OX Global Limited - Enabling new energy infrastructure in underserved regions of Rwanda through the integration of zero-emission vehicle groundwork

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£4,345,845

Feb. 1, 2023

July 31, 2024

Despite the goal to achieve 100% energy access in Rwanda by 2024, the current access-rate is at 76% in urban communities and only 44% in rural regions (USAID,2022). The wiring of the energy distribution network in Rwanda is 16,000km long, of which 35% is covered by MV (medium voltage) lines and 65% by LV (low voltage) lines. Electricity connections for non-residential and industrial users (public, commercial centres, factories, hotels and offices) are prioritised because the marginal costs are relatively low in comparison to households in scattered, remote areas. Moreover, residential users consume a low amount of electricity, which reduces the incentive to target this group.

Currently, 80% of the Rwandan population lives in remote, rural areas. Therefore, it is difficult and expensive to connect them to the national grid. Furthermore, off-grid renewable containerised systems require an economy for the electricity to justify the investment. To overcome this clear unmet need of providing basic electricity services in rural communities, the consortium is developing a business-case that is profitable and scalable to the Rwandan population.

OX-Global Limited (OX) is an award-winning UK start-up automotive company founded by not-for-profit company, Global Vehicle Trust (GVT). In partnership with OX Rwanda Limited (OX-Rwanda) the consortium's mission is to deliver affordable transport in emerging markets, driving a self-reinforcing cycle of economic growth and social impact.

OX and OX-Rwanda fuse together experts in engineering, energy, and advanced manufacturing to build an infrastructure for Productive Use of Energy from Ox-Rwanda's depots and truck-bases, and will study how to make energy available to the general public in rural communities. In this Industrial Research project, development of the OX-truck, a unique zero-emissions-vehicle (ZEV) will not only disrupt the existing transport and logistics infrastructure for Rwandans requiring affordable transport for trading agricultural goods, but will also catalyse the start of energy distribution networks installed in rural areas previously deemed uneconomical.

This project is anticipated to deliver transformative effects for the consortium by opening new markets, generating revenues and team growth through partnerships with Farmer-Entrepreneurs, Small Trader SMEs, and Corporates by providing innovative solutions that will benefit emerging markets.