A Comparison Of Improved Vs Traditional Stoves Using Selected Economic And Environmental Assessment Models

Abstract

The world is currently facing an energy crisis. One of the major culprits to this condition is the consumption of biomass as a fuel in traditional cookstoves (TCS) to meet the energy needs for everyday cooking and heating in rural populations specifically in slums. This method generates harmful pollutants and carbon emissions, which endangers the health of primary consumers and the environment due to its energy-intensive and inefficient nature. For Inhalation risk assessment, the elemental analysis of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) was performed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (5110 ICP-OES). For Carbon emission reduction calculation and subsequent cost-benefit analysis of transitioning from TCS to ICS, encompassed site surveys, interviews, a structured questionnaire, and application of verified carbon standards (VCS) methodology, as developed by the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Under the inhalation risk assessment, the general order of PM concentrations at both sites was similar and it was: Site 1 and 2, (TCS PM10 > ICS PM10 and TCS PM2.5 > ICS PM2.5). TCS exhibited higher PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations compared to ICS at both sites. The distinct variations in PM concentrations underscore the potential health implications of choosing TCS and ICS in different settings. The study findings on carbon emission reductions suggest potential benefits in transitioning TCS with ICS, specifically the locally manufactured rocket biomass model, yielding an average net fuelwood savings of 0.139 tonnes per capita annually. A single Rocket Biomass Cookstove is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 0.27380 tCO2 equivalent per person each year. Financial contrasts between Rocket Biomass Cookstoves (ICS) and Traditional Mud Stoves (TCS) indicate a higher fuel cost (operational) of 237,952 PKR/year and an annual wood consumption of 3536 kg/year for TCS, compared to a distinct financial profile for the Rocket Biomass Cookstove with a reduced fuel cost (fuel + maintenance cost) of 153,709 PKR/year and an annual wood consumption of 2279.8 kg. The Rocket Biomass Cookstove maintains a positive and lower NPV throughout the 5-year project life cycle as compared to TCS. These findings underscore economic and environmental benefits associated with transitioning from TCS to ICS, emphasizing substantial fuelwood savings and reduced carbon emissions.