Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Impact Evaluation of the Parabolic Solar Cooker SK14 in Madagascar. Journal of Clean Energy Technologies, Vol. 2, No. 2, April 2014.
Authors: Lala Andrianaivo and Voahanginirina J. Ramasiarinoro
The main cause of deforestation in Madagascar is the collection of firewood for cooking. Research cooking alternatives that would reduce firewood and charcoal use has been undertaken by NGOs. In this context, south Madagascar experiences more than 320 sunny days per year and has close to ideal conditions for the use of solar energy. Currently a variety of solar cooker models are sold at a subsidized price for the poorest households. The paper explains advantages and disadvantages of solar cooking and the challenges faced to change traditional cooking habits, in order to fight the ongoing deforestation, preserve the environment and fight poverty. To optimize the success of this project, the use of solar cooker has been compared to two alternatives – firewood and charcoal cooking and on the topics of primary energy utilization and CO2 gas emission.
The whole life cycle analysis of the alternatives and accompanying devices has been examined. A reduction of about half the environmental impact has been obtained with this technology. Some backup heat source must still be available to cook meal at these times. Solar cooker, charcoal and firewood can work in a complementary fashion to meet a variety of cooking needs. The parabolic solar cooker SK14 is a very helpful instrument but less competitive compared to the traditional cooking using wood energy. y. It can replace firewood and charcoal cooking, reduces deforestation, improves health conditions and creates local job opportunities.
