About EEG

The Applied Research Programme on Energy and Economic Growth (EEG) is a £13 million research programme running from 2016-2021 funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). EEG produces ground-breaking research on sector reforms, innovative technologies and practicable solutions to some of the most pressing energy-related challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Priority research areas include energy access, renewable energy, power system reliability and the efficiency and productivity of energy uses.

EEG engaged widely with policymakers and energy practitioners to understand the challenges they face, and how research can help overcome them. Government bodies from numerous low-income countries provided substantial support in defining the objectives of the EEG programme including the Ethiopia Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity; Sierra Leone Ministry of Energy; Nepal National Planning Commission, and Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

Resulting from 4 competitive calls for proposals, EEG has funded 25 projects across 12 countries, each valued between £200 - 400,000 for a total of nearly £9 million in research spending. Applicants were required to demonstrate engagement from local stakeholders and a plan to promote uptake of findings. Projects that included governments and industry practitioners as active participants were prioritised.