Ensuring universal access to safe, clean, affordable and environmentally friendly methods of cooking involves more than just designing clean cookstoves. In fact, after stoves are designed, BDL often works with partners and manufacturers to improve their manufacturing systems and increase their capacity for making and selling the stoves to the public. By supporting the entire clean cookstove supply chain, from R&D to manufacturing, we can increase access to clean cooking and further reduce the harmful effects of indoor air pollution for families around the world. This month, our most recent factory improvement project and partnership with International Lifeline Fund (Lifeline) kicks off with a scoping visit to the cookstove factory for Lifeline’s EcoEnergy enterprise in Lira, Uganda. Born from the team’s roots in humanitarian energy programming, Lifeline transformed its efficient cookstove program into a commercial operation to support livelihoods in Northern Uganda. This operation was registered as an independent social enterprise in 2017 and rebranded under the EcoEnergy name in 2020. Today, EcoEnergy has grown into one of the largest manufacturers in Uganda. 

In partnership with Lifeline, the purpose of this new project is to expand the production capacity of the EcoEnergy factory in Lira from 8,000 stoves a month to more than 20,000 stoves a month.

Among Lifeline’s many water and energy initiatives, EcoEnergy produces fuel-efficient cookstoves in Uganda that are affordable for rural families and offer approximately 40% in fuel costs. Families can buy stoves that burn either charcoal or wood, and the stoves save precious income on fuel while reducing smoke inside of the home. However, EcoEnergy’s current systems of production limit the number of stoves the factory can produce per month. Through this project and our new partnership, BDL will work with Lifeline’s team to redesign their production systems in order to increase capacity. 

BDL volunteer Charlie Sellers begins Phase 1 of the project this fall with an initial scoping visit to the Lira factory. Working with the Lifeline staff on site, Charlie will be able to assess the factory while estimating the scope and costs of the full project. The factory design improvements will be based on the principles of human centered design, involving the Lifeline staff and EcoEnergy factory workers throughout the process. Improving production systems like in the EcoEnergy’s Lira factory will increase access to improved cooking technology for many thousands of families, and BDL is excited to partner with Lifeline on a project that will benefit so many.