The winners of the 2024 Ashden Awards have been announced – seven organisations restoring nature and powering up clean, affordable energy.
Their achievements include bringing solar power and lower bills to older people in Barnsley, and electric vehicles to the streets of Kampala – as well as nurturing forests and rivers in Tanzania and the Lake District. Winners’ innovation has created or supported thousands of green jobs, many for marginalised groups including women and refugees.
Champions will be honoured in a ceremony at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London on 27 June. The event is part of London Climate Action Week. Champions will receive a grant of up to £25,000 and publicity, including connection to funders, investors and climate sector leaders.
Winners were chosen by panels of expert judges including academics, business leaders, investors and journalists. The Ashden Awards were launched in 2000 and honour innovators from the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Ashden CEO Dr Ashok Sinha said: “We’re at a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. In the UK, the winner of the UK’s general election will need to deliver far more ambitious climate policies than the governments that came before. Globally, our fields and forests are under attack – while efforts to create universal access to clean energy by 2030 look likely to fall short.
“But we should not – cannot – despair. The 2024 Ashden Awards prove that effective climate solutions can take root and thrive in every community, lowering emissions and changing lives. But only if these solutions are bold, inclusive, and laser-focused on local priorities.
“Our winners show what climate action is all about: stronger economies, fairer societies, brighter futures. We call on policymakers and funders to step up their support for these champions, and other climate trailblazers.”
The 2024 Ashden Award winners
Ashden Award for People’s Energy
A groundbreaking partnership bringing clean power and lower bills to South Yorkshire, with older people among those enjoying the benefits.
Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (UK), supported by Impax Asset Management
tepeo’s Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB®) is a plug-n-play replacement for existing fossil fuel boilers, that works with a hot water tank to deliver low carbon and low-cost home heating.
Ashden Award for Nature Based Solutions, supported by the Lund Trust
In the heart of the Lake District, this project from the RSPB and United Utilities is restoring a damaged landscape which in turn brings benefits for wildlife, water quality, and local communities.
Ashden Award for Powering Futures in Clean Energy, supported by Linkedin
Uganda’s GOGO Electric (formerly Bodawerk Ltd) contributes to the skilling and employability of managers, technicians and motorcycle operators in the Ugandan e-mobility sector.
Ashden Award for Energising Refugees and Displaced People, supported by the Linbury Trust, NextEnergy Foundation, Alan & Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund and the J.A.C Trust
Patapia, an organisation founded by refugees, helps displaced women in Uganda take out affordable loans to buy clean energy products. Smart tech and strong community links make Patapia’s work a success.
Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Nigeria’s Salpha Energy produces made-in-Africa solar home systems, and helps households and businesses switch on to clean power, by giving customers access to fair loans and finance.
Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Ujamaa Community Resource Team
Ujamaa Community Resource Team has helped 120 of Tanzania’s Indigenous communities establish and defend their land rights, and earn a sustainable living from their territory. 1.5million hectares have been protected so far.
