NBP-Ethiopia holds second quarterly performance review meeting of 2025
August 6, 2025
Horn of Africa Energy Efficient Technology Distribution Programme of Activity (HoA-EETD-PoA) – GS12544
August 7, 2025Sustainable clean energy access for rural women project
Project Location: Bale Zone, Berbere Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Funded by: Cordaid – EU RESET Plus
Implementing Partners: Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
Background
Berbere Woreda in the Bale Zone is renowned for its coffee production, rich biodiversity, and dense natural forest cover. However, widespread deforestation driven by dependence on firewood and charcoal production for cooking poses a severe environmental threat. Additionally, dry coffee processing in the area generates large quantities of coffee husk waste that is often dumped, leading to methane emissions, fire risks, and greenhouse gas (GHG) release.
Project Innovation
This project introduces a sustainable and circular energy solution by converting coffee husk waste into green briquette charcoal, replacing firewood and traditional charcoal in local cooking practices. The innovation supports climate action, forest conservation, clean energy access, and inclusive economic development.
Key Objectives
- Reduce deforestation and GHG emissions
- Promote clean and affordable household energy
- Create job opportunities for women and youth
- Convert coffee husk waste into economic value
Major Achievements
- ✅ 6 Renewable Energy Production Centers established
- ✅ 3 eco-friendly carbonizers, 1 milling machine, and briquetting systems installed
- ✅ 120 women and youth organized into 6 SMEs producing and marketing briquettes
- ✅ 5,000 households gained access to affordable, clean cooking fuel
- ✅ Over 12,000 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided annually by switching from firewood
- ✅ Reduced emissions from open burning and decomposition of coffee husks
Social and Environmental Impact
This project has significantly contributed to environmental conservation, rural livelihoods, and gender-inclusive green entrepreneurship in Berbere. It sets a model for linking agro-waste management with clean energy innovation.
Process Flow Diagram
The entire production and usage cycle:
- Coffee Husk Collection – Agro-waste from coffee processing.
- Briquetting – Using the blue briquette press to form logs.
- Dry Briquettes – Ready for carbonization or direct use.
- Carbonization (with a carbonizer) – Converts dry briquettes into high-energy, smokeless charcoal.
- Charcoal Briquettes – Lightweight, efficient, and clean-burning.
- Improved Cookstove – Used in homes to reduce indoor pollution and firewood use.
Contact Information
📧 Email: info@hoarec.org
🌐 Website: https://hoarec.org
