EASE & CA Catalogue

Charcoal Briquettes (Hand made)



Country:
Uganda
Why to choose this solution?
Briquettes, as fuel, are virtually smokeless and slow-burning. They are easy to store and to transport. They burn three times longer than charcoal. Their use poses a lower risk to the respiratory health of users. Briquettes heat up evenly and remain at a constant temperature for a long time. They are more efficient fuel than either wood or charcoal, so their use reduces the cutting of trees for firewood, hence helping to conserve the environment.
Savings per day or production:
Briquettes are made from 100% organic waste and residues. They are designed to be long burning (up to four hours), reducing cooking costs by 20% to 40%. It is estimated that 0.8 kg of briquettes is equivalent to one kilogram of traditional charcoal of average quality.
Cost in money and in own time to construct:
A kilogram of charcoal briquettes costs between USh 1000 - 1,500, or approximately USD 0.28 - 0.41. It takes a minimum of two hours to make.
Lifetime:
They last three times more than charcoal when burning. It can last for more than 5 years if stored in a cool dry place.
Maintenance needed:
Not applicable.
Resources needed in use:
Energy saving stove and cooking utensils.
Problems and limits:
Briquettes are not water resistant.
Where and how can you get it or make it?
The briquettes are sold at JEEP, supermarkets and through most of the environmental CBOs operating in Uganda.
Skills needed to produce, install. maintenance, use:
Training is required to make them.
How to use it:
Not relevant.
How to maintain it:
Not relevant.
Climate effect (if any):
Using briquettes as an alternative energy source reduces the fuelwood-cutting that contributes to deforestation. This allows trees to remain standing as carbon sinks, which helps to slow climate change.
Where it is used and how many users are there?
This solution is used in rural and urban areas of Uganda by over 1000 users.
Why is it successful?
This solution has been successful because it is affordable; it lasts longer than charcoal; it is smokeless, efficient, and environment friendly. Support comes from development partners and from the government of Uganda.
If you can make it, a short description, typical problems, materials needed.:
Raw materials needed or used may include charcoal dust, dry food-peelings, ash, water, cassava flour, clay, and/or molasses.
How to make it (if possible):
Not relevant.
How is it delivered and by whom?
It can be picked up from the JEEP head office in Kyanja.
Successful financial model
The materials used are cheap and readily available in our communities.
What policies and strategies helped the success?
There is support coming from development partners and from the government.
More info:
JEEP- Joint Energy and Environment Project, 7 Miles, Gayaza Rd, Kyanja, Kampala, P. O. Box 4264, Uganda. +256 414 578 316. Email: info@jeepfolkecenter.org
Sources:
https://jeepfolkecenter.org/
Name of the association uploading the case:
Joint Energy and Environment Projects
When was the case uploaded? (YYYY-MM-DD):
2021-03-15