The Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund plays an important role in propelling innovation in the off- and weak-grid appliance sector. We support innovators identified for funding, and help them develop affordable, energy efficient solutions that can help improve clean energy access in low- to middle-income countries.
To date, our R&D Fund has supported 38 organisations with over £5million in funding and facilitated a further £1.5million to 12 electric cooking projects.
What we do
Nurture innovation: Support innovators identified through funding calls, fostering the development of cutting-edge appliances for use in resource- constrained areas
Promote affordability, accessibility and efficiency: Support the creation of products that help improve clean energy access for underserved communities
Forge strategic collaboration: Forge strategic partnerships to supercharge R&D, fast-tracking innovation and market reach
Disseminate knowledge: Share insights and results from our R&D projects to highlight major advancements and help grow sector knowledge
Working together for innovation
Our success is driven by collaboration. We work closely with a wide range of partners across the energy access and off- and weak-grid appliance sectors. By combining our expertise, resources and networks, we’re helping to accelerate innovation and drive meaningful impact.
Managed by Energy Saving Trust, the Efficiency for Access R&D Fund is supported by UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform, and the IKEA Foundation.
Work with us
Want to collaborate with us and our grantees to improve clean energy access? Contact our team via EforAgrants@est.org.uk.
First launched in November 2018, we have run four calls for funding, supporting innovators in developing solutions across a range of technologies, sectors, and themes within our focus.
Agritech Call
Agritech Call
Launched in November 2023, the Agritech Call awarded 1.7million USD to 11 organisations developing clean energy agricultural technologies. These projects focus on post-harvest management, including harvesting, storage processing and transportation. They also aim to improve food systems in horticulture, dairy, fishing and livestock.
Field trials are underway in countries including Kenya, Tanzania, India and Uganda, working to reduce food loss and improve market access for smallholder farmers.
Launched in January 2020, the Enabling Technologies Call supported projects developing inclusive and interoperable solutions for off- and weak-grid areas.
20 organisations were awarded a total of £2.9million in funding for solar-powered appliance technology projects. These innovations aimed to level the playing field while addressing the climate emergency.
Launched in June 2019, the Cooling Call awarded £1.67million to 13 organisations developing innovative cooling technologies for off- and weak-grid settings.
The call focused on fans, refrigeration, and cold chain solutions, supporting projects that improve energy-efficient cooling for underserved communities.
Our very first Open Call was launched in November 2018, supporting innovative off- and weak-grid technologies to benefit end-users and promote social inclusion.
Eight projects were awarded over £1million, including six cooking appliance innovations that received £750,000 from the MECS programme.
