UK Commits £88 million to boost clean energy access
The UK government said the investment will strengthen international partnerships, support innovation and create economic opportunities while helping countries transition to cleaner energy systems.
Since its launch in 2021, the Ayrton Fund has supported clean energy projects in more than 100 countries across Africa, Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
The United Kingdom has extended its Ayrton Fund to 2030 and announced an additional £88 million investment in its Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform to accelerate clean energy access in developing countries.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Ayrton Forum at London Climate Action Week, where government officials, investors, researchers and development partners gathered to discuss solutions for expanding affordable and sustainable energy.
The UK government said the investment will strengthen international partnerships, support innovation and create economic opportunities while helping countries transition to cleaner energy systems.
Since its launch in 2021, the Ayrton Fund has supported clean energy projects in more than 100 countries across Africa, Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking at the forum, Professor Sir John Edmunds, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said energy remains central to global development, climate action and economic security.
"The future of development is about bringing innovation and investment together and delivering smarter, more sustainable finance flows," he said.
"Ayrton exemplifies this by bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, governments, investors and multilateral institutions to move ideas from research into real-world solutions."
He noted that the Ayrton Fund demonstrates how international partnerships can turn research and innovation into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen resilience.
The programme supports innovations such as solar-powered irrigation systems, zero-emission generators, sustainable cold-chain technologies, smart grids and advanced energy storage solutions.
The announcement coincided with the publication of the UK's fourth International Climate Finance Strategy, which outlines plans to mobilise finance, strengthen resilience and accelerate access to clean and affordable energy worldwide.