In this project, the research team proposes investigating how to shift the energy use behavior of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa. Globally, over 3 billion people rely on biomass fuel to meet their cooking needs. Tanzania, the country they focus on in this project, consumes more than 1 million tonnes of charcoal yearly, which, according to the World Bank estimates, destroys over 125,00 ha of forests and woodlands. Understanding the biomass fuel use of MSMEs is quite important because MSMEs consume almost half of the biomass fuels consumed in many developing countries. Acquiring and transporting biomass fuel also taxes enterprises in input costs and lost productivity. The researchers conducted a fact-finding survey with about 40 restaurants in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which fit the MSME definition. They note that the enterprises' weekly consumption of charcoal is about 152kg, about 40% of which is used for water boiling. Their preliminary calculation indicates that restaurants could pay off the cost of a solar water boiler (USD 700) in less than three months from the savings in charcoal expenditure. Therefore, the high up-front cost of the boilers and inattention to the cost reductions are the likely factors hindering the uptake of solar technologies.
They intend to test these hypotheses by distributing affordable solar boilers, which they will offer through credit payable in 6 months. They will collaborate with a reputable microfinance (WAT SACCOS), to provide the boilers on credit. They will then measure the impact of the solar boilers on charcoal consumption and its corresponding effects on deforestation and CO2 emission, PM2.5 concentration, and profitability of enterprises.
