Energy-Efficient Stoves in Ghana

With the help of specially developed, efficient stoves, families in Ghana can drastically reduce their need for firewood. This helps to slow down deforestation and prevents many respiratory diseases.

Project Standard: Gold Standard VER

Project Description

Rainforest deforestation due to agriculture and logging for charcoal production is a major problem in Ghana. The demand for wood exceeds the growth of the forests by far.

A large percentage of the produced charcoal is used by the local population for cooking. This causes additional greenhouse gas emissions and poses considerable health risks.

As part of the project, traditional charcoal stoves are being replaced with improved stoves known as ‘Gyapa’.

The Gyapa stove differs from the conventional method in the sense that its combustion chamber is well insulated with a ceramic lining. It can therefore cook the food faster and requires 50% less energy. In addition, less smoke is produced and families are not as exposed to toxic fumes.

The project also offers benefits for the local economy, such as new jobs and access to a sustainable energy supply. The distribution of the stoves contributes to the regional value added through the various sales channels.

Social and Economic Benefits

• Fewer health risks: The new stoves drastically improve indoor air quality, which helps to prevent respiratory, cardiovascular and eye diseases in mothers and children and avoids many premature deaths.
• Creation of jobs: By training a group of accredited ceramists, Gyapas can be produced locally. The stoves are then distributed through a large network of local retailers.
• Lower household expenditure: Households save money, as they are less dependent on having to purchase fuel.

Environmental Aspects

• Reduction of greenhouse gases: To date, the project has reduced CO₂ emissions by almost 3 million tonnes.
• Protection of forests and biodiversity: The Gyapa decreases the demand for wood and thereby helps to protect Ghana’s precious forests and biodiversity.
• Sustainable energy supply: The project reduces the dependence on scarce natural resources.
• Lower emissions of soot particles: More complete combustion reduces the emission of soot, which also contributes towards climate change.