The Ashden Awards are seeking trailblazing, empowering initiatives, including from India – organisations working in clean energy innovation or on supporting off-grid farmers and indigenous local communities on restoring and protecting their territories. There are five awards open to organisations in low-income countries.
Winning innovation will tackle inequality as well as the causes and effects of global heating. More than 200 businesses, charities and public sector projects have been boosted by an Ashden Award since the prizes were launched in 2001.
Applications close on 8 March, with winners announced this autumn after a rigorous judging process. Entry is free, and winners receive a package of benefits, including up to £25,000 prize plus valuable long-term business and fundraising connections to support the organisations to expand in order to respond at speed to the climate crisis.
Four international awards will boost efforts to widen access to clean energy. In low-income countries, 43% of people lack access to electricity.
They include awards for organisations supporting smallholder farmers by energising agriculture, helping refugees and displaced people boost their incomes through clean energy, and giving people the skills and opportunities to enter the clean energy workforce.
A relatively new international award now in its third year, is for natural climate solutions.
