The 2015 cycle for this initiative was successfully completed with the selection of the 2015 winner of the $1 million grant for capacity development in the area of universal energy access. A total of 222 applications were received in 2015 from individuals, profit and non-profit organizations and partnerships. The 2016 cycle of the initiative has been started. The thme for the 2016 cycle is Energy for Sustainable Transport and the time period of Calls for Proposals started in April 2016.

The challenges are mainly related to reaching the best candidates with the most innovative ideas, programmes and projects.

A Capacity Development Seminar on “Ensuring Access to Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable and Modern Energy for All (SDG7)” was conducted in 2015. A second seminar is being planned for June 2016. The Seminars are follow-up activities of the 2015 UN-DESA Energy Grant and the second one is scheduled to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the UNECA from 30 June to 1 July 2016. Watch the video online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTP2mkG9XF4

The main beneficiary of the Energy Grant is the winner of the 2015 programme. Additionally, seminars and capacity development activities are being implemented with the top 20 applicants for the 2015 cycle. A publication was prepared summarising the best p 1. Providing electricity access to women during birth deliveries in poor isolated communities; 2. The winner is awarded $1 million to advance its innovative project and technology and to implement capacity development activities in developing countries. 3. Knowledge of successful projects of various scales, business models, and training tools for promoting sustainable energy development;