Open Calls and Technology Accelerators

TEA supports a range of Open Calls that fund the research and development (R&D) of new clean energy technologies and business models with the potential for commercialisation and scale-up in developing countries. These R&D initiatives help identify and nurture a pipeline of innovative ideas and entrepreneurs entering the clean energy access sector. To date, TEA has supported 351 innovation projects through Open Calls, resulting in the R&D of 408 clean energy innovations

Engineers assembling ECOBODAA e-motocycle taxi with pay as you go system in Nairobi, Kenya
Engineers assembling ECOBODAA e-motocycle taxi with pay as you go system in Nairobi, Kenya
MOPO battery charging rental hub in Liberia

TEA supports technology accelerators that address critical performance and cost challenges in sectors that hinder the commercialisation and scale-up of clean energy innovations in developing countries. Focus areas include mini-grids, diesel generator replacement, and next-generation solar technologies.

Bringing power to people, one charge at a time

After developing a battery rental service that replaces fossil fuel with solar-generated power, MOPO received TEA support to validate its technology, and enter new markets. MOPO has now passed 28 million battery rentals across sub-Saharan Africa and raised more than £21 million in further investment.

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Reducing post-harvest losses for smallholder farmers through accessible cold storage

Solar-powered cold storage supports resilient food systems and limits post-harvest crop losses. With TEA funding, SokoFresh piloted a business model to bring these technologies straight to Kenya’s rural and often off-grid smallholder farmers, reducing spoilage to just 2%.

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Powering up the leading lights in Kenya’s renewables market

It was one of those experiences that I will never forget!” says Moses, the General Manager for East Africa at off-grid solar system provider SUNami Solar.

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Amplifying women’s voices through research to improve clean energy access solutions

Surveys and data collection across the TEA platform incorporate the perspectives of women who participate in, and benefit from, energy access initiatives and products.

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The catalytic impact of grant funding to stimulate wider investment

Securing sufficient finance for energy access projects in Africa has been a real challenge, but TEA partners are demonstrating how grant funding, coupled with commercialisation and incubation support can be a catalyst to stimulate wider investment.

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Maxing out mini-grids – more power to more people, for less

Mini-grids are anything but small-scale in the energy market – and their popularity looks set to surge. The TEA programme is helping unlock their powerful potential for customers and investors alike.

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Local women leading the way on clean energy innovation

Reduction in managed teams’ turnover, improved personnel performance, pay rises and promotions are just some of the benefits reported by the 85 clean energy companies whose middle management received training through the OGTi.

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