The Digital Energy Challenge 2023 for Startups and Utilities is now accepting applications. In 2021, the Digital Energy Facility launched the Digital Energy Challenge for a four-year period, with an annual Call for Proposals.
The Challenge’s goal is to assist in the development of innovative solutions for energy access, renewable energy integration, and public utility performance improvement.
The three project call themes for 2023 are:
Universal power supply: Mini-grids and access. Mini-grid digital technologies to improve their effectiveness and influence: Energy management systems for the optimal use of clean and renewable energy; software and hardware technologies for the effective implementation of productive use assets; storage systems and algorithms reducing the use of fossil fuel generators; tools to facilitate interconnections with the main grid and other mini-grids; systems and algorithms for constructing nano grids; geospatial data analytics for power demand evaluation and/or credit risk assessment.
Sustainable grid management: Digital services and solutions that ensure the proper functioning of the power grid, with an emphasis on information availability and communication systems; streamlining power system grid operational management techniques; increased power availability and service quality.
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Power system resilience and decarbonization: Digital-based solutions that enable the creation of a greener and more reliable power infrastructure (covering generation systems as well as the grid): increased renewable capacity; grid stability and flexibility; end-user energy savings (Commercial & Industrial as well as households).
Benefits of the challenge
The Digital Energy Challenge will award 2 to 3 utility and technology/service provider collaboration projects, as well as 5 to 8 start-up ventures, each year.
A €1.8 million annual budget will enable grant-based funding, technical assistance, and strategic counselling. The following benefits are available to challenge winners:
Eligibility
The Call for Projects 2023 is aimed at projects situated in Africa and owned by:
This application is open to all African countries. The deadline for application is Monday, May 15, 2023.
For startups, click here to apply
For utilities, click here to apply
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