“The press exposure we have received from the awards has been incredible. Our website traffic has jumped up substantially and we have had visitors from across the world. We have had a massive surge in distributer inquiries, and almost all of them heard about us through our interviews with the BBC.”
Ned Tozun, D.light Design, 2010 Gold Award winner

Applications for the 2012 International awards are now closed. Applications for the 2013 Awards open on 1 June 2012.

Past Ashden Award international winners showcase how access to local sustainable energy improves people’s lives and cuts greenhouse gas emissions.

Our international winners are inspirational and innovative local sustainable energy schemes from Asia (including China), Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean that reduce carbon emissions and provide significant social and economic benefits to local communities.

Businesses, not-for-profits, NGOs and social enterprises are all eligible to apply.

What we look for

• Organisations delivering end user or carbon finance that benefit the poor.
• Manufacturers of new products providing renewable electricity or clean cooking for low income customers:
• Off-grid and grid-connected renewable electricity schemes bringing significant local benefits.
• The production of renewable fuel for heat or electricity generation.
• Sustainable energy schemes or enterprises that demonstrably reduce deforestation through their work.

Past international winners include fuel-efficient stove programmes; businesses selling solar home systems and lanterns; biogas schemes to replace fuel wood for heating and cooking; businesses producing biomass pellet from crop waste; and micro-hydro schemes. The 2011 Award winners were announced at our Awards Ceremony on 16 June 2011. Read about them here.

“The Ashden Awards of 2005 and 2007, propelled SELCO INDIA to a different league. How can we every forget that! The partnership with Ashden is one that I and many others in SELCO cherish the most!”
Harish Hande, SELCO Solar Ltd, India

The benefits of winning an Ashden Award

Entry is free, and up to six winners will receive £20,000 each in prize money, with one winner receiving a gold award of £40,000. The 2012 awards will be presented at a VIP ceremony in London in May 2012.

The Ashden Awards are unique: in addition to cash prizes and the kudos of winning a prestigious Award, winners get a broadcast-quality film about their work, media exposure and wider recognition. A substantial post-award business support package helps them to develop their work and reach scale through professional mentoring and training, as well as introductions to grant, carbon and investment financers.