternatives to fossil fuel generators in Nigeria and the Philippines.
The Accelerator aims to fast-track the innovations needed to effectively replace fossil-fuelled generators with renewable energy-based alternatives across a range of technology and business models and is divided into 3 phases:
Phase one: ‘Discover’
In the initial ‘Discover’ phase, a share of £2m is being awarded for project feasibility studies and consortium building over 10 months. To catalyse consortium building with in-country partners, a representative from the technology lead of each project will attend a funded in-person visit to Nigeria or the Philippines during this phase, to connect with local collaborators in their target region.
The second and third phases will be separate closed competitions, open only to projects funded in the previous phases, and subject to the progress of projects and availability of funding.
Feasibility of Thermophotovoltaic Zero-Emission Generators
Lead Organisation: AED ENERGY LTD
Partners:
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Wind, Thermal storage
AED ENERGY LTD is developing thermal batteries with integrated thermophotovoltaic cells, based on earth-abundant semiconductors to replace fossil-fuelled generators amd create renewable energy-powered rural microgrids in Nigeria.
This project aims to assess the feasibility of replacing fossil fuel generators in multiple applications, emitting zero emissions at the point of use and utilising solid-state heat to power cycles – offering a very low-cost energy storage solution. These batteries would provide charge from grid electricity, and when combined with dedicated renewable generation, would provide an integrated solution for clean, on-demand electricity supply.
Automatic Generator Replacement Trial
Lead Organisation: ALP TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Partners:
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Batteries (chemical storage), Grid back up, sensors
ALP TECHNOLOGIES LTD is developing a grid backup battery storage technology. This solution will provide energy infrastructure that is future-proofed, connected, intelligent, and capable of providing clean, reliable power in Nigeria.
The project aims to eliminate the requirement for diesel generators permanently and provide clean, reliable power at a much lower cost. This solution will relieve users from the burden of managing energy generation by providing them with the power they need at an affordable price.
Feasibility Studies for the Solar-Wind Hybrid Power System in Nigeria
Lead Organisation: ANFANI LTD
Partners: Sirius-X Energy
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Wind, Batteries (chemical storage)
ANFANI LTD in partnership with Sirius-X Energy is working to develop a combined renewable technology using vertical-axis wind turbines and solar panels to provide an uninterrupted power supply in Nigeria.
The project aims to revolutionise renewable energy and deliver a consistent and uninterrupted power supply, regardless of weather conditions. This project offers an innovative approach to renewable energy with a solar-wind hybrid system, with the potential to provide sustainable and reliable energy to currently underserved communities.
Solar Generator with Energy Storage, Cooking & Cooling
Lead Organisation: BOTANIC ENERGY LIMITED
Partners: University of Oxford
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage), Thermal storage
Botanic Energy Ltd and Oxford University have partnered to develop a clean energy alternative generator with multiple applications for affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity – using solar energy to power a combined energy storage, heater/cooler/ancillary power system (for lighting, fans, phones, devices, etc.) to replace fossil-fuelled generators in Nigeria.
The project aims to accelerate the development of a clean energy alternative generator to replace the fossil-fuelled generators with an affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity solution. This solution seeks to address the challenges of an unreliable power supply and the widespread use of petrol and diesel generators, to reduce harmful health and climate impacts on local communities and the environment.
Design of a solar-hydrogen production system in Central Visayas to provide fossil-free power and oxygen to a rural hospital facility
Lead Organisation: BPP CABLES LIMITED
Partners: Future Value Co Pty Ltd
Region: the Philippines
Technologies: Solar, Hydrogen, hydrogen storage
BPP-Renewables, in partnership with FutureValue, and Climate Foundation Inc. are working to develop a high-level design for solar-hydrogen storage, for the Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital, Talibon, Bohol in the Central Visayas, Philippines.
The project aims to strengthen climate resilience in response to climate related weather events, improving medical provisioning by replacing fossil fuel power with a hybrid energy system capable of short-term and long-term energy storage to deliver a reliable, uninterrupted electricity supply along with and clean water and oxygen for medical purposes.
Solar Battery Hub: A Safe, Secure, Sustainable and Affordable Alternative to Diesel Generators
Lead Organisation: CENTRE FOR ENERGY EQUALITY LTD
Partners: PAMAfrica Green Power Generation Company Ltd
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage)
Centre for Energy Equality Ltd. and PAMAFRICA Green Power Generation Company Ltd. are working together to develop solar-powered battery-swapping stations to replace small diesel and petrol generators in Nigeria.
The project will focus on four key use cases: SMEs (traders), agriculture (milling), health care, and schools. It will explore the feasibility and the impact of this solution compared to other electricity sources incorporating a cost-benefit analysis and battery technology assessments.
Enstorel-Bathal – mobile power for an island nation
Lead Organisation: DOUBLEMSC SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Partners:
Region: the Philippines
Technologies: Batteries (chemical storage)
DOUBLEMSC SOLUTIONS LIMITED will develop, ‘Enstorel’, a cleantech system that provides reliable access to renewable electricity in the Philippines. This solution is a safe and durable electricity collection, storage, and delivery device with numerous potential applications. It will be intelligently combined with grid outlets and/or renewable sources through a proprietary system controller.
This project aims to develop a clean energy system as an alternative to fossil fuel generators, offering noise-free and pollution-free electricity for areas with unreliable grid access, at a competitive cost. This technology can be combined with renewable sources, making it an attractive option for community projects in areas with unreliable grid connections.
SPARC- A Solar-Powered Mini-Grid Approach to Boost Agricultural Productivity and Rural Community livelihoods : Transforming Cassava Milling in Edondon and 5 neighboring communities
Lead Organisation: DPSUN LIMITED
Partners: Ceesolar Energy Ltd
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage)
The SPARC project, led by DPSUN LIMITED and Ceesolar Energy Ltd, aims to develop a solar-based mini-grid and propose viable business models with cost-effective tariffs and financial projections for the Edondon community in Nigeria.
This project aims to replace fossil-fuelled generators with a solar-based mini-grid, boosting productivity, increasing access to education and healthcare services, and reducing emissions. The initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of rural communities through sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
Hybrid Wind Solar Generator technology (WiST) in Nigeria
Lead Organisation: EJA-ICE LIMITED
Partners: Aston University, Kinder Energy Limited
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Wind, Batteries (chemical storage), Integrated wind/ solar PV/ battery unit
EJA-ICE LIMITED, Aston University, and KINDER ENERGY LIMITED are partnering to address the energy shortfall in Nigeria with hybrid-wind and solar-powered generators.
The project aims to provide an alternative to existing fossil-fuelled generators, supporting initiatives that mitigate the impacts of climate change and provide electricity where it’s needed most.
Project Solar Energy Port (SEP)
Lead Organisation: GAMMA MEON LTD
Partners: PAS Solar Nigeria Limited
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage)
The SEP (The Solar Energy Port) project developed by GAMMA MEON LTD in partnership with PAS Solar Nigeria Limited will introduce user-friendly and cost-effective energy solutions in Nigeria. This modular system design solution will begin with a single unit and scale up nearly infinitely in single-unit increments, allowing it to cater to a wide range of energy needs.
SEP offers a reliable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel generators at a competitive cost. Additionally, it incorporates IoT (Internet of Things) for remote monitoring and management, ensuring efficient energy usage and seamless payment processes. The project aims to transform the delivery and management of solar energy, allowing scalability and using standardised components to ensure cost-effectiveness and simplified maintenance. The project also promotes local manufacturing and job creation.
Magnetic Enhancement Technologies for Affordable Battery Storage (MET-ABS)
Lead Organisation: GAUSSION LTD
Partners:
Region: the Philippines
Technologies: Batteries (chemical storage)
Gaussion Ltd, is working to develop battery storage units with magnetic enhancement components, reducing the degradation of batteries and increasing the affordability for use-cases in the Philippines. The project will launch with a techno-economic feasibility assessment, which will generate product concepts ready for scale-up and deployment for real-world trials.
The project aims to improve the battery technologies that can offer an alternative to fossil fuel generators, improving the reliability and affordability of renewable battery alternatives. The project will enable Gaussion Ltd to explore the development of battery storage and meet with end-users to gain a deeper understanding of the application environment addressing real-world needs.
Repurposed Batteries for Zero Emission Generators in Nigeria (ReBatt-ZEGen)
Lead Organisation: HINCKLEY EWASTE RECYCLING UK LIMITED
Partners: Hinckley Ewaste Recycling, Ewaste Intel Collectors Limited
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage)
E-waste Intel Collector Ltd, Hinckley E-waste Recycling Nigeria, and Hinckley E-waste Recycling UK Ltd are working together to create a prototype of repurposed battery technology. This aims to reduce battery waste, provide cost savings, and offer the flexibility to expand into different markets.
The project consortium will target pollution challenges in the Telecom sector, particularly in areas where the grid is unreliable and diesel generators are commonly used. Nigeria’s shortage of recycling and repurposing opportunities is resulting in large amounts of e-waste. This technology aims to establish a circular model for energy storage through the repurposing of batteries.
MOPO+: A Novel Integrated Renewable Technology Solution to replace Fossil-Fuel Generators in Nigeria
Lead Organisation: MOBILE POWER LTD
Partners: Access to Energy Institute (A2EI)
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage)
Mobile Power and Access to Energy Institute (A2EI) have partnered to create ‘MOPO HUBS,’ an initiative aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuel generators by developing solar batteries.
This project seeks to shape the country’s energy future and improve local air quality by offering a more sustainable and clean energy solution. MOPO HUBS will be developed as an alternative to fossil fuel generators providing pay-per-use solar batteries for both homes and businesses.
Clean-PAT: Clean, Power and Transport for Farmers in Yola, Adamawa, Nigeria.
Lead Organisation: MOONLIGHT ENERGY LTD
Partners: Standard Microfinance Bank Limited, Newcastle University
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Batteries (chemical storage), AI
MOONLIGHT ENERGY LTD, Standard Microfinance Bank Limited, and Newcastle University have come together to develop portable swap battery stations for home use, electric motorcycles, and tricycles in Nigeria.
Clean-PAT aims to promote sustainable and efficient electricity and last-mile transport to address the high cost of petrol generators and range anxiety for electric motorcycles. The Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model aims to reduce CO2 emissions, demonstrate the suitability of battery swapping as a service for Nigerian farmers, and evidence the benefits of Pay-as-you-go systems.
Zero Emission Power Generation Using PCM Thermal Battery (ZeroEPowerGen)
Lead Organisation: PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL PRODUCTS LTD
Partners: University of Nottingham, Rubitec Limited
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Thermal storage
The ZeroEPowerGen project, led by PCM Products Ltd. in partnership with Rubitec Ltd and the University of Nottingham, is developing an innovative design that leverages solar energy to enhance the ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) power cycle with supercooled PCM (Phase Change Material) energy storage, for stable, continuous, and carbon emission-free power generation in Nigeria.
The project focuses on energy storage management tailored for domestic and small business applications, enhancing space efficiency and thermal efficiency to reduce emissions, promoting renewable energy adoption, and providing a reliable, low-maintenance power source for sustainable energy infrastructure development.
Mobile Solar Generator with Modular Battery Capsules for Affordable and Flexible Energy Use (MobACE)
Lead Organisation: SLEEKABYTE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Partners: Citibim Nigeria Limited
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage)
“MobACE,” – a collaborative initiative by Sleekabyte Technologies Limited and Citibim Nigeria Limited leverages solar energy to offer sustainable and flexible energy solutions in Nigeria. This solution features OMSG (Optimized Mobile Solar-Generator), ReBCEB (Rechargeable Battery Capsule Energy Banks), and MobACE Energy Management System (MobACE-EMS) to optimise energy generation, storage, and distribution.
This project aims to harness solar energy to displace fossil fuels, along with fostering community engagement and the commitment to a clean circular economy. MobACE represents a blend of cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility and strategic market insight, crucial for a shift towards successful renewable energy adoption in Nigeria’s future.
REPHIRE – Resilient Electricity for the Philippines through Intelligent Renewable Energy
Lead Organisation: SWANBARTON LIMITED
Partners: Light Of Hope PH Ventures Inc
Region: the Philippines
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage), AI
The REPHIRE project (Resilient Electricity for the Philippenes through Intelligent Renewable Energy), led by Swanbarton and Light of Hope Philippines, will work to develop the ‘Resilient Community Microgrid’ (RCM) to advance renewable energy and improve societal wellbeing in the Philippenes.
The project focuses on underserved or unserved communities, particularly during natural disasters, with the RCM targeted to replacing carbon-intensive network electricity and diesel generators to support crucial infrastructure like schools and hospitals with reliable, renewable energy and improve quality of life, social inclusion, job creation and economic opportunities.
Affordable energy storage solution using Battery Cells recovered from e-waste and SoH prognosis empowered by Digital Twins
Lead Organisation: THINKCLOCK LTD
Partners: Celloop Limited, Decibels Lab Private Limited
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Batteries (chemical storage)
THINKCLOCK LTD, Celloop Limited, and Decibels Lab Private Limited consortium aim to develop an innovative approach to address energy challenges in Nigeria, by repurposing retired battery cells from e-waste, specially sourced from electric vehicles.
The project aims to create circular economy integration, digital twin technology (real-time monitoring and prognostics of battery health), and a battery-as-a-service model. The project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility, efficiency, and market readiness of this energy storage solution as a sustainable, affordable, and market-driven response to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
AirBattery
Lead Organisation: TREE ASSOCIATES LTD
Partners:
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Solar, Compressed air storage
Tree Associates Ltd. is working to develop AirBattery – a sustainable alternative to diesel generators, utilising a Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system that converts stored compressed air into electricity providing, reliable power during peak hours or outages.
The project aims to assess the feasibility of integrating this technology into the existing energy infrastructure in Nigeria to offer a stable, renewable, and cost-effective energy solution, especially in areas with unreliable energy grids.
Smart Metering Adapted Renewable Technology Enabling Emission Elimination/Energy Reliability (SMART4ER)
Lead Organisation: WAVE INSIGHT LTD
Partners:
Region: Nigeria
Technologies: Batteries (chemical storage), AI, business model, metering, IoT
Wave Insight Ltd , is working to develop SMART4ER – an integrated smart-metered RET (Renewable Energy Technology) battery that manages the energy flow and supply in a multisource RET/grid energy system. This technology will balance the generation and consumption scales efficiently and cost-effectively, to reduce the reliance on fossil-fuel generators in Nigeria.
SMART4ER aims to validate the technical and commercial potential of providing residential and commercial consumers with energy usage data monitoring and access capability. Successful uptake of SMART4ER is projected to improve access to renewable energy, particularly solar, by facilitating innovative business models and collaboration between key stakeholders in the energy market, as well as reducing emissions.
Phase two: ‘Lift-off’
This phase will see a subset of innovators selected from the ‘Discover’ phase progress to focus on industrial research and product development to test innovations.
Phase three: ‘Flight’
The final ‘Flight’ phase will focus on experimental development, involving the demonstration and validation of innovations in either Nigeria or the Philippines.
Organisations interested in collaborating with the Technology Accelerator projects are invited to join the B2match networking portal: https://ze-gen-accelerator-collaboration-building.b2match.io
Interested parties are encouraged to reach out as ZE-Gen expands into new geographies and initiatives.
Please contact the ZE-Gen team via: ze-gen@carbontrust.com