projects

Pay-as-you-go LPG for cleaner energy

Completed
A man crouches next to an LPG cylinder.
Mohamed Ag Litni, a Malian refugee in Mbera camp, was among the first in Mbera to adopt the use of LPG gas. He is shown here demonstrating how to properly set up an LPG gas package. Photo: UNHCR/Omar Doukali.
Programme
UNHCR Innovation Incubator
Fund
Environment and Climate Action Innovation Fund | Incubator
Start Date
Total Project Cost
USD 109,214.000
Country
Mauritania
Project Team
UNHCR Mauritania , Djikke

Challenge

Most refugees in Mbera camp cook with firewood or charcoal, which contribute to deforestation but can be acquired in small, affordable increments. LPG – a cleaner fuel – is cheaper over time, but a full cylinder, its only available format, is a high upfront cost, as is equipment to make the switch.

Solution

Create a more affordable pay-as-you-go solution by enabling local providers to refill LPG cylinders up to smaller requested amounts. Providers will receive hand pumps and training, while households will receive cash assistance to purchase LPG stoves and refillable cylinders.

Impact

Diminished health and environmental impacts of charcoal use, benefitting 5,000 individuals directly and 3,500 more indirectly. Local businesses are supported and households save money with a sustainable supply and demand link. Awareness raising campaigns boost already high potential for uptake.

Project impact

1
refugee-inclusive loan product co-designed with communities to make LPG more affordable
900
people supported to create accounts with financial service provider & access green loans
80%
of participants reporting preferring switching to LPG use over charcoal

Other information

Monitoring completed a month after the pilot ended estimated that 50–60% of participants had completed one LPG cylinder purchase independently.
 
The project generated environmental co-benefits by reducing pressure on surrounding natural resources. Deforestation (due to demand for wood) and charcoal use had previously been significant concerns.
 
Eighty percent of participants reported time saved due to no longer having to collect firewood. That time could instead be dedicated to income generating activities and education.
 
Read more about this project in our webstory.