Eco-Charge Limited: Revolutionizing Clean Energy in Kenya with Biomass Briquettes

African-led renewable energy company Eco-Charge Limited is making significant strides in transitioning Kenya away from polluting fuel sources and towards cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives. Founded by Mary Nyambura, Eco-Charge converts agricultural waste into eco-friendly biomass briquettes that burn longer and cleaner than traditional wood or charcoal. These briquettes have already helped institutions such as schools, hospitals, hotels, and manufacturers cut carbon emissions and offer a model for a climate-resilient future that is both locally driven and economically viable.

Key Takeaways:

• Eco-Charge Limited, founded by Mary Nyambura, is converting agricultural waste into eco-friendly biomass briquettes, helping institutions transition away from polluting fuel sources and cutting carbon emissions.
• The company transforms agricultural waste into biomass briquettes from sawdust, bagasse, macadamia shells, rice husks, coffee husks, and flower stalks, which are sourced from sawmills and factories in Kajiado County and neighbouring regions.
• The production process involves collecting and sun-drying raw materials, compressing them into cylindrical shapes with a 90mm diameter, and packaging them in 50kg bags for distribution, with competitive pricing at Sh14 to Sh16 per kilogram.
• Eco-Charge has partnered with over 10 institutions, including a school in Kajiado that reduced its monthly cooking fuel expenses by Sh20,000 after switching to the company's briquettes.
• The company employs 10 people and aligns with SDGs 7 (Clean Energy), 13 (Climate Action), and 5 (Gender Equality), supporting Kenya's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
• Eco-Charge is building networks in East Africa and exploring licensing and distribution models in Tanzania and Zambia, aiming to become East Africa's leading clean cooking fuel provider and offset millions of tons of CO2 emissions.
• The company plans to establish satellite production units across the region to improve supply chain efficiency and local job creation, and is exploring improved briquetting machines, moisture meters, efficient dryers, and a solar-powered facility.

Statistics:

• Kenya loses thousands of hectares of forest to illegal logging and unsustainable firewood every year.
• Eco-Charge produces between 100 and 200 tons of biomass briquettes each month, with clients collectively consuming over 1,000 tons per month.
• The company's briquettes emit fewer particulates and greenhouse gases, and clients can save between 15 and 30 per cent on fuel costs by switching to them.
• Eco-Charge employs 10 people and has partnered with over 10 institutions.
• The company's goal is to reach over 10,000 institutions and offset millions of tons of CO2 emissions.

Sources:

• Nyambura, M. (Interview)