Ener-G-Africa (EGA), who helps to tackle the challenges of climate change and improve the lives of people in Africa through its research and development of sustainable energy products, has joined forces with carbon finance partner C-QUEST CAPITAL (CQC) to launch an ambitious clean cooking project for 12 000 households in informal settlements in and around Hermanus.
Pending carbon project accreditation, this groundbreaking initiative aims to provide households who have limited or no electricity, access to clean and affordable cooking solutions, fostering healthier living conditions, reducing unemployment, and improving sustainable energy practices.
At the heart of the project lies the supply and implementation of EGA’s cutting-edge advanced biomass cook stoves. These stoves are set to transform cooking habits, reduce health risks, and contribute to a cleaner environment by replacing cooking on an open fire or other traditional methods, that often rely on polluting fuels like gas and paraffin.
“We believe that access to clean cooking is a fundamental right,” said Louise Williamson, the project and implementation manager at EGA with over two decades of community engagement experience. “Through this project, we are not only providing practical solutions but also improving local employment and fostering environmental sustainability.”
The project, currently in its design phase, is centred around partnership, community engagement, and a thorough needs assessment. EGA’s approach involves understanding the unique requirements of each community to tailor the most suitable solution. Initially, a small trial was conducted in the Hawston informal settlement in collaboration with the Overstrand Municipality and set a strong precedent for this holistic methodology.
This trial is now being increased to a further 200 households in other nearby communities, like Stanford for example, to ensure a more representative result. The trial will be with three types of stoves, the TLC Rocket Stove, the Mafecs and the Single Baldwin. EGA wants to ensure that the chosen product is contextually suited to the communities’ cooking needs/practices.
Cooking Up Sustainable Change
South Africa’s economic diversity and varying fuel accessibility necessitate adaptable solutions.
“Our stoves are certified with international carbon verification bodies for thermal efficiency, and this ensures our energy efficiency claims are true and valid. By securing carbon financing, we can offer these stoves to the community for a nominal amount and in some cases, entirely free of charge. This is incredibly important as we know financial constraints often impede access to clean cooking solutions,” adds Williamson.
One of the project’s distinctive features is its hands-on community approach. EGA will not only be distributing stoves but will also engage with residents to demonstrate stove usage through cooking sessions. This practical engagement aims to build trust and ensure that the benefits of the project are fully understood, as well as stimulating the local economy.
The implementation of these advanced biomass cook stoves will be facilitated by dedicated team leaders from the local community. Supported by five others, they will oversee the distribution of up to 250 stoves each per week. These team members will also provide instructions on how to use the stoves, record each beneficiary’s information, input data into an app for tracking and monitoring purposes and schedule follow-up visits to ensure continued usage.
The Hermanus project aligns with EGA’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on creating cleaner energy access, reducing inequalities, taking positive climate action, and creating stronger communities. Through partnerships with local government, community involvement, and innovative solutions such as the biomass cooking stoves, EGA and CQC are setting a positive example for effective and impactful initiatives.
The project’s reach is not limited to Hermanus either, with plans to expand the stove distribution to informal settlements and townships across the country. This expansion will further address the dual challenges of energy access and environmental conservation, as the stoves efficiently utilise biomass fuels, reducing pressure on deforestation.
