ZE-Gen (Zero Emissions Generators Initiative) and international NGO CLASP have announced the launch of the Global LEAP Solar Generator Competition, a major international challenge to accelerate the transition from polluting fossil fuel generators to sustainable solar-powered solutions.
Launching on 8 October 2025, the competition will award $100,000 in innovation prizes to showcase high-performing, efficient solar generators designed for communities and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The initiative will be supported by the VeraSol quality assurance framework, ensuring transparency, safety, and reliability through rigorous lab and user testing protocols. Winning and finalist products will also be featured in a comprehensive Buyer’s Guide, empowering policymakers, organizations, and consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Addressing a Global Energy Challenge
Globally, more than 82.6 million fossil fuel generators are in use today, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, noise, and unpredictable fuel costs. In contrast, solar-powered generators offer a cleaner, quieter, and more affordable energy alternative.
“The rapidly emerging market for solar-powered generators has huge commercial potential and offers a safer, more reliable solution than highly polluting fossil fuel generators,” said Lily Beadle, ZE-Gen Lead at the Carbon Trust. “Our new partnership with CLASP will develop quality assurance standards that protect customers and accelerate a just transition to renewable energy.”
CLASP’s Senior Director for Africa, Emmanuel Aziebor, added: “In emerging economies, solar-powered generators are a game changer. By testing and showcasing innovative products, we will ensure that clean, affordable generators become the default option for communities everywhere.”
About the Global LEAP Awards
The Global LEAP Awards, managed by CLASP through the Efficiency for Access Coalition, identify and promote the world’s most energy-efficient appliances for use in off-grid and weak-grid areas. The 2025 Solar Generator Competition represents the latest step in driving innovation and building market infrastructure for clean energy solutions.
About ZE-Gen
Launched at COP27, ZE-Gen (Zero Emissions Generators Initiative) is a global platform led by the Carbon Trust and Innovate UK, with the ambition to mobilize over £100 million to replace fossil fuel generators with renewable alternatives. ZE-Gen has already catalyzed £39.75 million in funding and supported more than 35 renewable energy projects across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
About CLASP
CLASP is the leading international NGO advancing the role of efficient appliances in fighting climate change and improving lives. With 25 years of global experience, CLASP partners with governments, industry leaders, and innovators to accelerate access to clean, reliable energy solutions.
Links
Global LEAP Solar Generator Competition – 2025
https://efficiencyforaccess.org/2025_solar_generators_competition/
ZE-Gen
CLASP Communications
🌐 www.clasp.ngo
About CLASP
CLASP is the leading global authority on efficient appliances’ role in fighting climate change and improving people’s lives. An international NGO with 25 years of expertise and offices on five continents, CLASP collaborates with policymakers, industry leaders, and other experts to create a more sustainable future for people and the planet. CLASP is dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing, interconnected crises: the climate emergency, poverty, inequality, and access to energy.
About VeraSol
VeraSol maintains the world’s most widely recognized quality assurance framework for pico-solar products and solar home system kits. Managed by CLASP, VeraSol has expanded its services to meet the industry’s growing need for quality assurance in off-grid appliances and productive use equipment. VeraSol aims to make safe, affordable, and durable off-grid products the default choice in the market by providing testing, product data sharing, and other support services.
About the Global LEAP Awards
The Global LEAP Awards is an international competition that identifies and promotes the world’s best, most energy-efficient appliances for use in off-grid and weak-grid areas. Managed by CLASP through the Efficiency for Access coalition, it is designed to drive innovation, build market infrastructure, and accelerate the adoption of high-quality, energy-efficient appliances in developing countries. Nominations for the Global LEAP Solar Generator Competition open on 8 October. See the competition website for details on eligibility and timelines.
About the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) Platform
TEA is the flagship Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) research and innovation platform supporting early-stage testing and scale-up of innovative technologies and business models that accelerate access to affordable, clean energy for poor households, enterprises, and social institutions in developing countries across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.
About the Ayrton Fund
The Ayrton Fund is a UK Government commitment on clean energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D), supporting the clean energy transition in developing countries and part of the broader £11.6bn of International Climate Finance (ICF) committed by the UK between 2021 and 2026. The Fund is focused on key thematic challenges aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action), including Zero Emissions Generators.
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