New fuels project in China targets cooking in the commercial sector

According to the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (GACC), Zhejiang Province in China has been a pioneer for aggressive environmental protection regulations and stringent enforcement. Yet, despite these regulations, traditional cooking methods over biomass still present a large environmental hazard. GACC has been working with the Government of China to tackle air pollution in rural areas through cookstove and fuel interventions.

Partnering with China’s Ministry of Agriculture, Shell, local governments, and Shengzhou Stove Manufacturer (SSM), the GACC has developed and launched a new clean cooking project in Zhejiang province of China. The project aims to encourage commercial enterprises to switch from wood and coal to biomass pellets.

The project focus is on two market segments: stores and food stalls in town centers that cook with portable coal stoves and popular restaurants that rely on traditional stoves using firewood. Recently GACC organized a site visit for experts and key stakeholders, including Shell, Ministry of Agriculture, local governments and Shengzhou Stove Manufacturer (SSM).

The delegation visited Tongxiang county and Anji county. During the visit, stakeholders held meetings and focus group discussions with local government, villagers, and restaurant owners.  Feedback was collected and will guide the design and improvement of the new product to be deployed.

A research team from Zhejiang University will provide testing and monitoring and evaluation support throughout the interventions, which will rely heavily on user feedback to refine the implementation technology.

New products will be promoted and sold through planned roadshow demonstrations. Shell will support awareness raising interventions by disseminating clean cooking messaging at local gas stations and will participate in community and school services.