Rooftop power stations, rainforest defenders and refugee pioneers are in contention for this year’s Ashden Awards.
The annual awards boost outstanding, inclusive climate innovation in the UK and Global South. Innovation that creates a fairer and more sustainable future – a future where green businesses thrive, nature flourishes, and communities own and enjoy the benefits of climate action.
Ashden’s Head of Awards Dr Stephen Hall said: “We’re thrilled with this year’s Ashden Awards finalists. They’re brimming with epic climate ambition – ambition to slash global emissions and transform our world. They’re also pioneers of climate justice, building a world that’s fairer and greener. It’s no surprise to find these two qualities together: when it comes to climate action, they go hand-in-hand.
“Change happens faster when more people believe in it, back it, and enjoy the benefits. We’re really proud to celebrate these organisations, and urge investors, funders and policymakers to support them too.”
Solar Sisters and forest guardians: climate innovation for a fairer, greener world
Finalists for this year’s seven award categories are announced today (March 13). Award winners receive grants, global publicity and connection to funders, investors and partners. This year’s champions will be announced in a ceremony on Thurs June 27 at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, part of London Climate Action Week.
Possible winners include GOGO Electric (formerly known as Bodawerk Ltd) – revving up the electric motorcycle industry in Uganda – and Emergent Energy, lowering bills and emissions with solar microgrids for social housing.
Four award categories focus on the Global South, and three of these highlight pioneers widening access to clean energy. They include awards centred on skills and jobs, and energy access for refugees. A fourth Global South award celebrates organisations boosting sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous People, and other communities living in threatened natural habitats.
Three UK-focused categories highlight work creating natural defences to extreme weather, and clean energy innovation. All categories feature two finalists, apart from one – the Ashden Award for People’s Energy – for which five organisations are eligible.
The finalists have been selected with the help of panels of expert judges including academics, investors, civil society leaders and journalists. These panels will also decide the final winners.
See the full list of judges here.
Register your interest in ceremony tickets here
Ashden Awards 2024 finalists: Global South categories
Ashden Award for Energising Refugees and Displaced People, supported by the Linbury Trust and the J.A.C Trust
OffGridBox (Rwanda and Uganda)
The OffGridBox is an all-in-one solution that brings refugees safe drinking water, internet access, and clean power for their homes and businesses. Local woman can earn an income as Boxkeepers – helping the systems run smoothly.
Patapia (Uganda)
Patapia, an organisation founded by refugees, helps displaced women take out affordable loans to buy clean energy products. Smart tech and strong community links make Patapia’s work a success.
Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Ujamaa Community Resource Team (Tanzania)
UCRT has helped 120 Indigenous communities establish and defend their land rights, and earn a sustainable living from their territory. 1.5million hectares have been protected so far.
Tropical Forest and Rural Development (Cameroon)
TFRD fights poverty, and protects ecosystems and endangered species, for the benefit of local communities in rural Cameroon. The organisation supports eco-tourism as the path to a sustainable future.
Ashden Award for Powering Futures in Clean Energy, supported by Linkedin
GOGO Electric/Bodawerk (Uganda)
Local manufacturing company GOGO Electric (formerly Bodawerk Ltd) contributes to the skilling and employability of managers, technicians and motorcycle operators in the Ugandan e-mobility sector, fostering a green transition in the transport industry.
Solar Sister (Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania)
Solar Sister has supported more than 10,000 women entrepreneurs to launch businesses selling solar products – creating opportunities for them, and access to clean power in their communities.
Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Salpha (Nigeria)
Salpha produces made-in-Africa solar home systems, and helps households and businesses switch on to clean power, by giving customers access to fair loans and finance.
SunFi (Nigeria)
SunFi makes solar technology more affordable – with apps and services for consumers, solar companies, and the lenders that can fuel Nigeria’s clean energy revolution.
Ashden Awards 2024 finalists: UK categories
Ashden Award for Nature Based Solutions, supported by the Lund Trust
Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods (Leeds)
Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods in Leeds nurture a precious urban green space, working closely with diverse groups of local people. Their work lowers flood risks and boosts biodiversity, while bringing residents closer to nature.
Wild Haweswater (Cumbria)
In the heart of the Lake District, this project from the RSPB and United Utilities is breathing new life into trees, waterways and peatlands. Restoring a damaged landscape brings benefits for wildlife, water quality, and local communities.
Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (UK), supported by Impax Asset Management
Solar-powered microgrids for flats. Residents share the benefit of lower bills, while housing associations and others can lower their carbon impact for less.
tepeo’s Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB®) is a plug-n-play replacement for existing fossil fuel boilers, that works with a hot water tank to deliver low carbon and low-cost home heating.
Ashden Award for People’s Energy
Yorkshire North & East District of the Methodist Church
The Tea and PV project is giving dozens of Methodist churches – big and small, urban and rural – guidance and support to install rooftop solar. This inclusive project is also showing church communities the impact and potential of clean energy.
South East London Community Energy
SELCE installs clean energy technology in schools, leisure centres and other community buildings, lowering their bills and emissions. Money raised from energy generation support SELCE’s energy advice work, helping residents tackle fuel poverty.
Heating Swaffham Prior and Cambridgeshire County Council (Cambridgeshire)
A groundbreaking initiative to heat an entire village through a single hot water network. The scheme is a partnership between residents and Cambridgeshire County Council.
Power Station (London)
Power Station are turning a North East London street into a hub of community power generation using art, storytelling and public engagement to inspire similar action and innovation.
Energise Barnsley (South Yorkshire)
A groundbreaking partnership bringing clean power and lower bills to South Yorkshire, with older people among those enjoying the benefits.
The 2024 Ashden Awards will be held on the evening of Thurs 27 June at the Institute of Engineering and Technology during London Climate Action Week. Register here.
