By Henderson Piringu
Biogas Energy Malawi is putting efforts towards expanding the use of alternative clean energy cooking to meet the universal access to clean and sustainable energy for all by 2030.
In his opinion article published on February 7, 2020 in the Nation Newspaper, the global coordinator of Breaking the barriers project Innocent Hauya said, “Overall about 12 percent of the population is connected to the power grid with a meagre four percent of the rural households electrified”.
However nine out of 10 Malawians being exposed to unclean lighting and cooing energy sources, risking their health and safety.”
The managing Director for global solar and the president of Renewable energy industry in Malawi Andrew Mkoloma observed that biogas despite being an old technology has not been explored much in Malawi.
“Biogas Technology is not new is one of the oldest clean energy technology, but those who were doing it either they did not have much support, or there was no political will or there were no experts that would help to promote the industry. But in other countries where this type of technology is being used it is proven that is a reliable technology,” says Mkoloma.
He further said there were systems here which used to install that kind technology, but they stopped working, and that why it has not been explored much.
“But we want to bring this kind of technology back, we are planing to bring some experts from outside the country to install the system.”
“There are a lot of human and animal wastes that can be used to generate electricity and clean energy cooking, with this innovative technology, enough gas for cooking, refregiration, water heating, lighting, and power generators just like dismal generators can be produced. Therefore the country should not continue to rely heavily on fuel wood for cooking.” Mkoloma explained.
Government through the ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining is intensifying its efforts such as the Malawi Rural Electrification Program (Marep) to connect many excluded people to the grid.
“However, in times of Morden and increased innovations in energy and global climate emergency, extending the grid is not enough, it is not the best either.” Hauya said.
He added; “Connecting the rural communities to the national grid requires heavy government subsidies and does not always bring the projected benefits as most rural citizens cannot prioritize paying for electricity over food and health. Renewable energy technologies, including solar power are a better option”.
They offer a less costly and flexible way of electrifying people in places that would be hard to reach when it comes to grid expansion. Increased access to energy in Malawi can be established if it is based on needs.”
To meet those needs, friends of Cleaner cooking organization, the National cook stoves Steering Committee (NCSC) in collaboration with the Department of energy Affairs in the Ministry of Natural Resources Energy and Mining organized the annual Cleaner Cooking Camp in Lilongwe recently to increase efforts towards clean energy cooking.
Chairperson for National Cookstoves Steering Committee Khadijah Mussa says this year’s discussions focused on the theme “The Dash to 2 Million Improved Cookstoves by 2020: Bold Goals for Cooking Energy in Malawi”.
The forum which is slated for March 24-26, 2020 will have diverse and exciting sessions aimed at stakeholders in clean energy cooking, convenient, efficient, affordable, non-harmful, easy to use and robust cooking, such as fuel suppliers, field practitioners,the donor community, academia, entrepreneurs, and stove producers.
