Household fuel: popularizing the use of ethanol

Sugarcane possesses a great potential in terms of renewable energy. According to studies conducted by the Malagasy Center of sugar and cane, one ton of sugarcane produces both 100 kg of sugar and 53 liters of ethanol. The latter is used as fuel.

But in the meantime, the available statistics indicate that 95% of Malagasy households use wood and charcoal for cooking on a daily basis. A habit that is responsible for 40% of today’s deforestation.

Consequently, in order to help preserve forests and natural resources, the foundation called “Tany Meva” and the World Bank have launched in 2008 flagship projects in Vatomandry and in Ambositra consisting of popularizing the use of ethanol at home. These flagship projects, which last two years, proved to be beneficials for the household socio-economically. In fact, ethanol consumption for a household consisting of 6 persons is estimated at 1 L to 1.5 L per day.

A handmade ethanol stove costs 40 000 MGA, while a European manufactured stove costs 110 000 MGA. And with this type of stove, the cooking of rice takes 15 to 25 minutes. Moreover, the price of ethanol is affordable for everyone. It costs 500 MGA per liter.  

Within the frame of the promotion activities of the ethanol fuel, the foundation “Tany Meva” organizes the “Ethanol Fair 2010” tending to mobilize all local operators and to attract public awareness. Officially launched yesterday, the event is going to last 4 days and will end on Thursday inside the CNEAGR facility in Nanisana.