Technical Assistance Case Studies (1-5)
1. GEDSI for Next-Gen Solar Energy Research and Innovation
‘GEDSI for Next-Gen Solar Energy Research and Innovation’ presents a combination of strategies and steps led under DSS, by and for the TEA@SUNRISE – an international and interdisciplinary network of over 300 members from over 35 countries, including academic institutions and businesses – for identifying and delivering opportunities for next-generation photovoltaics (PV). The DSS engagement aimed to build awareness and capacity among solar energy researchers for adopting disability inclusion and innovation approaches through a combination of six interventions. This covers hosting online knowledge sessions, establishing baseline Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) data, and producing knowledge products. The collaboration with GDI Hub has overall enhanced the exposure and confidence of network members in discussing and exploring entry points for disability-inclusive energy research. The strategic set of foundational activities has also uncovered high-impact opportunities for the future.
2. Disability-Inclusive Clean Energy Product Testing
‘Disability-Inclusive Clean Energy Product Testing’ documents how AG Energies Company Ltd., a grantee under the TEA-funded Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO) programme, in partnership with Kyaro Assistive Technology, through the Disability Support Service (DSS), piloted a disability-inclusive testing, governance, and procurement system for electric three-wheelers in Tanzania. Grounded in global inclusive design principles and real-world testing, the initiative embedded lived experience, structured
methodologies, and advisory governance into the pre-procurement phase. The result is a replicable operating model that translates disability inclusion from intention into measurable design, procurement, and market outcomes, reducing risk, improving usability, and strengthening commercial viability.
3. Designing Inclusive Energy Innovation Network – What Works in Practice?
This case study captures early insights from eight innovation partnerships formed between actors from the clean energy and assistive technology sectors. Facilitated by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), the intervention drew on the networks, partnerships, and ecosystem-building approaches developed through AT2030, GDI Hub’s flagship programme funded by UK aid, and wider disability innovation initiatives to connect stakeholders who would not typically operate within the same innovation ecosystem. Designed as a structured innovation network, the intervention enabled collaboration across traditionally siloed sectors through targeted matchmaking, facilitated engagement, and exploratory partnership development. The findings highlight that innovation is often constrained not by a lack of solutions, but by the absence of enabling scaffolding, spanning connections, capital, awareness, and technical support. The partnerships demonstrate how intentional network design can unlock new pathways for embedding disability inclusion within clean energy systems while surfacing opportunities for innovation that neither sector may have identified independently.
4. Piloting a Roadmap for Disability-Inclusive Last Mile Clean Energy Distribution
‘Piloting a Roadmap for Disability-Inclusive Last Mile Clean Energy Distribution’ presents a series of interventions aimed at developing a scalable pathway for Ajat Agro-Allied Limited, Nigeria (hereafter referred to as ‘Ajat Solar Systems’) — a for-profit last mile distributor of solar solutions — to improve access to solar energy for people with disabilities. Ajat Solar Systems is a member of the Global Distributors Collective (GDC), a TEA-funded network of over 300 last mile distributors promoting products such as solar lights, clean cookstoves, and water filters across 60+ countries. Guided by an action plan co-developed with DSS, during this project Ajat Solar Solutions tested a range of ideas, including installing solar solutions at the premises of a disability organisation, partnering with an assistive technology enterprise, and creating an easy to understand product user manual. Through this work, GDI Hub has also prepared two adaptable tools for last mile clean energy distributors: 1) a guidance note, ‘Collaborating with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)’, and 2) a ‘Disability-Responsive Post Installation Impact Assessment (IA) Tool for Clean Energy Systems’. This collaboration has enabled Ajat Solar Systems to explore new avenues for business growth and social impact.
5. Disability-Inclusive Green Jobs: Opportunities and Challenges
Shortlist is an executive search agency and a workforce innovation lab, headquartered in Africa and building teams in over 20 countries. Through a TEA-funded programme, Shortlist connects African graduates with energy sector companies and to date has worked with over 70 employers and recruited 1,026 candidates. ‘Disability-Inclusive Green Jobs: Opportunities and Challenges’ presents a training and action planning project delivered by Shortlist through the TEA Disability Support Service (DSS) led by Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub. The project was designed to understand the barriers and entry points for disability-inclusive employment in the clean energy sector across Shortlist’s partner geography and advance
the disability-inclusive employment capacity of Shortlist and select partners.
Disability Inclusion and Innovation for Clean Energy Access: Embracing Co-Design and Collaboration
What happens when key stakeholders for inclusive clean energy access delivery, who have never met, are brought into the same room? That is exactly what we set out to explore in Nairobi through a workshop hosted by the Transforming Energy Access Disability Support Service (DSS).
In April 2026, the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform convened 40 members in Nairobi, Kenya, including people with disabilities, representatives from organisations of persons with disabilities n(OPDs), Transforming Energy Access partners, and disability innovators for a hands-on workshop titled ‘Co-Designing Disability-Inclusive Energy Access’. Designed and delivered by the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub, London, with Senses Hub, Nairobi, as the local engagement partner, a series of interactive sessions explored key needs, barriers, and opportunities to maximise the impact of the clean energy transition for people with disabilities.
Paving the Way for Disability-Inclusive Energy Access
Transforming Energy Access Platform’s (TEA) Disability Support Service: One year in review
Nearly a year ago, the Transforming Energy Access platform (TEA), supported through UK aid from the UK government and led by the Carbon Trust, developed the Disability Support Service (DSS) in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), to tackle these unique challenges. The DSS represents TEA’s commitment to addressing the needs and rights of people with disabilities, aligned with the UK FCDO’s Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy 2030 and broader inclusive climate transition goals.
TEA Disability Training
The TEA Disability Inclusion and Innovation for Energy Access training series provides TEA partners with knowledge on the unique barriers, needs, and opportunities for disability-inclusive energy access. It also offers practical guidance for delivering targeted disability inclusion strategies as part of their GEDSI actions.
Opportunities for Disability-inclusive Energy Access
Globally, 1 in 6 people experience disability (16%), 80% of whom live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Disability occurs when people with impairments lose the opportunity for equal participation in society because of social and environmental barriers. In the context of climate change, disability can be a cause and consequence of energy poverty, as households of people with disabilities in LMICs are commonly larger, poorer, and in rural areas, where they may require more heating or cooling.
This White Paper titled ‘Opportunities for Disability-inclusive Energy Access’ underscores the need for inclusive energy transition measures to prevent socio-economic exclusion and discrimination, particularly among people with disabilities. This also outlines opportunities for powering assistive technology with clean energy and creating accessible clean energy solutions across eight sectors, including 1) home appliances and information and communication technologies (ICTs); 2) built environment and cities; 3) transportation; 4) healthcare; 5) education; 6) green jobs; 7) humanitarian sector and reconstruction; and 8) energy infrastructure.
This will serve as a reference for energy access innovators, practitioners, and policymakers to identify potential entry points for their contribution to disability-inclusive energy transition.
Integrating Disability in Energy Transition GESI Strategies
Disability is diverse, encompassing physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities. Likewise, the experiences of people with disabilities—and the barriers they encounter when trying to access or benefit from material, financial, or social opportunities—vary greatly. Just as diverse are the ways in which these barriers can be removed. Hence, an explicit focus on disability is key to delivering an inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind.
This Briefing Note sets the context, rationale, and recommendations for strategically integrating disability inclusion and accessibility in energy transition, Gender Equality, and Social Inclusion (GESI) programming and delivery. Particularly, this frames a Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approach for the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform and partners and presents eleven recommendations for action.
