Operational Themes -
Energy Saving and Efficiency
Technical card
Location: Cambodia
Dates: 2005 – in progress
Technical partners: Planète Bois, Improved Cookstove Producers & Distributors Association of Cambodia (ICOPRODAC), ETC Energy
Financial partners: World Bank/ ESMAP programme, Ensemble Foundation
Beneficiaries :
- Rural families involved in palm sugar production
- Local ceramic craftsmen and producers
- Palm sugar consumers
Description of action
In Cambodia, palm sugar production is a rural activity that generates small amounts of income for over 20,000 families. The long and tedious techniques used during the manufacturing process consume a lot of wood and expose producers to harmful smokes. As the sugar quality is not consistent, it is not always easy to sell at a good price.
In 2005, GERES Cambodia developed and introduced the concept of a highly energy efficient wood-fired stove. The first model, a simple, low-cost version known as the "Vattanak Stove", have the following advantages : reducing wood consumption by 30%, reducing smokes emissions and constant quality palm sugar.
GERES Cambodia began dissemination of the Vattanak Stove and also began training local producers in the installation, maintenance and use of the kiln. More than 100 Vattanak Stoves have been improved in 2010. In addition, work has been ongoing for several years to improve the quality of the palm sugar (by introducing a sugar granulation technique). This raises the level of professionalism in the sector, doubles producers' incomes and encourages sustainable management of fuelwood.
Download the Project sheet - GERES Cambodia Website
