Globally more than 1 billion people are without access to electricity and around 3 billion people rely on wood or other biomass to cook and heat their homes, according to the World Bank. In Indonesia, for example, around 75% of the population use biomass and rudimentary stoves, with many people using wood as fuel.
The smoke emitted from traditional or inefficient cookstoves also poses severe health risks. The World Health Organisation’s Global Burden of Disease project estimates the total annual deaths from all household smoke exposure from cookstoves at 4 million. The emissions from inefficient cookstoves, such as carbon dioxide and soot, also contribute to climate change.
In 2013, Shell renewed its support for the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, in its efforts to introduce 100 million homes to clean and efficient stoves and fuels by 2020. Shell is the single largest private-sector contributor to the Alliance, pledging $12 million since 2010 to the public-private partnership.
Our contribution has led to the development of regional testing centres and country-based assessments for the cookstoves sector. The assessments are used by organisations to help drive the adoption and long-term use of clean cookstoves. Shell has funded assessments for Brazil, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa and Timor Leste. Shell companies in Nigeria also support the local Nigerian Alliance for Clean Cookstoves to grow the market for efficient stoves in Nigeria. This includes increasing access to finance for clean cooking enterprises and raising awareness by producing a local documentary. Shell also supports the Spark Fund, which provides grants to grow businesses that have the potential to transform the cookstoves sector.
Shell’s support builds on the efforts of Shell Foundation, a UK-registered charity, which has been working to build an international market for affordable clean cookstoves for more than 10 years. Their work has benefited more than 4 million people, serving low-income consumers in Asia, Africa and Latin America.