In a groundbreaking move for climate finance and clean energy adoption, UpEnergy has issued Africa’s first electric cooking carbon credits under Gold Standard’s new metered methodology. This initiative ensures real-time tracking and verification of emissions reductions, setting a new benchmark for clean cooking projects on the continent.
UpEnergy’s Beyond Biomass program is revolutionizing household energy use in Africa by integrating electric cooking solutions with real-time monitoring. Currently operational in Tanzania and Uganda, and with plans to expand to Ghana and Zambia, the program aims to distribute 250,000 clean cookstoves by 2028. This will significantly cut emissions, reduce household costs, and improve public health, benefiting over 1 million people.
“At UpEnergy, quality and transparency are the cornerstones of our mission. By investing heavily in digital monitoring, we continue to uphold and elevate the highest standards of carbon credit integrity that the market demands,” said Mitch Sauers, CEO of UpEnergy.
UpEnergy’s electric pressure cookers are equipped with smart sensors that track energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions with precision. This innovation enhances accountability and efficiency in emissions reduction initiatives, ensuring that carbon credits are backed by verifiable data.
Key highlights of the program include:
- 10,000 clean cookstoves deployed, with a target of 250,000 by 2028.
- Projected Verified Emission Reduction (VER) credits over the next decade.
- Smart cookers store consumption data for up to 13 months, providing insights into user behavior and energy savings.
Switching from biomass to electric cooking brings transformative benefits to households and communities:
- Time savings: Households save an average of 37 minutes per day in cooking time—equivalent to over nine days annually, freeing up time for other productive activities, especially for women.
- Financial relief: Families reduce fuel costs by $0.26 per day in Tanzania and $0.51 per day in Uganda by cutting charcoal consumption.
- Job creation: Over 180 direct and indirect jobs have been created, strengthening local economies.
Read also: A deep dive into the world of carbon credits and business impact
“Our commitment to integrity extends beyond electric cooking. Our goal remains the same: to drive decarbonization in the Global South while supporting a just energy transition,” added Sauers.
UpEnergy is investing further in indoor air quality monitoring technology, tracking pollutants such as PM2.5 and carbon monoxide to better understand and mitigate health risks. Building on its 2024 carbon credit breakthrough, the company is also advancing fuel-efficient cookstove technology by integrating temperature sensors for more precise data collection.
By merging cutting-edge monitoring with tangible community benefits, UpEnergy is not just reducing emissions—it is reshaping the future of clean cooking in Africa.
Stay updated with Africa Sustainability Matters for more insights on innovative sustainability solutions shaping the continent’s future.
