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A clean cooking project showed tangible health, economic and environmental benefits
Solar energy has emerged as a viable alternative to using firewood for cooking in Rwanda after a successful research project yielded positive results.
Conducted by Coventry University researchers in collaboration with the Rwandan Energy Group (REG) over seven months, the research measured energy use, air quality and cooking habits using more than 100 sensors.
The University said households significantly reduced firewood consumption, from 3.4kg per day to 0.86kg per day, while kitchen air quality improved by more than 70%, contributing to healthier living environments.
“Cooking times also reduced significantly, freeing up hours previously spent gathering wood or preparing meals. Community members of East Kayonza, an area where many experience energy challenges, reported profound lifestyle improvements.”
A resident told researchers: “I no longer run in fields looking for firewood. We eat on time and children go to school on time.”
Solar power as a positive change agent in Rwanda
The cookers are an alternative to the traditional firewood or charcoal stoves. Benefits include improved air quality in homes and reduced environmental impact through decreased deforestation and lower emissions, said Coventry University.
Around 30% of the world’s population lacks access to clean cooking facilities, while around 10% lack access to electricity, with both disproportionately affecting women and children.
“A Solar Energy Transitions (SET) project led by Dr Jonathan Nixon and Dr Alison Halford from Coventry University’s Research Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling aims to bridge these gaps by co-designing solar powered electronic cooking systems in collaboration with the local community.
We’ve seen how solar e-cooking not only transforms daily life but also builds resilience and hope for a more sustainable future
Working alongside industry and local energy experts Richard Mori from MeshPower, and Kabananiye Janvier and Habyarimana Cyprien from the Research and Development team at Rwanda Energy Group, the research team installed solar electronic cookers in 20 households.
Funded by Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst Round 9, the SET project enhanced community engagement through participatory workshops.
“This co-creation approach has not only fostered technological literacy but also amplified women’s roles as decision-makers in the design and development process, so the end product responded and reflected their specific needs and contexts,” said the University.
Project driving e-cooking policies
Findings from the project are already informing future e-cooking policies and product development, while data generated by the research is openly available for further exploration.
Assistant Professor Alison Halford, Co-Investigator, Research Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling said: “Our findings demonstrate the tangible health, economic and environmental benefits that solar e-cooking can bring. This project shows the potential of clean cooking solutions to improve lives in even the most remote communities.”
Dr Jonathan Nixon, Principal Investigator, Associate Director for Research and Engagement, added: “This project highlights how community-driven innovation can address global challenges like energy inequality and indoor air pollution.
“By working together with local households in East Kayonza, we’ve seen how solar e-cooking not only transforms daily life but also builds resilience and hope for a more sustainable future.” |
