Local innovation to address energy problems

In Africa, about 600 million people do not have access to sustainable clean energy sources. 

In Ghana, a report from civil society organisation on environment Tropenbos Ghana indicates that 600 thousand tonnes of charcoal was produced last year. 

This dependence on firewood and charcoal for cooking and heating leads to 600 thousand death on the continent annually. 

At the just ended U.N Environment Assembly in Nairobi – Kenya, effort at assisting African women Energy Entrepreneurs was high on the agenda. 

This calls for innovation by local companies to come out with alternatives to firewood and charcoal to reduce the high morality of women due to indoor smoke inhalation. 

At the side event during the UNEA, a local company from Ghana, City Waste attracted attention. The Company exhibited briquette made of sawdust and forest cuts. 

The Head of the Company, Vivian Ahiayibor said with what the Company does, it is adapting and mitigating climate change.” 

“We are using the waste sawdust which when left in the Forest will produce a lot of carbon dioxide which is a major contributor to climate change.”

 She stated that she also used forest cuts which she shreds for making briquette. 

On the question of whether the briquette can be used on the regular coal pot, Vivian Ahiayibor said it can be used so can improved cook stoves. She stated that sizes of briquette differ depending on the stove. 

She stated burns longer hence cutting down on smoke and its effects on women and children. She said though she exports her products, similar products are on the market. She is calling on more people to get on-board in order to create more employment. 

She mentioned little information on briquette as an issue and wants more education on that like what is given to Liquefied Petroleum Gas. 

An energy entrepreneur, Diana Mbongo Head of Millennium Energy Enterprise in Tanzania said despite claims of more funds to assist African Women Energy Entrepreneurs, cumbersome procedures and demand for collateral make access such funds impossible. 

She said “Interest rates are very high for us considering the fact that we are dealing in social development projects. Though donor partners give money, they are given to governments, then to commercial banks who demand guarantees. The objective of African Women Energy Entrepreneurs is to promote clean energy to address the health implications  associated with the use firewood and charcoal and be involved is decision making in the energy.”

Story by Joyce Gyekye
GBCONLINE
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