UK-backed project seeks to cut humanitarian energy costs, eyes Kenya expansion

A UK-backed renewable energy initiative is testing a model to help humanitarian agencies reduce electricity costs by replacing diesel generators with solar power and battery storage, with Kenya among the countries being considered for expansion.

The ZERO project, piloted with United Nations agencies in Chad, allows humanitarian organisations to access renewable electricity without the high upfront costs of purchasing, installing and maintaining energy systems.

The initiative is targeting energy cost reductions of at least 25%, while reducing emissions and easing the financial burden of running essential humanitarian facilities.

Under the energy-as-a-service model, agencies pay an agreed tariff for the electricity they consume, while the project provider finances, installs and operates the renewable energy systems.

The first installation is operating at a UN agency's country office in N'Djamena, Chad, where it is projected to reduce diesel generator running time by between 73 and 85 per cent.

A second site is under development, with the two installations expected to generate savings of approximately US$1 million over ten years.

The project comes as humanitarian agencies continue to rely on diesel generators to power offices, accommodation, water and sanitation facilities and other essential infrastructure.

According to the project organisers, humanitarian agencies spend more than US$100 million annually on generator fuel, exposing operations to fluctuating prices, supply chain disruptions and maintenance costs.

The ZERO initiative aims to redirect some of these resources towards frontline services, including healthcare, water provision and protection for vulnerable communities.

Lily Beadle, ZE-Gen Programme Director at the Carbon Trust, said the project was testing a model that could make renewable electricity more accessible to humanitarian organisations.

“Humanitarian agencies need reliable power to deliver water, healthcare, protection and other essential support, but many remain dependent on expensive diesel generators – costing millions of dollars in polluting fuel,” Beadle said.

She added that the initiative could help organisations access cleaner and more affordable electricity without taking on substantial initial costs.

ZE-Gen supported the first phase of the project through seed funding from the UK Government's Ayrton Fund via the Transforming Energy Access platform.

The initiative is now seeking additional funders and investment partners to expand the model to more humanitarian facilities and support other solutions aimed at replacing fossil-fuel generators.

Thomas Gottschalk, managing director and founder of the Access to Energy Institute (A2EI), said the model could also be applied beyond humanitarian operations to other organisations that depend on large fuel-powered generators.

The project combines solar panels, battery storage, smart metering and digital monitoring to improve energy management and track system performance.

A2EI finances, builds and operates the installations through local partners, while the Global Platform for Action supports engagement and partnerships with humanitarian and UN agencies.

Beyond reducing operating costs, ZERO is expected to generate evidence on the financial viability and performance of renewable energy systems in challenging operating environments.

The findings are intended to help humanitarian agencies, investors and funders assess opportunities for further investment and develop a pipeline of projects for potential deployment from early 2027.

Countries identified for possible expansion include Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Nigeria, although the project material does not confirm specific installation dates or approved sites in those countries.

The initiative is being highlighted ahead of the 2026 Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo, scheduled for October 27–29 in Kigali, Rwanda, where renewable energy access and investment in off-grid solutions will be among the issues under discussion.