The Ayrton Fund seeks to address a number of thematic challenges which target priorities and specific gaps in the science, technology and innovation of clean energy in different off-track sectors which are critical for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) and/or Sustainable Development Goal (SDG13).
These Ayrton Challenges are listed below. Each Ayrton Challenge is being addressed by at least one Ayrton Fund platform programme – and in many cases there are multiple Ayrton Fund platforms, programmes and projects which are contributing, through a range of different interventions, towards addressing that Challenge.
CLEAN HYDROGEN
Scaling zero carbon thermal gas production and uses, reducing remaining need for fossil fuels in hard to abate sectors.
CRITICAL MINERALS
Address critical minerals as a key enabler in clean energy transitions and the high political/commercial interest on supply chain sustainability for clean energy technologies.
CLEAN TRANSPORT
Support innovative clean transport solutions in developing countries by accelerating readiness for wide uptake (attractive, affordable, accessible options), as part of the global clean energy transition.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Improve the efficiency, performance, availability, and affordability of a range of appliances and productive equipment for some of the worlds’ poorest people.
ENERGY STORAGE
Create and commercialise innovative battery technologies and associated business models for generator displacement and mobility applications in developing countries and emerging economies.
INCLUSIVE ENERGY AND LEAVE NO-ONE BEHIND
Ensure that the benefits of the clean energy revolution reach the poorest and most marginalised (e.g., women, people with disabilities, refugees/IDPs, healthcare patients in unelectrified clinics).
INDUSTRIAL DECARBONISATION
Support industrial decarbonisation technology innovation in developing countries to accelerate the pilot-testing of innovative clean technologies towards commercialisation.
MODERN COOKING SERVICES
Unlock the transition from biomass to genuinely clean cooking, delivering major health and environmental benefits.
NEXT GENERATION SOLAR
Enable new, sustainable, locally-manufacturable solar PV supplies, reducing the emissions and transport costs of solar expansion.
SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS
Accelerate a series of related technologies which enable more efficient and effective network delivery of energy.
SUSTAINABLE COOLING FOR ALL
Help to meet growing global cooling demand in a warming world, in a sustainable way.
ZERO EMISSIONS GENERATORS