First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology. The First Solar Corporate Charitable Fund seeks to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. Priority is given to projects focusing on “green” education initiatives, access to clean energy and water in underserved areas, and furthering the development of innovative and sustainable technologies. Grant requests must be for projects or services that cost or exceed US$10 thousand. Requests under US$10 thousand should be directed to the First Solar local office nearest the grant seeker. Proposals are reviewed four times annually. The deadline dates for proposals are 01 February, 01 May, 01 August and 01 November. Link to donation guidelines
energy
French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs — Franco-Palestinian Cooperation Partnership Projects
The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) launches the new three-year call for projects (2019-2021) in support of decentralized cooperation partnership projects between French and Palestinian local authorities. The initiative aims at consolidating the partnerships in progress. All projects and actions located in the Palestinian Territories are eligible. Thematic areas include rural development, agriculture and food security; Water, sanitation and waste management; and renewable energy, among others. The MEAE provides at least €170 thousand per year. The call for projects is aimed at French and Palestinian local authorities (governorate, municipality, village council, local council, refugee camps). The deadline for submission of project proposals is 30 August 2020. Link to details
International Renewable Energy Agency — Youth Video Contest
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) announces a youth video contest focused on the theme ‘Renewable Energy in the Time of COVID-19: Youth Actions for Recovery.’ The winner will get a chance to participate at the IRENA Youth Forum (January 2021) and gain media exposure. Video submissions must address ideas on ‘Renewable Energy in times of COVID-19’ in 60 seconds or less. The competition is open to participants up 30 years old from all over the world. The submission deadline is 08 July 2020. Find all criteria here
UK Government — Energy Catalyst: Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
The Energy Catalyst competition seeks innovative, market-focused energy solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa and/or South Asia. Projects must encourage the development of products and services that help countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia access low carbon energy. Early stage projects (feasibility studies) may apply for up to £300 thousand, mid stage projects (industrial research) for up to £1.5 million, and late stage projects (experimental development) for up to £5 million. Eligibility extends to UK based businesses, charities or academic institutions. International partnerships are strongly encouraged. The application deadline is 16 September 2020. Energy Catalyst
Ben Gurion University of the Negev — Postdoctoral Desert Research in Israel 2021-22
Candidates who are interested in conducting postdoctoral research at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research in Israel are invited to apply for fellowships. Research topics include desert ecology, solar energy, environmental physics, architecture and urban planning, rainfed and irrigated agriculture, hydrology, aquaculture, environmental microbiology, desalination and water treatment, and biotechnology. The current value of the BCSC fellowship is US$25 thousand. Candidates should first select a topic of interest and identify a prospective supervisor. Applications are open worldwide. The application deadline is 03 March 2021. Find the Postdoctoral Fellowships
Geres – Women’s Entrepreneurship
Geres is an international development NGO which works to improve the living conditions of the poorest and tackle climate change and its impacts. Geres seeks to promote women’s entrepreneurship by scaling-up entrepreneurs and value chains involved in energy access in Mali, Morocco, and Myanmar. This call for expressions of interest is aimed at identifying up to four consultants (ideally three national consultants) to develop a country-based gender strategy sensitive to the specificities of each region. The budget to create a strategy is €30 thousand. Expressions of interest have to be submitted by 01 July 2020. Find the call document
The Spindle — Digital Innovations for Africa, Asia and Latin America
The Spindle seeks the 30 most inspiring Digital Innovations from all over the world and from all types of organizations who are working towards a sustainable, just and inclusive world. The digital innovation or technology should contribute to closer cooperation between organisations working on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The 30 selected participants have the chance to record a pitch video with a professional filmmaker and will present their product during the Partos Innovation Festival (October 2020) to potential partners and investors. Applications can be submitted until 10 July 2020. Note: This opportunity is “first-come, first-served!” (the first 100 applications will be taken into account). About
French Global Environment Facility — Sustainable Cooling and Air Conditioning
The French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) launches a new call for projects to support innovations for “Sustainable Cold Production and Air Conditioning” in developing countries. Proposed projects should focus the development of sustainable cooling or air conditioning technologies and approaches, for example, “natural” refrigerants, which are more energy efficient. Projects may be proposed in connection with the transfer of skills and technologies through capacity building programs. Eligibility extends to developing countries, with priority given to applicants from the African continent. Funding ranges from €500 thousand to €3 million per project. The deadline for the submission of project proposals is 16 October 2020. More information here
Copernicus Masters — Multi-Data Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Multi-Data Challenge, sponsored by Airbus Defense and Space and sobloo, seeks new services and/or applications that provide insight and have impact on areas like Natural Resources Consumption, Agriculture, Forestry, Maritime, Defense & Security and Smart Cities. The winner receives business development support, an Airbus Satellite data voucher for the OneAtlas Platform, and the opportunity to present their solution to potential business partners. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020. Find the Multi-Data Challenge
Moi University — Mobility for Innovative Renewable Energy Technologies
The Mobility for Innovative Renewable Energy Technologies (MIRET) project aims to build the capacity of graduate students needed to develop sustainable local solutions in the energy sector. MIRET invites qualified applicants to apply for scholarships to study at any of the five African Universities consortium: Moi University in Kenya, University of Zambia, Makerere University in Uganda, University of SFAX in Tunisia, and the University of BUEA in Cameroon. The scholarship covers fees, research activities, travel costs, and a monthly allowance. Applications have to be submitted by 15 July 2020. Click for details