Solar cooking takes a step forward in Karagwe
/
Charles Bahati, director of mavuno projects, and susanne hurtig, head of international projects ewb-swe, examine the solar panels at mavuno’s girls school.
Good ideas become even better when they are developed together. That is exactly what is happening in Karagwe, where Engineers Without Borders Sweden and our long-time local partner Mavuno Project are exploring how solar energy can be used for cooking in schools.
Over the past two years, we have carried out a feasibility study to understand which type of solar cooking technology would work best in the local context. The goal is not simply to introduce new technology, but to find a solution that is reliable, practical and can support schools in rural areas of Tanzania for many years to come.
Finding the right solution
Cooking in schools can rely on many different energy sources. The traditional way to cook is with firewood and charcoal, which causes pollution, deforestation and health issues. Other sources are Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), electricity, biogas, and solar power. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works best depends on local conditions, access to fuel, infrastructure and long-term costs.
At Mavuno Girls Secondary School in Chonyonyo, where charcoal and firewood are already eliminated for cooking, the focus has been on finding a system that can further improve sustainability while providing dependable energy for preparing daily meals.
a comparison of different solar cooking solutions.
After comparing several different solar cooking technologies, photovoltaic (PV) solar cooking has emerged as the strongest option. Instead of using mirrors to concentrate sunlight, the system generates electricity through solar panels. The electricity powers electric cooking appliances, while batteries store energy so cooking can continue even when the weather is cloudy.
Why PV solar cooking?
For a school kitchen, reliability is essential. Meals need to be prepared every day, regardless of changing weather conditions. Battery storage makes the PV system much more dependable than many other solar cooking solutions.
The system creates a cleaner cooking environment, reduces indoor air pollution, and avoids the safety challenges associated with concentrated solar cookers. While the initial investment is higher than for simpler solar cookers, its reliability makes it well suited for institutional kitchens.
Like any technology, a PV system has its limitations, including the use of batteries and electronic components. Even so, the feasibility study found it to offer the best balance between reliability, sustainability, and long-term usability.
Preparing for implementation
The project is now moving into its next phase. Together with Mavuno Project, we are reviewing quotations from different suppliers to identify equipment that is both suitable for the school and realistic to source locally. Availability of components and future maintenance are just as important as the technology itself.
We are excited to see this project move from planning to implementation. If all goes according to plan, installation will begin during the autumn.
Stay tuned for upcoming updates!
Stay connected
The best way to get our latest news on our projects, events, inspiring stories and volunteer opportunities is through our monthly newsletter.
It’s free and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Stöd vårt arbete
When putting our hearts and minds together, we — as engineers — can make a difference for those who need it most. For only 200 SEK a month for a year, you give 8 school children daily access to clean water.
Become a monthly donor today.
