Location: Cambodia
Dates: 2007 – in progress

Technical partners: Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME), Planète Bois

Financial partners: French Embassy in Cambodia, City of Rouen, Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE), Association Française des Volontaires du Progrès (AFVP)

Charcoal production is a traditional activity in Cambodia, which unfortunately contributes to the country's deforestation. In Phnom Penh, annual charcoal demand is estimated to be over 100,000 tonnes. In addition, tonnes of waste are burnt, emitting harmful smoke and pollutants. The unburned waste decomposes naturally and produces methane gas, which contributes significantly to global warming. In 2004, GERES Cambodia decided to develop techniques to manufacture briquettes from carbonized organic waste in rural areas, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal.

The briquettes have considerable advantages for:

• Consumers: stable prices and quality, uniform size and shape suitable for traditional stoves, higher calorific value, longer burning time, no sparks, no smoke
• Local socio-economic development: set up of an independent Cambodian social SME employing people from very disadvantaged areas. The workers' dignity is protected by employment offering decent, fair working conditions
• The environment and climate change: reduction in organic waste, replacement of traditional charcoal, reduction in toxic emissions and greenhouse gases