CREDiT: Co-designing clean energy for rural Africa with service innovations and digital twins

March 24, 2025

CREDiT:Co-designing clean energy for rural Africa

Researchers at the University of York will lead a major project to provide clean solar energy to rural communities in Africa. CREDIT will deploy off-grid solar mini-grids in three key African communities: Mayungu Beach in Kilifi, Kenya; an agricultural village near Kasinthula, Malawi; and an agricultural college community in Chipembi, Zambia

By leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies and participatory design, the project aims to co-create sustainable Energy-as-a-Service business models. It also aims to empower communities, particularly women, through skills training, knowledge-sharing and resources to manage and expand solar energy solutions.

The project focuses on developing solar mini-grids in rural African communities (Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia). It is led by the University of York and includes SEI researcher Jon Ensor on the team.

It’s one of 13 UK research initiatives funded through the UKRI Ayrton Challenge Programme. The project will use the Equitable Technology Laboratory (ETL) participatory technology development approach to co-design novel business models and ‘digital twin’ technologies. The vision is to create an inclusive energy platform that overcomes market, innovation, and political barriers by integrating current socio-cultural practices and existing skill levels and leveraging data from digital platforms.