BURN Manufacturing, a Kenyan-based social enterprise known for its innovative clean cookstoves, has secured a $15 million investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB). This funding, announced at the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., will accelerate BURN’s efforts to scale up the production and distribution of its Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled ECOA electric cooking appliances to over one million households across East Africa. The investment represents a milestone in the global push for clean energy solutions, particularly in regions where traditional cooking methods like charcoal and firewood are still prevalent.
EIB’s Strategic Investment in Clean Cooking
The European Investment Bank’s investment in BURN highlights a growing recognition of the importance of clean cooking solutions in tackling climate change and promoting social equity. As developing countries struggle with the dual challenges of energy access and environmental degradation, clean cooking technologies offer a tangible solution that addresses both issues. Nadia Calviño, the EIB Group President, emphasized the transformative potential of such investments during her speech in Washington, saying, “The investment that we have agreed today is about financing development through innovation, which will strengthen communities, especially by protecting the health of women and their families. It will have a positive impact on the climate by lowering carbon emissions.”
This investment is part of the European Union’s broader Global Gateway Initiative, which aims to foster sustainable development and address global challenges through innovation. The ECOA electric cooking appliances, equipped with integrated mobile payment technology, are a perfect fit for these goals, blending technological advancement with social impact. The investment also aligns with the EIB’s objectives of climate action, gender equality, and economic development.
BURN’s ECOA Induction Cooker and Pay-As-You-Cook Model
At the heart of this initiative is BURN’s ECOA Induction Cooker (IDC), a revolutionary product designed to bring affordable, efficient, and clean cooking to low-income households. What sets the ECOA IDC apart from traditional cooking methods is its Pay-As-You-Cook (PAYC) technology, which allows users to gradually pay for the device through small, manageable installments via mobile money. This innovative model integrates with the ECOA Mobile App, enabling users to track payments, monitor energy usage, and eventually own the device within a year.
The PAYC model makes clean cooking accessible to households that might otherwise be unable to afford such technology upfront. By paying for cooking services on a daily or weekly basis, families can transition from harmful and inefficient charcoal stoves to clean, electricity-powered cooking without facing the financial burden of a large initial investment. This model is particularly relevant in East Africa, where mobile money systems like M-Pesa are widely used and trusted by millions.
In addition to its affordability, the ECOA IDC comes bundled with a high-quality three-piece stainless steel induction cookware set, fully manufactured in Kenya. This focus on local production not only supports the Kenyan economy but also ensures that the products are designed to meet the needs and preferences of the local population.
Addressing Climate Change and Promoting Gender Equality
One of the key selling points of the ECOA IDC is its ability to generate high-integrity carbon credits. The cooker is equipped with cellular-enabled IoT technology, which allows for real-time monitoring of energy usage and carbon emission reductions. Each ECOA IDC is capable of reducing approximately 2.5 tons of carbon emissions per year, making it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
For the EIB, this investment is not just about reducing emissions; it is also about promoting gender equality. In many parts of East Africa, cooking is primarily done by women, who often bear the brunt of the health impacts associated with traditional cooking methods. The World Health Organization estimates that around 3.8 million people die prematurely each year from illnesses attributable to household air pollution caused by the inefficient use of solid fuels. By transitioning to electric cooking, BURN’s technology helps to protect the health of women and their families, reduce time spent collecting firewood, and create opportunities for women to engage in other economic activities.
Peter Scott, Founder and CEO of BURN, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “BURN has already brought our unique PAYC electric cooking solution to thousands of households in Kenya and Tanzania that were previously relying on traditional charcoal stoves. This investment by EIB will help us transition over a million low-income households to cooking with electricity, allowing them to cook on grids that are 80-95% powered by renewable energy.”
Independent Verification and Research
The effectiveness and benefits of BURN’s clean cooking appliances have been independently verified through a peer-reviewed Randomized Control Trial (RCT) conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago. This rigorous study found that BURN’s cookstoves delivered significant benefits in terms of fuel savings and carbon emission reductions. Specifically, the trial demonstrated a 39% reduction in fuel use compared to baseline levels, resulting in annual savings of $119 per household and a reduction of approximately 3.5 tons of CO2 emissions per year per cookstove.
The research also highlighted the durability and continued use of BURN’s products. According to the study, 98% of the cookstoves were still in use three years after being distributed, a testament to their quality and impact. These findings were published in The American Economic Review (AER), one of the world’s leading economics journals, adding further credibility to BURN’s claims.
BURN’s Impact Across Africa
To date, BURN has distributed over five million clean cookstoves across Africa, transforming the lives of more than 25 million people. By replacing traditional cooking methods with cleaner alternatives, BURN has prevented approximately 26 million tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. The company’s work has had a profound impact on communities across the continent, improving health outcomes, reducing environmental degradation, and saving families money.
This latest investment from the EIB will enable BURN to expand its reach even further, bringing the benefits of clean cooking to over a million additional households in East Africa. By scaling up the production and distribution of the ECOA IDC, BURN is helping to create a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future for millions of people.
Conclusion
The $15 million investment from the European Investment Bank marks a significant milestone in BURN’s mission to revolutionize cooking in East Africa. By leveraging innovative technologies like IoT-enabled electric cookers and the Pay-As-You-Cook model, BURN is making clean cooking accessible to low-income households while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The EIB’s backing of this project underscores the importance of investing in clean energy solutions that not only reduce emissions but also promote social equity and economic development.
As BURN continues to expand its operations, the company is poised to play a leading role in the transition to sustainable, clean cooking across Africa. With the support of partners like the EIB, BURN is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goal of transforming the lives of millions while significantly reducing the continent’s carbon footprint.
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