University of Nottingham Leads Project to Power Kenyan Schools with Renewable Energy

The University of Nottingham is at the forefront of a groundbreaking project to transform schools in Kenya into sustainable energy hubs. The African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) project, funded by the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, aims to provide reliable and affordable energy to underserved communities.

By leveraging renewable energy technologies, the project will empower schools to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on traditional, often unreliable, energy sources. This will not only improve the quality of education but also benefit the wider community.

The project team, led by Professor Lucelia Rodrigues, has worked closely with communities in Nairobi to develop a sustainable business model for these energy hubs. By integrating energy generation, storage, and distribution systems, the project aims to create resilient and self-sufficient communities.

The African SCENe project is part of the UK government’s broader commitment to supporting clean energy innovation and addressing global energy challenges. By investing in research and development, the UK government aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

“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.”
– Professor Lucelia Rodrigues, African SCENe project lead