The Unforeseen Costs of Clean Cooking: Lessons from a Biomass to LPG Transition in Kenya

One of the projects I did in 2020 involved transitioning a small institution’s kitchen from biomass (like firewood) to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The initial calculations seemed promising. Switching to LPG would only increase energy costs by a modest 5%, while offering significant benefits: reduced soot, improved kitchen hygiene, and better health for the kitchen staff. However, the reality proved more complex than expected.

The first major challenge was the unexpected volatility of LPG prices. Just six months after the conversion, the cost of LPG skyrocketed by 50%, dramatically increasing the institution’s energy expenses. This unforeseen price hike left the client feeling misled. Biomass, in contrast, offers a more stable price, largely unaffected by economic fluctuations.

Secondly, I underestimated the importance of biomass’s inherent security of supply. With biomass, users have options when cash is scarce. They can collect firewood from their farms, barter with neighbours’, or even access it on credit. LPG, however, requires upfront cash for purchase. This lack of flexibility left the institution vulnerable during periods of financial constraint.

Finally, I overlooked the social and cultural benefits of biomass. During colder months, the traditional cooking fire provided warmth, creating a cozy gathering space for the community. The LPG stove, however, lacked this social function, leading to user complaints about the loss of this valuable aspect of their daily routine. They even decided to reintroduce a charcoal-burning stove for keeping warm.

This project highlighted the importance of considering not just the economic and environmental factors, but also the social and cultural implications of any energy transition. It’s crucial to go beyond simple cost-benefit analyses and conduct thorough assessments of how the transition will impact the users’ lives and livelihoods.