This firm aims to provide clean cooking solutions

A four-day Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth Forum is currently taking place in Kigali, where the focus is on providing clean cooking solutions to combat the global dependency on biomass energy. With over 3 billion people worldwide lacking access to clean cooking energy, the need for sustainable and accessible solutions is more pressing than ever. CNBC Africa had the opportunity to speak with Peter Scott, the CEO and Founder of Burn Manufacturing, to shed light on the efforts being made in this crucial sector. Scott emphasized the dire situation in sub-Saharan Africa, with 800 million people relying on wood and charcoal for cooking, leading to economic and ecological catastrophes. Not only does this practice devastate forests, but it also claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of people annually, in addition to burdening families with exorbitant expenses. Scott highlighted that a mere three percent of the population in the region has access to clean burning wood and charcoal stoves, a stark contrast to the projected population growth of 2.3 billion by 2050, with 1.7 billion still relying on traditional cooking methods. He stressed the need for a significant multi-billion dollar investment to provide clean burning biomass stoves, as well as alternative energy sources like LPG, electricity, and kerosene. Burn Manufacturing, established in Kenya in 2010, set out to develop the most fuel-efficient wood and charcoal stoves globally, challenging the misconception that such products could not be sold in the region due to financial constraints. By recognizing that the high expenditure on charcoal justified a higher initial stove cost, the company introduced a $40 stove that proved to be cost-effective in the long run, quickly gaining traction in the market. With an initial investment of $10 million, Burn Manufacturing managed to sell over 500,000 stoves locally, revolutionizing the cook stove sector in Africa. The company's commitment to local production, job creation, and superior product quality has not only fueled economic development but has also positioned it as a more affordable option compared to imported alternatives. Scott highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in scaling up the clean energy sector, citing an upcoming large equity raise aimed at expanding their operations continent-wide. By seeking private sector partners interested in investing in their success, Burn Manufacturing aims to build on its commercial sustainability and further increase its positive impact. Despite the numerous challenges faced over the years, including skepticism towards the cook stove sector and the need to prove the efficiency of their products, Scott remains optimistic about the growing government support for renewable energy sources. Recognizing the shortcomings of past initiatives, he emphasized the importance of focusing on practical biomass energy strategies that address the urgent need for clean cooking solutions. Governments in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia have taken significant steps towards supporting the clean energy sector by implementing policies such as removing taxes on cook stoves and raw material imports, enabling local companies to compete with international manufacturers effectively. This shift in approach signifies a broader acknowledgment of the vital role clean cooking solutions play in sustainable development and public health. However, Scott underscored the ongoing challenges related to inter-country tariffs that hinder market penetration, calling for further policy adjustments to facilitate industry growth. As more nations in Africa awaken to the potential of clean energy solutions, the path towards eradicating the dependency on biomass energy becomes clearer, offering hope for a cleaner, healthier future for millions across the continent.