Renewable World is a UK-based charity that tackles global poverty using clean, affordable and sustainable energy as a catalyst for change. The charity specialises in increasing access to inclusive, community-owned renewable energy systems. They are also committed to putting in place climate-adaptation and mitigation plans that support lasting transformation for the poorest.
Renewable World was awarded our Organisational Grant in 2019. The grant funding provides £30k a year for three years, and can be used for any projects or initiatives that the organisation feels will most benefit.
To date, Renewable World has brought access to renewable energy to some 40,000 people across countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Their current programmes in Nepal and Kenya focus on expanding access to basic services such as energy, water and sanitation, climate-smart agriculture, clean cooking and energy-enabled health care. Over the next two years, the organisation expects to reach a further 60,000 people in these countries with life-changing, renewable-energy inspired initiatives.
An overview of Renewable World’s work in Nepal
Renewable World’s work in Nepal focuses on helping hard-to-reach hill-top communities in the poorest areas of the mid-western region of the country to access a range of renewable energy technologies. This includes solar water pumping, solar agro-processing, biogas systems, improved cook-stoves and solar energy for remote health posts. The organisation has also recently piloted solar powered Early Warning Systems for flood and earthquake warning.
The provision of these basic utilities means that people not only have access to clean water and energy for daily needs such as drinking, cooking and sanitation, but also have increased opportunities for work within their communities, rather than needing to travel to other parts of or even outside the country.
Installing clean water to a community in Naram Gaun
To make energy provision as sustainable as possible, Renewable World first ensure that their support is driven by demand – rather than selecting areas to give assistance to, they invite communities to express an interest in a project. Once a community decides to get involved with a project, they are given partial funding towards the technology, and the charity then assist the community to raise further funding directly through their own work or through grants available from local government. This ensures the community fully owns the technology and is invested in its future.
Solar power brings water supply to the community of Dhanigrad
In addition to launching four major new projects in Nepal during the pandemic, Renewable World has adapted existing projects to ensure communities have access to basic requirements for the prevention of the coronavirus. This includes setting up hand washing stations and distributing hand sanitiser and masks to enable safer work environments. The charity has a long-term goal to support those who have been impacted by the pandemic, specifically people who have lost their jobs and desperately need to earn an income. Renewable World aims to help communities to create new opportunities and learn new skills, with a focus on agriculture.
We’re proud to have supported Renewable World in their important work and look forward to continuing to support them over the next two years.