Biomass Cooking Fuel
Carbon Roots International
The mission of Carbon Roots International (CRI) is to enable the adoption of sustainable green charcoal in Haiti and the broader developing world. CRI’s endeavours are supported by various aid agencies.
The Issue
Traditionally Haitians use wood charcoal for cooking. However, the resulting high levels of deforestation has led to erosion and low agricultural productivity, perpetuating a cycle of extreme poverty in this island nation.
The Alternatives
CRI searched for a more sustainable and cost effective alternative to using wood to produce cooking charcoal. A Pyrocal CCT system was selected to manufacture charcoal, made locally from agricultural residues.
The previous method of making cooking charcoal
Setting up the Pyrocal CCT system to make green charcoal from the same biomass, without producing smoke
The Solution
Biomass for the Pyrocal CCT system is sourced from a variety of agricultural resides including corn stover, sugar cane trash, vetiver, rice hull and coffee hull. The biomass is transformed into biochar and processed into high quality charcoal briquettes.
The design and construction of the Pyrocal CCT system was adjusted to suit the scale and technology requirements of a developing country.
The Results
The planning started in October 2016 when CRI received initial funding, with production using the Pyrocal CCT system commencing mid 2017.
The results are a cooking fuel that costs less and burns longer and evenly, with consistent quality. No deforestation is involved and local jobs have been created.
CRI calculated:
- Payback on CapEx in nine months, based on 753 tons of charcoal produced monthly.
- 79,500 tons of CO2 emissions avoided annually.
