Solar cookstoves in Bolivia © Florence de Maupeou - Laure Bruma
  

Solar cookstoves in Bolivia and Peru

Starting date : 2007
beneficiaries : 50 000 people

Background

In the Andes, wood fires and gas are generally used for cooking. Wood is the most popular option for most families, as gas is expensive, and this causes significant deforestation. In addition, the use of wood fires has serious health repercussions due to the lack of ventilation in homes. Each year, indoor air pollution is responsible for the deaths of 1.6 million people, i.e. 1 death every 20 seconds.

In the regions where the project is applying, the use of solar energy is intended to resolve these problems.

Achievements

The idea of cooking using solar energy was instigated by the NGO Bolivia Inti in 1999. It is also the undertaking of one man, Robert Chiron who, after travelling in South America, returned with this idea full of hope: to free the villagers from their dependence on wood and gas by the use of infinite and free solar energy.

Since 2007, more than 10,000 solar cookstoves have been built in these areas, bringing the number of the project’s beneficiaries to more than 50,000. Emission reductions have been estimated to be approx. 0.5 tCO2e year/cooker.

Environmental benefits:

Social and economic benefits:

  • Tackling climate change by reducing the use of fossil fuels;
  • Protecting biodiversity by reducing deforestation;
  • Protecting the soil and preventing erosion.

  • Reducing health risks for women;
  • Improving education and schooling for children;
  • Creating jobs and reducing poverty by providing expertise.