GVEP International publishes a study on briquettes in Kenya
As part of the Developing Energy Enterprises Project – East Africa (DEEP–EA) GVEP International has released a study on briquettes in Kenya.
Building and documenting knowledge of the development of the briquette industry, the study was conducted with the aim to investigate the success factors of briquette producers, as well as their current and potential impact on energy access in rural and peri-urban areas.
The success factors were examined with focus given to both supply and demand. Some of the issues facing producers with regards to supply were identified as the proximity to suitable raw material, drying space for the briquettes and access to finance. Key issues in the demand for briquettes included the ability to save consumers money and build awareness.
The impact of micro-scale briquette production on access to energy were discussed with regards to scale of usage and environmental impact in both peri-urban and rural areas. The study also investigates current and potential access to both modern and sustainable energy, with discussion on the options for feedstock and how these options affect environmental issues such as deforestation.
The Study concludes that briquette usage remains at 'less than two percent of energy consumption', but could increase if producers were able to 'exploit alternative feedstocks'. In addition, the industry needs to identify alternative sources of feedstock to ensure its long-term survival.