The network for a clean energy transition is alive because of you

What began with eight pioneering universities co-creating innovative master’s programmes in renewable energy has grown into a powerful network of more than 30 partner universities focused on energy access. Watching these connections multiply – building cohesion across institutions, researchers, and countries – has been remarkable. As the current phase of our project draws to a close, the future of the TEA-LP network will be shaped by you, our partners, and the collective momentum we have built together.

We have already seen this in action, beyond direct TEA-LP support, partners are joining forces to secure funding, collaborating on lecture series and events, and exchanging knowledge and skills across borders. Together, we hold an extraordinary depth of expertise in renewable energy, while also sharing many of the same development challenges in our home countries. This places us in a unique position to strengthen one another and forge new pathways towards sustainable and inclusive energy access for the future.

One shining example (of several!) began at the TEA-LP uptake workshop in Nairobi in 2023 where 6 African-based energy professors started conversations about a collaboration. This initial meeting led to their winning a €1,447,580 EU Grant for an ambitious cross-regional initiative: The Sustainable Energy & Materials, Energy Policy, Climate Change, Energy Economics and Environment (SMECC2E) Intra-Africa Mobility Project. Delivered by a consortium of seven (7) Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) and coordinated by the University of Nigeria. The other members of the consortium are University of Cape Coast, Ghana, University of Rwanda, Moi University Kenya, University of Sierra Leone, Lupane State University in Zimbabwe) and the University of West Attica, Greece.

SMECC2E aims to enhance Africa’s economic, social, and human development by improving the skills and competencies of MSc and PhD students, trainees, and university staff (academic, technical, and administrative) in Clean Energy Transition and Climate Change-related areas.

“We are really grateful for the TEA-LP initiative and the programme sponsors. TEA-LP has become a launch pad for us to deepen our collaborative network, and make more impact in the Clean Energy Transition and Climate Change sectors in Africa. We hope our story would motivate other members of the TEA-LP network to seek more opportunities for collaboration.” – Engr. Dr. Patrick Udeme-obong Akpan, University of Nigeria.

Similarly, TEA-LP partners Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and the University of Sierra Leone (USL), together with additional partners from Europe, the UK, and Morocco, secured an EU Horizon grant of EUR 4,998,475.00 for the project: Climate Justice and Equity in Scenario Assessments and Policy Actions (CLIMEQUITY). This project aims to ensure that climate policies are not only effective in reducing emissions but are also fair and equitable for the communities most affected by climate change.

“Our collaboration developed through TEA-LP’s networking activities, workshops, and research exchanges, where we discovered complementary expertise and a shared interest in developing climate solutions that are relevant to both developed and developing countries. TEA-LP created an environment where researchers could move beyond individual collaborations and begin building long-term partnerships based on mutual trust, shared values, and complementary strengths.” – Prof. Ir. Dr. Nofri Yenita Dahlan, UiTM

Partners Dr. Misbahu Ladan Mohammed (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto [UDUSOK] -Nigeria) and Dr. Mohd Najib Hussain (Universiti Teknologi MARA – Malaysia) also leveraged the TEA-LP network through an international collaborative lecture. Dr. Misbahu Ladan Mohammed had great success in the roll out of TEA-LP’s “Local Solution for Energy Access” course. As such, Dr. Mohd Najib Hussain reached out with the suggestion of collaborating for a lecture that delved into the course’s sub-unit on distributed energy systems. This is a fantastic example of the power of knowledge sharing and tapping into the experience that already exists within the TEA-LP network. Students were exposed to innovative, forward-thinking ideas to stimulate their minds and apply some of this knowledge to their own local contexts.

“The above examples show that the TEA-LP is much more than the sum of its parts. The network is alive because of you, and the above collaborations are testament to the commitment and passion of everybody within the network. It is my greatest wish for the TEA LP to continue to thrive, led by the local needs identified by our partners, and driven in true partnership with others.” – Jiska de Groot

We truly have been thrilled to see our partners work together in this way. These examples demonstrate that the depth of knowledge, skill and capacity in the TEA-LP network truly is powerful. The network is established; it is up to you to stay connected – to share, collaborate, engage and drive the clean energy transition.