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Africa Conservation Fund, together with ICCN (Congolese Wildlife Authority) are running the alternative energy program in the outskirts of Virunga National park. In order to stop deforestation (which is happening at an unprecedented rate) 600 pressing machines have been installed in villages surrounding the park.

So far, the production of fuel briquettes has been very successful, but sales in Goma (capital of North Kivu) could not catch up with the press beneficiaries motivation. Unfortunately, people still prefer charcoal to fuel briquettes (which are made 100% of agricultural residue and recyclable material). Remember that to make one kilo of charcoal, six kilos of wood are needed. The calorific value of fuel briquettes is half of that of charcoal. Nevertheless, it is very similar to that of wood, therefore making the cooking job a success.

Burning fuel briquettes in an improved school – program currently running in the school EP Kiwanja

Testing fuel briquettes in a bakery’s oven – wood consumers easily swap towards fuel briquettes

Our efforts are now streamed towards improving the quality of the fuel briquettes, getting as much of its humidity level out (a humid briquettes equals unhealthy smoke) and a marketing and education campaign on the consequences of deforestation.

New packaging for fuel briquettes – now sold in a 6 kilo paper bag around Goma’s most popular markets

With a monthly production of 4.000 fuel briquette sacks, sales only reached the 1.300 mark last month. We are expecting to close some deals very soon: the prison in Goma, where wood is currently used in the kitchen to feed 900 men, Worldvision, who has approved a budget to provide fuel briquettes to those schools in Vitchumbi where they get free food from WFP (World Food Program), and Heal Africa, a hospital in Goma that cooks for 300 people every day. More news to come soon! Please remember to catch up on www.gorilla.cd for further information.

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