(KPL) Nearly half of the world's population continues to create pollution by using traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal for cooking.

The fumes generated from these fuels are harmful to human health, causing illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Every year, pollution from cooking contributes to the deaths of more than 2 million people, particularly women and children.

In addition, the reliance on firewood and charcoal for cooking accelerates the degradation of natural forests, further impacting climate change. It also forces women and children to spend several hours each day searching for these fuels, time that could otherwise be spent on education or income-generating activities.

In Laos, firewood remains the primary source of energy for cooking, accounting for 70% of the country’s total energy consumption.

The smoke generated from burning firewood claims many lives annually. In rural areas, up to 95% of households still rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking.

To address this issue, the promotion of energy-saving stoves in the Lao PDR aims to contribute to poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.

The initiative focuses on the development of a value chain for improved cook stoves (ICS) that use cleaner and more efficient fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the use of firewood and charcoal.

The promotion of energy-saving stoves has been implemented since 2013 by the Support and Improvement of Rural People Association (SPA), with support from the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and in close cooperation with public sector entities.

These include the Energy and Mineral Research Institute and the Provincial Departments of Energy and Mines in Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang, Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Champassak. These entities play a vital role in testing and certifying the efficiency of stoves before they reach consumers.

Additionally, the Women’s Unions in these provinces play a key role in promoting and advertising the stoves.

Producers in Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang, Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Champassak have received technical training, tools, equipment, and funding to improve their stove production facilities. Today, there are 27 stove producers across the five provinces: 3 in Luang Prabang, 4 in Xieng Khuang, 7 in Vientiane, 6 in Savannakhet, and 7 in Champassak.

Together, they produce between 6,000 and 10,000 units per month, depending on the season. To date, approximately one million improved cook stoves have been produced, with around 2,747 stove stores operating across the provinces.

The production and use of energy-saving stoves in Laos contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (ensuring access to modern, sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy for all), SDG 13 (taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts), and SDG 15 (protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable ecosystems, managing forests sustainably, combating desertification, and halting biodiversity loss).

Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the 9th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan, particularly its 4th goal under the 1st priority: the sustainable management and use of natural resources.

Improved cook stoves are specifically designed for indoor use, as they are typically used two to three times per day, equating to more than 1,000 uses annually. As a result, the stoves must be durable and able to withstand regular use. For instance, the PTT3-PTT4 charcoal stove features a 3.5 cm thick burner grate with 52 holes, while the WS3 firewood-charcoal stove has 61 holes, enabling better heat transmission.

A good stove must be easy to ignite, generate high heat, and consume less fuel. It should also be lightweight, portable, and capable of supporting a variety of pots and utensils for ease of use, especially in indoor settings.

Mr. Luang Butsakan, a producer of energy-saving stoves in Ban Phin Tai, Outhoumphone district, Savannakhet Province, shared his experience: “Since I started producing and selling these stoves, my family has enjoyed sustainable income. We now have a house, a car, and a factory to produce improved cook stoves. My neighbors also have jobs. Before the training project, we didn’t know how to make the stoves properly. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t.”

The promotion of energy-saving stoves in Laos not only improves livelihoods and public health but also supports environmental conservation, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by traditional cooking fuels.

# OneHealth #

KPL