Emissions and Energy Use Efficiency of Household Biochar Production during Cooking in Kenya

This project examines the efficiency of a biochar-producing stove in meeting the needs of households in rural of Kenya. The stove has been tested and evaluated by five household in Embu, Kenya and compared with two other common cooking methods. The main parameters were time consumption, fuel consumption and emissions of carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Usability and energy use efficiency have also been evaluated. Three potential feedstocks have been examined for use in the biochar-producing stove; Grevillea prunings, maize cobs and coconut husks. The biochar-producing stove was well received by the households. It has potential of saving time, it saves fuel and it has a significantly lower level of emissions than other examined stoves. Despite some challenges related to the usability and the handling of the stove, an implementation of the biochar-producing stove can contribute to an alleviation of the women’s burdens, save fuel and contribute to a healthier indoor air climate.