Christopher Hailstone, a leading expert in energy management and renewable energy, joins us today to delve into the nuances of sustainable energy solutions. His insights are invaluable, considering his extensive experience in electricity delivery and grid reliability, especially in the context of green investment. As challenges and innovations continue to evolve, Hailstone’s contributions help illuminate pathways to a more sustainable future.
Can you tell us about your experience visiting schools in Nairobi in early 2000 and how it influenced your decision to set up the Ashden Awards?
Visiting schools in Nairobi was a transformative experience. The stark contrast between the two school kitchens—one enveloped in smoke from three-stone fires and another with a clean, efficient stove—was striking. It highlighted the profound impact that clean technologies can have on health, finances, and overall wellbeing. Seeing firsthand the transformation that could be achieved inspired me to establish the Ashden Awards. I wanted to recognize and support entrepreneurs who were using clean technologies to leapfrog traditional fossil fuels, mirroring the way mobile phones surpassed landlines in Africa.
What was the state of the cooking facilities in those schools, and how did the introduction of clean cookstoves make a difference?
The difference was night and day. In the first school, women were in a soot-filled kitchen, suffering from health issues due to constant smoke exposure, and the financial burden of fuel cost was overwhelming. The introduction of clean cookstoves drastically changed the situation at the second school. It reduced health risks, cut fuel expenses in half, and made the kitchen a much safer and healthier environment. This change allowed for better resource allocation, ultimately benefiting both students and staff.
How did your visit to BURN’s factory in January affirm or change your perspective on clean energy solutions?
Visiting BURN’s factory was both affirming and enlightening. Seeing how far they’ve come since winning the Ashden Award in 2015 reminded me of the power of entrepreneurship and innovation in the clean energy sector. The advancements they’ve made, from running ethanol and electric induction stoves to incorporating pay-as-you-cook technology, reinforced the potential for clean energy solutions to scale and address financial barriers. It reaffirmed the importance of continued support and investment in such initiatives to sustain their growth.
Can you share the growth story of BURN from its early days as a winner of the Ashden Award to its current operations?
BURN’s growth has been remarkable. When they won the Ashden Award, they had sold 62,000 cookstoves and employed 60 people. Today, they employ 3,500 individuals, selling five million stoves annually across sub-Saharan Africa. This incredible expansion underscores their commitment to innovation and market responsiveness. By diversifying their products to include ethanol, LPG, and electric options, BURN addresses varying needs and preferences, proving that clean energy solutions can be both scalable and sustainable.
How do BURN’s innovations, such as pay-as-you-cook technology and the use of carbon credits, aim to make electric cooking more accessible?
BURN’s pay-as-you-cook technology effectively tackles the affordability issue that comes with electric cooking. This model allows users to pay for their electricity usage incrementally, rather than facing a large upfront cost, making it much more accessible. The use of carbon credits further subsidizes costs, lowering the financial barrier for users. These innovations are crucial in expanding accessibility, ensuring that clean cooking options aren’t just sustainable but also economically viable.
What other companies have been supported by Ashden Awards, and can you provide examples of their impact within their communities?
SELCO, a former Ashden Award winner in India, is a great example. They began by providing solar home systems to off-grid households, and today they empower a range of businesses with solar energy—from irrigation solutions for farmers to powering health clinics. These enterprises not only bring clean energy to communities but also foster economic growth, improving livelihoods and health outcomes. Their impact reverberates through communal development and sustainability.
What are some of the challenges faced by former Ashden Award winners in securing finance for expansion, and why have some struggled or pivoted?
Securing finance remains a major hurdle. Despite the initial success, many award winners face difficulties expanding due to weak policies and insufficient financial support. Some have had to pivot their focus to wealthier client bases, while others have unfortunately folded. It boils down to the persistent gap between innovation potential and available financial backing, compounded by policy limitations.
How are the challenges faced by clean energy enterprises in the Global South similar to those in the UK?
In both regions, weak policies and lack of financing are significant issues. Enterprises in the UK, similar to their Global South counterparts, struggle with securing the necessary funds for growth and implementation. This is exacerbated by inconsistent governmental support and financial frameworks, which hinder progress and expansion, echoing the broader global challenge within the sustainable energy sector.
What systemic changes has Ashden sought to influence in the UK and Kenya, and what are some specific initiatives or programs involved?
Ashden has been pivotal in promoting systemic change through various programs. In the UK, efforts are focused on increasing energy efficiency in public buildings and supporting community renewable energy schemes. The Let’s Go Zero program in schools aims to unlock financing models for energy retrofits. In Kenya, the Power Up program collaborates with the government to enhance finance and policy efforts for broader sustainable energy access, demonstrating our commitment to impactful change.
How does the Let’s Go Zero campaign work with UK schools, and what goals does it aim to achieve?
The Let’s Go Zero campaign is instrumental in advancing sustainability within schools by partnering with entities like the Green Finance Institute to develop financing solutions for retrofits. Our goal is to empower over 6,000 schools to dramatically reduce their carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, and ultimately foster an environmentally conscious generation that can drive future systemic changes.
What role does innovative finance play in expanding the clean energy sector, and what examples of successful models can you share?
Innovative finance is crucial for expansion. One successful model is the Spark+ fund, which blends various financing types to support growth in clean cooking enterprises. By integrating public, philanthropic, and private capital, this approach ensures that companies can scale effectively, balancing commercial viability with social impact. It’s a blueprint for how finance can drive sustainable and scalable solutions.
How does the Spark+ clean cookstove fund combine different types of finance to scale clean cooking enterprises?
The Spark+ fund mixes concessional public finance with philanthropic and commercial investments to provide a holistic funding framework. This blend encourages scale by supporting enterprises to overcome initial financial hurdles while maintaining commercial sustainability. It’s a strategic approach that allows businesses to expand access to clean cooking technologies, ensuring their operations remain viable and impactful.
What lessons can be drawn from successful initiatives like GAVI in applying integrated finance and policies to the clean energy sector?
GAVI’s model demonstrates how integrated finance and careful policy application can achieve monumental results—in their case, vaccinating a billion children. This success shows the necessity of aligning financial efforts with strategic policies, protecting against health crises or energy deficits. Applying similar principles to clean energy, we can ensure that financial and policy structures are in place to scale solutions globally.
In what ways do you believe political will and consistent policies are crucial for embedding clean energy solutions globally?
Political will is the bedrock of sustainability efforts. Consistent, forward-thinking policies encourage investment and innovation, embedding clean energy solutions across sectors. When governments prioritize these policies, they create an environment ripe for development and expansion, reducing the economic disparities and environmental challenges that currently prevail.
What risks do we face if urgent action is not taken to ensure access to clean energy, and how does this relate to global inequality and climate goals?
If action isn’t expedited, we risk exacerbating global inequality, as billions remain without access to clean cookstoves or electricity. This gap hinders economic opportunities and directly impacts climate goals, obstructing efforts to reduce emissions and tackle climate change comprehensively. Urgent, ambitious action is vital to ensure equitable, sustainable growth and address these critical issues.
As Ashden approaches its 25th anniversary, what reflections do you have on its achievements and future aspirations?
Reflecting on Ashden’s journey, I’m proud of the strides we’ve made in supporting innovative enterprises. We’ve raised awareness, secured funding, and influenced policy. Looking forward, our aspirations are to further amplify our impact—working with more communities and governments, while fostering leadership from funders and policymakers. The aim is to continue championing sustainable change and ensuring a greener future for everyone.
