Application of Smokeless Briquettes in Developing Countries: The Cases of Haiti and Pakistan

摘要

Traditional energy sources are a significant fraction of energy demand in developing countries. These sources have become increasingly scarce because of clearing of land for agriculture, charcoal production, and excessive timber harvesting. One option for mitigating one aspect of this multidimensional problem is the use of smokeless coal briquettes. Resource and market conditions are excellent in some developing countries for the substitution of smokeless briquettes for fuelwood (which includes firewood and charcoal). US Agency for International Development (USAID) has developed a five-step procedure for determining the potential substitution of smokeless briquettes for fuelwood: resource evaluation, market assessment, technological assessment, government policy and institutional assessment (including environmental and health assessments), and business and market assessment. Through recent assessment activities in Haiti, we have gained knowledge and understanding of the market mechanisms for fuelwood substitution which we intend to apply in Pakistan. 10 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab. (ERA citation 11:016298)