UNCDF’s CleanStart has selected six companies to "deliver clean cooking solutions to Ugandans." It says that these are “partners whose business models present innovative features to deliver clean cookstoves to the last mile.”
In early 2017, CleanStart opened its first RECF window focused on clean cookstoves in Uganda.
This window, according to the official statement, “had an unprecedented outreach, with 161 companies interested in the opportunity, and 64 formal Expressions of Interest (EOIs) received.”
Out of those, “through a rigorous screening of the EOIs based on technical merit, levels of innovation, development impacts such as women and youth job creation, and sustainability”, CleanStart selected 6 partners.
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The selected are Fenix International Uganda, Green Heat Uganda, Simoshi Limited, WANA Energy Solutions, Josa Green Technologies and Raising Gabdho Foundation.
These will “receive cost-sharing grants from CleanStart, to implement in the Ugandan markets over the next two years."
“The portfolio of clean cooking solutions is expected to reach more than 40,000 households, businesses, and institutions such as schools, create over 700 jobs and income earning opportunities especially for women and youth, and off-set approximately 400,000 tons of CO2 by 2020.”
Fenix offers lease-to-own solar home systems for Ugandan households living off-grid. The company is looking at “utilizing their unique credit score created during the customer's lifetime” to also “offer clean cookstoves as an upgrade.”
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Najjemba Scolastica, using Fenix International's Clean Cookstove[/caption]
It says that they have “piloted clean cookstoves loans over the last six months to determine product demand and the right cookstoves to offer our customers.”
“Our customers showed high levels of satisfaction with the stoves, and their spending on fuel immediately decreased.”
Another company, WANA Energy Solutions, will implement "last-mile clean cooking energy distribution through a smart payGo technology.”
The company offers a “reliable, affordable and efficient cooking energy from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by selling complete cooking components - gas, accessories, cylinder and cookstove.”
UNCDF’s CleanStart programme helps foster access to clean energy for the poor through microfinance. CleanStart, in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda, provides grants to the private sector through its Renewable Energy Challenge Fund (RECF).