Navigating the urgent need for electric cooking solutions

Every year, nearly 4 million individuals, predominantly women and children, die from indoor pollution resulting from the use of firewood or charcoal for cooking. Besides health concerns, this also contributes to environmental problems such as deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The economic impact for women in particular is considerable. The time spent collecting firewood significantly limits their ability to engage in productive or income-generating activities.

However, cooking remains one of the most underfunded Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with 4 billion people still lacking access due to a lack of political prioritisation.

We sought to change this narrative at our eCooking and Energy Planning Workshop in Lilongwe, Malawi, 1–2 February 2025. Co-organised with the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme funded by UK Aid, the event gathered over 30 parliamentarians, regulators and energy experts representing 13 time zones from four continents. The purpose was to explore how electric cooking (eCooking) solutions can be integrated into national policies and accelerate eCooking transition.

Key topics discussed

• Progress on eCooking across multiple countries and lessons learnt

• Malawi’s eCooking cooking roadmap and policy innovations

• Institutional cooking strategies in schools and public facilities

• Carbon financing and utilising credits for eCooking cooking projects

• Inclusive policies to ensure no community is left behind

• Net Zero Appliances NDC Toolkit and quality standards for eCooking

During the workshop, lawmakers and regulators reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up eCooking cooking solutions. Many also committed to joining the Global Electric Cooking Coalition (GeCCo), a global initiative launched at COP28 to accelerate eCooking adoption.

The event also provided an opportunity for peer-to-peer learnings about potential outcomes in different national contexts, with experts offering to integrate eCooking in shaping 2025 NDCs.

ECooking cooking should be available and accessible to all. The technology is there to provide reliable, clean energy faster, as demonstrated by Kachione LLC, a social enterprise in Malawi dedicated to enhancing energy access in rural areas by developing and distributing affordable, locally made solar electric cooking systems.

The group gathered outdoors to observe a demonstration of a solar home system

Country-specific pledges:

Participating countries will work towards the following:

• Nigeria: MPs pledged to use the Rural Electrification Agency to build mini-grids, raise awareness, secure budgets, and collaborate with MECS on standards.

• Brazil: Representatives will address efficiency standards, stimulating R&D for community-based solutions, and integrate eCooking into national energy strategies.

• Ghana: The Energy Committee will continue to strengthen regulatory frameworks and collaborate with MECS to further enhance eCooking cooking policies.

• Kenya: MPs would look to develop and enforce eCooking cooking standards, improve power reliability, and lobby for dedicated funding for eCooking expansion driving policy reform.

• India: Delegates committed to closely collaborating with MECS to expand eCooking solutions and integrate modern energy practices into national policies.

• Laos: Will establish efficiency and sustainability standards, provide financial incentives, and invest in capacity-building programmes.

• Malawi & Nepal: Both countries would look to regulating eCooking tariffs, ensuring compliance and fair pricing while promoting community training, tax rebates, and supportive policies.

• Sierra Leone: Will set eCooking tariffs, develop comprehensive regulations, and support institutional adoption in public facilities.

• Tanzania: Plans to roll out community education campaigns, review policies, and provide clear implementation guidelines for eCooking.

• Uganda: Mandating discounted peak tariffs for eCooking, publishing quarterly adoption reports, conducting oversight visits, and leading public awareness campaigns.

• Zambia: Set affordable eCooking tariffs, facilitate carbon financing, and advocate for supportive subsidies and tax exemptions.

Beyond pledges

Political will and strong regulatory frameworks remain key to ensuring these commitments translate into action. The Malawi workshop reinforced that integrated energy planning is not just about electricity access; it’s about utilising policy, finance, and technology to create a future where eCooking cooking is the norm, not the exception.