EKI Energy Services Ltd. (EKI) has achieved a significant milestone by securing a pilot grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to facilitate the distribution of Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s (IOCL) Surya Nutan solar cookers. This initiative aims to reach tribal and underprivileged communities across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Surya Nutan: Solar-Powered Clean Cooking Solution
Surya Nutan was developed and patented by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and manufactured at the Nashik-based facility of GHG Reductions Technologies, a subsidiary of EKI. It is an innovative alternative to traditional mud stoves or three-stone stoves.
The solar cooker can perform essential functions like boiling, steaming, frying and making chapatis. It eliminates smoke and indoor pollution. Powered by solar energy, the solar cooker requires no maintenance, making it an ideal clean cooking solution for underserved communities. The technology integrates solar photovoltaic, thermal storage and a grid power connection.
“We are amped up to receive this support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This grant will allow us to scale up our efforts to provide clean cooking solutions to needy communities. The Surya Nutan has the potential to transform lives by improving health, reducing poverty, and empowering women.” said Manish Dabkara, Chairman and Managing Director, EKI Energy Services Ltd.
Grant to Assess the Impact of the Solar Cooker Distribution
The grant will allow EKI to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of distributing Surya Nutan in these regions, alongside the distribution efforts. By collecting data on factors such as reduced indoor air pollution, improved health outcomes and enhanced livelihoods, EKI aims to gain a deeper understanding of the device’s potential to promote equitable clean energy access.
Surya Nutan is a groundbreaking green cooking solution offering a sustainable, smokeless and flameless way to cook. It has the potential to improve millions of lives by reducing indoor air pollution, enhancing health and empowering communities.
Before receiving the grant, EKI had already distributed 350 Surya Nutan solar cookers to underprivileged and tribal families in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. Launched in January, this initiative marked Dhar as the starting point for an eco-friendly cooking transformation.
EKI Energy: Global Leader in Carbon Mitigation and Sustainability
EKI Energy Services Ltd. is a global leader in Carbon Mitigation Project Development and Offsets Supply. It became the first company from India to list a Plastic Project with Verra, a prominent global accreditation standard based in Washington, USA. Founded in 2008 and listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the company is dedicated to advancing the planet toward a net-zero carbon future.
EKI provides sustainable climate change solutions and carbon offsets, adhering to global standards such as CDM, VCS, Gold Standard, GCC, IREC, TIGR and more. With a focus on building a climate-resilient global economy, EKI offers strategic solutions to help businesses and organizations worldwide meet their climate goals. The company’s services include Carbon Credit/Asset Management, Carbon Credit Generation, Supply, and Offsetting, Carbon Footprint Management, Sustainability Audits and initiatives for Carbon Neutrality and climate-positive impact. Operating in over 16 countries, EKI serves 3500+ customers across 40+ nations and has delivered more than 200 million offsets to date.