In a ground-breaking workshop held recently in Kigali, leaders and stakeholders from various sectors gathered to explore innovative solutions for transforming school cooking practices in Rwanda. Organised by BioMassters and the World Bioenergy Association, the event focused on the potential of wood pellets as a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal, which have long been the primary sources of energy in Rwandan schools. Founded in 2020, BioMassters is a forward-thinking Rwandan company on a mission to mitigate climate change by replacing conventional cooking fuels with eco-friendly alternatives. With a manufacturing plant in Rubavu and a robust retail network in Kigali, the company has already distributed 6,500 stoves, significantly reducing indoor air pollution and promoting a smokeless kitchen environment. BioMassters also sells two types of household cookstoves: The Red Stove and the “Made in Rwanda” stove, both of which provide convenience for cooks and are clean, smokeless, and efficient. These gasifier stoves operate on affordable wood pellets, which not only reduces wood usage but also results in low running costs compared to other fuel options on the market. During the workshop, Claudia Muench, CEO of BioMassters, emphasised the impact of these initiatives: “Our goal is to create a cleaner and healthier environment for our communities that is at the same time affordable. By transitioning to wood pellets made from wood waste in Rwanda, we alleviate harmful emissions and improve convenience for cooks, which ultimately benefits our students and schools.” The event featured a compelling panel debate on the scalability of pellet solutions, drawing insights from various industry experts. Dr Christian Rakos, President of the World Bioenergy Association, shared his perspective, underscoring the feasibility and necessity of such transitions for sustainable development. “The results we’ve witnessed through these initiatives are promising. With the right support and strategic planning, this model can be effectively scaled to benefit more communities across Rwanda and beyond,” he stated. Sylvain Rucyaha, Director at BioMassters, highlighted the impressive results of the school pilot project. “Our transition to pellet cooking in schools has resulted in a smokeless kitchen environment, significantly reducing indoor air pollution. We’ve also achieved a remarkable reduction in wood usage, improving convenience for cooks and lowering running costs. These solutions are not only renewable, domestic, and affordable, but they are also clean, offering substantial benefits and demonstrating the scalability potential of our approach in transforming school cooking practices with locally produced fuel.” Dr Peter Sommerer, Principal of Erlauf Investment GmbH, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of investment in sustainable energy for fostering economic growth and environmental preservation. “By investing in projects like these, we will be paving the way for a greener, more resilient future,” he remarked. In attendance were key stakeholders representing different government agencies, international agencies, and many other partners. Their participation underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and international cooperation in achieving Rwanda’s ambitious energy goals. The workshop, themed ‘From Firewood to Modern Bioenergy – Leapfrogging the Fossil Age’, provided a valuable platform for policymakers, educational institutions, and energy sector professionals to exchange ideas, share insights, and strategise the path forward for a cleaner, more sustainable future. As Rwanda continues to innovate within the energy sector, initiatives like those spearheaded by BioMassters and the World Bioenergy Association are critical in driving tangible change. These discussions and insights gathered from the workshop will undoubtedly contribute to reshaping the landscape of school cooking practices across the nation, setting a precedent for other countries to follow. By focusing on sustainable development and community empowerment, BioMassters is not just changing the way Rwandans cook; it is driving a movement towards environmental sustainability. With plans to expand and increase production capacity in 2025/26, the company plans to play a pivotal role in Rwanda’s energy transformation. As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices, Rwanda’s commitment, demonstrated through events like this workshop, showcases the nation’s leadership in environmental stewardship and innovative energy solutions. The impact of these efforts will be felt far beyond the borders of Rwanda, offering a model of success for sustainable development globally.
