Rwanda Development Board (RDB), announced that Rwanda is developing a nationwide renewable cooking plant.
This agreement was signed Monday by RDB, KOKO networks (KOKO), a company that provides climate technology services for emerging markets.
RDB said that the country’s goal is to provide clean cooking for all citizens by 2030.
This will help to accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions, deforestation, and indoor air pollution deaths due to the use of charcoal or wood for cooking.
Clare Akamanzi RDB chief executive noted; “The protection of our natural environment is a strategic priority for Rwanda, both nationally and in line with our international climate commitments.”
“Equally, clean cooking is an essential part of Rwanda’s efforts to meet the UN Goals around Health, Gender and Economic Development. We are pleased to partner with KOKO and Dalberg to enable the roll out of this important climate technology solution for the benefit of all Rwandans,” she added.
The agreement will see Rwanda provide a policy environment that includes the removal of VAT and import duties for equipment and ethanol fuel. This will allow households to reap the benefits of the cost reductions through lower consumer prices.
KOKO Rwanda will provide the technology, capital, and expertise to create and operate a national network. It will also leverage private climate finance of $25 millions.
Expect more than 500 new jobs and new income streams for thousands small business partners.
“Through this agreement, Rwanda takes a real leadership position in the fight to protect Africa’s forests through replacing demand for deforestation-based charcoal, while also saving the lives of women and children,” said Greg Murray, CEO of KOKO,
He added, “Consumers want ultra-clean cooking fuel available at very low prices within a short walk of their home. Our platform enables this, when combined with fiscal policies that level the playing field with charcoal.”
James Mwangi, Executive Director at Dalberg, echoed similar sentiments.
“This agreement represents a unique and compelling combination of leading-edge technology, private climate finance and policy best-practice, and is an example for other nations who seek to get serious about solving the dirty cooking fuel crisis.”
How technology works
KOKO has created a proprietary climate-tech platform that allows low-cost delivery and cooking fuel from bioethanol. This platform has been tested in Kenya.
Households use a modern 2-burner bioethanol KOKO Cooker with a smart KOKO Canister that enables access to a dense Network of high-tech “KOKO Point” Fuel ATMs, which in turn are refilled by a fleet of Smart MicroTankers.
KOKO’s cloud software manages the flow of payments, fuel, appliances and carbon.
KOKO has partnered Dalberg to create KOKO Rwanda in order to enter the domestic market. This network will allow Rwandans to have easy access to clean fuel.
Source: rnewtimes
