Bridging the gap through Research in the clean cooking sector, Parallel session on research was organized at MECF 2024
A dedicated research session on Clean Cooking was held during the Modern Energy Cooking Forum 2024 at the India Habitat Centre on September 27, 2024. The session brought together researchers who presented insightful findings, innovative solutions, and models addressing key challenges in the clean cooking sector. Topics such as Findings- Evidence-based Approach to Assess the Energy Transition in the Residential Cooking Sector in India, Enabling Electric Cooking Ecosystem in Rural India- Case Study of Bihar, Adoption of eCooking in India and the benefits of its promotion and international perspectives from eCooking projects in Bangladesh were discussed in detail. During the sessions, this collaborative knowledge was shared with the participants and other stakeholders. The purpose of the session was to harness the power of knowledge sharing to unlock the full potential of the nation, encourage continuous improvement, and pave the way for a more sustainable and thriving future. In this interconnected world, knowledge generation and its sharing have emerged as a key driver of success and innovation, and a crucial factor to remain competitive and adaptable. It can lead to collaboration, enhance problem-solving capabilities, and accelerate learning.
MECS through its In-country partner Finovista has tied up with the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru to study the global best practices and regulations concerning clean cooking and use the expertise available in the two organizations in working out the strategies for the common objectives in the domain of clean cooking in India. NIAS has also finalized an analytical report based on a survey conducted in and around Bengaluru city on people’s approach towards eCooking in terms of their awareness, inclination for adoption, etc. across different segments of society. The report will be unveiled during the session. Likewise, the GIZ team in India through the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF) platform exchange knowledge, promote investment, and collaborate on research for achieving India’s energy policy goals. The project assists the Government of India in implementing the energy transition by supporting electric power distribution companies.
The transition to modern energy-based cooking solutions faces multifaceted challenges, ranging from socioeconomic and technological to geographical and cultural barriers. Research is fundamental in providing policymakers with the data and insights necessary to design programs and schemes that effectively address these barriers. As India integrates 46.3% of renewable energy into its grid, electric cooking is increasingly recognized as one of the most sustainable options for the sector. However, the infrastructure to support eCooking remains a significant challenge. Dr Rudrodip Majumdar, Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), noted that nearly 45% of households lack the required 15-25A power plugs in their kitchens, which are necessary for eCooking devices such as induction and infrared radiant cookstoves. Although, Dr Majumdar advocated for eCooking as an energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative with the potential to gradually replace LPG in India. He emphasized the need to strengthen both household and grid-scale power infrastructure to facilitate this transition.
According to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) and NITI Aayog, only 2.7% of rural households currently use eCooking devices, reflecting a major hurdle in the transition to modern energy cooking solutions. The availability of free biomass and a lack of supply chains for cooking appliances in rural areas have contributed significantly to this low adoption rate. Professor Jayendran Venkateswaran of IIT Bombay presented a data-driven model aimed at increasing eCooking penetration in rural areas. IIT Bombay collaborates with JEEViKA and works with JWiRES, a self-help group (SHG) of women tasked with generating demand for eCooking devices in their respective blocks. In each block, Clean Cooking Champions (CCCs) are appointed, consisting of one shopkeeper and four champions dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the use of clean cooking solutions. These women receive training in eCooking technologies, specifically Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs) and induction cooktops, through programs conducted by the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) and IIT Bombay. Additionally, IIT Bombay collects data from the beneficiaries of eCooking devices using energy meters installed in their homes, enabling a comprehensive understanding of usage patterns and impact.
The session also provided valuable opportunities to learn from neighboring countries facing similar challenges. Puja Saha, Junior Energy Advisor from Bangladesh, shared insights from Bangladesh’s clean cooking initiatives, where distributing electric pressure cookers (EPCs) and training women as “Chulha Doctors” led to significant progress in scaling clean cooking and empowering women.
The transition to modern cooking solutions presents a vital opportunity for India to reduce its energy dependency on imports. Mr. Sunil Mani, Policy Advisor at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, discussed India’s heavy reliance on LPG for cooking, noting the financial burden on the country due to the volatility of international energy markets. He argued that as a power-surplus nation, India should accelerate the shift towards eCooking, reducing reliance on imported natural gas. The subsidies currently allocated for LPG could be redirected towards fostering the development of indigenous clean cooking solutions.
Nick Rousseau, International Liaison Manager at the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) program, praised the session as a pioneering initiative in India, organized by in-country partner Finovista. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach involving academia, industry, and government to advance research and innovation in the clean cooking sector.