Deadline: 31 July 2018
Applications are open for the Applied Research Programme on Energy and Economic Growth (EEG) with an aim to address pressing policy questions in low-income countries to help shift energy systems towards a more sustainable, efficient, reliable and equitable paradigm. EEG is a five-year programme, led by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and funded by the UK Department for International Development.
This call for research proposals focuses specifically on building a body of knowledge around large-scale electricity systems in Ethiopia.
EEG’s objective is to build a body of evidence around how power sector reforms, innovative technologies and practicable actions can enhance the economic impacts of large-scale electricity infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
This call for research proposals focuses specifically on building a body of knowledge around large-scale electricity systems in Ethiopia.
Priority Areas
- Energy reliability: Developing countries are plagued by chronic load shedding and blackouts that constrain economic productivity. EEG research will investigate the costs of poor reliability and unpick the challenge of keeping the lights on.
- Efficient and productive use of electricity: Investments in electricity supply often fail to drive growth due to a lack of productive equipment and uses. Inefficient use exacerbates supply constraints, local pollution and global climate change. EEG research will go beyond questions pertaining only to supply; it will also explore options to improve the efficiency and productivity of electricity consumption.
- Grid access: Nearly one billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia live without electricity in their homes, despite many living under or in close proximity to electricity grids. EEG research will examine the technological, economic and institutional challenges and opportunities in providing families and firms with electricity access for the first time.
- Renewable energy: Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia’s abundant river systems, bioenergy, sunshine and wind offer clean, domestic renewable and affordable sources of energy that, as of yet, remain largely untapped. EEG will explore options to use these resources across its focus countries.
Funding Information
A total budget of £1,500,000 has been allocated for this call, although EEG reserve the right to adjust this figure up or down depending on the quality and quantity of proposals received. They anticipate making between 6 and 8 grants. Two of these may be for a maximum amount of £400,000, the remainder are expected to be in the £100,000 – £200,000 range.
How to Apply
Applicants can submit their application via email at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit Energy and Economic Growth.