Solar-powered cookers improving the daily lives of communities in Rwanda thanks to Coventry University researchers

Coventry University researchers are easing access to cooked food in Rwanda by introducing solar-powered cookers to households with limited energy access.

The cookers are an alternative to the traditional firewood or charcoal stoves, the benefits include improved air quality in homes and reduced environmental impact through decreased deforestation and lower emissions.

Around 30% of the world’s population lacks access to clean cooking facilities, while around 10% lack access to electricity, with both disproportionately affecting women and children. As energy systems become more reliant on advanced digital technologies, underserved communities face heightened risks of inequality.

A Solar Energy Transitions (SET) project led by Dr Jonathan Nixon and Dr Alison Halford from Coventry University’s Research Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling aims to bridge these gaps by co-designing solar powered electronic cooking systems in collaboration with the local community.

Working alongside industry and local energy experts Richard Mori from MeshPower, and Kabananiye Janvier and Habyarimana Cyprien from the Research and Development team at Rwanda Energy Group, the research team installed solar electronic cookers in 20 households.

Over seven months, the team monitored energy use, air quality and cooking habits using more than 100 sensors. Households significantly reduced firewood consumption, from 3.4 kg per day to just 0.86 kg per day, while kitchen air quality improved by over 70%, contributing to healthier living environments.

Cooking times also reduced significantly, freeing up hours previously spent gathering wood or preparing meals. Community members of East Kayonza, an area where many experience energy challenges, reported profound lifestyle improvements, with one stating, “I no longer run in fields looking for firewood. We eat on time and children go to school on time.”

Funded by Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst Round 9, the SET project enhanced community engagement through participatory workshops. This co-creation approach has not only fostered technological literacy but also amplified women's roles as decision-makers in the design and development process, so the end product responded and reflected their specific needs and contexts.

Findings from the project are already informing future e-cooking policies and product development, while data generated by the research are openly available for further exploration.

Assistant Professor Alison Halford, Co-Investigator, Research Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling said:

Dr Jonathan Nixon, Principal Investigator, Associate Director for Research and Engagement, added:

This research supports global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all.

Find out more about the project.

Find out more about the Research Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling.

This work is funded by the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council [grant number 10044025].