Powering Potential in Clean Energy

Delivered by Engineers Without Borders UK and Energy Saving Trust, co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, the Efficiency for Access Design Challenge is a global, project‑based competition that supports university students to design affordable, energy‑efficient technologies for off‑ and weak‑grid communities. As the programme concluded its sixth year, Energy Saving Trust commissioned an independent evaluation to understand its impact, effectiveness and long‑term contribution to strengthening the clean energy workforce.

The evaluation found that the programme provided valuable hands‑on learning for students, strengthened their technical and professional skills, and helped many progress into clean energy careers. Across six years, the Challenge engaged 691 students from 42 universities in 18 countries, with 68% of surveyed alumni now working or studying in the clean energy sector, and 100% applying skills gained through the programme in their studies or employment.

The report also highlights wider benefits for participating universities, including increased use of project‑based learning and stronger links between academia, industry and local communities.