The Enugu State Government, in Nigeria’s South-East region, has developed an innovative green energy stove designed to curb deforestation and safeguard the environment.
The stove, known as the Enugu Stove, is made entirely from local materials and uses smokeless, odourless coal briquettes as fuel. It was fabricated by the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI).
Speaking to journalists in Enugu on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Eze, said the product combines safety and sustainability.
“With this stove, the risks of gas explosions and accidents from adulterated kerosene are eliminated,” Eze said.
He explained that the stove is built with two chambers: an inner insulated burning chamber and an outer chamber that remains cool even while cooking. “It works like a flask. While the briquette generates heat, the outer chamber stays cool to the touch,” he noted.
Eze added that the stove is economical since the only recurring expense is the coal briquette, which is cheaper than gas or kerosene. “The energy burns gently like an electric stove, producing only steam from the food being cooked,” he said.
Available in student, family and commercial sizes, the stove prevents heat loss and avoids overheating the kitchen environment.
Highlighting Enugu’s vast but untapped coal reserves, the commissioner said the state has applied to the Federal Government for mining rights. Governor Peter Mbah has also established a Ministry of Energy and Solid Minerals to promote sustainable energy and ecological protection.
According to Eze, four factories one in each senatorial zone will refine raw coal into purified briquettes, ensuring affordability and easy access.
“This initiative will end indiscriminate tree felling for firewood and charcoal, protect our forests, and preserve the ecosystem,” he added.
