India, on the trajectory to become one of the largest economies globally and representing 20% of the world’s population by mid-century, is poised to exert significant influence on the planet’s future. The nation recognizes the paramount importance of addressing climate change, evident in its proactive measures under the Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). Despite India’s per capita carbon footprint standing at just 40% of the global average, the country is committed to tapping into the unrealized potential for transformative mitigation approaches. The government’s energy transition roadmap, focusing on a shift from traditional energy sources to electricity, aligns with a commendable decade-long effort to provide widespread electricity access to its population.

In the realm of clean cooking, India is witnessing a notable shift toward sustainability through eCooking, offering an efficient and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel-based cooking energy. The market for induction cook stoves has burgeoned, with an estimated 10 million units in use. Reflecting this progress, Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS), through its in-country partner Finovista, collaborated with the National Association of Street Food Vendors of India (NASVI) for the 13th National Street Food Festival 2023.

For street food vendors, the adoption of energy-efficient eCooking devices represents a transformative shift. Traditional cooking methods often rely on fossil fuels, contributing to air pollution and posing health hazards for both vendors and consumers. In contrast, eCooking provides a sustainable and smokeless alternative, mitigating harmful emissions and creating a healthier cooking environment. This transition not only aligns with India’s broader climate change efforts but also directly improves the working conditions for street food vendors, enhancing their overall well-being.

Moreover, eCooking offers economic advantages for street food vendors. The cost-effectiveness of electric cooking devices can result in reduced operational expenses over time, contributing to the financial sustainability of small businesses. This not only empowers street food vendors but also fosters a broader societal shift towards environmentally conscious and economically viable practices.

MECS, through its in-country partner Finovista, partnered with the National Association of Street Food Vendors of India (NASVI) for the 13th National Street Food Festival 2023, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from 29th to 31st December 2023. MECS in India supported 25 eCooking stalls at the eCooking Zone where various street foods were prepared using energy-efficient eCooking devices. Under this, MECS conducted eCooking training and capacity building for 80 street food vendors with personal hand holding of 25 street food vendors. The training also included the demonstration of eCooking devices like the Electric Pressure Cooker and Induction Cookstoves.

Mr. Vimal Kumar, India Lead for the MECS program and Co-founder of Finovista, was a panelist in a panel discussion on the topic of “Decarbonizing Streets.” The discussion stressed the challenges faced by street food vendors in terms of safety, convenience, and cost efficiency of the fuels and devices used for cooking. Mr. Vimal Kumar focused on eCooking as a solution to all such problems with the vendors. He also highlighted that eCooking is not only a cost-effective method but also an eco-friendly alternative resulting in the decarbonization of streets. The discussion touched upon topics such as carbon financing, behavioral change models, shared responsibility for carbon generation, etc.