SELCO

Partner:                     SELCO

Title of Placement:    Improved Cooking Stoves

Location:                    Bangalore, India

Start date:                 1st July 2009 OR 1st November 2009

Duration:                   3 months

No. of volunteers:     2  

A 3-month placement working in SELCO’s Innovations department to research, develop and trial a prototype 'Improved Cooking Stove'. Indoor air pollution from the burning of solid fuels for cooking is the fourth largest cause of death in the world's poorest countries, killing more than 1.5m people each year worldwide. The improved cooking stove is a simple yet effective way of reducing smoke inhalation and improving health and quality of life.  

What work will I be doing?

The purpose of the project is to minimize emissions of stoves used in the households of communities in rural India by improving their energy efficiency. The current three stone stoves used by majority of the rural population are inefficient and create harmful emissions, which impact particularly on the health of women and children who spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  

Specific activities will include: 

  • Research into existing cooking stoves technologies found both locally and abroad
  • Investigate usage patterns by local communities
  • Run a social impact assessment
  • Brainstorm design improvements
  • Produce several potential design concepts
  • Possibly produce a final stove prototype
  • Develop a plan for local manufacture
  • Develop a maintenance and servicing plan for the local villagers to follow
  • Conduct a pilot study of approximately 40 residences in order to investigate actual performance.
  • Plan for hand-over of work to SELCO (will include a concluding presentation)  

Who will I be working for?

SELCO is a 'profit making social enterprise' which aims to “empower the lives of under-served populations throughout the world by selling, servicing and financing services that improves their quality of life in a holistic manner”. It was founded in 1995 to sell and service solar electric home lighting systems in areas of India lacking access to reliable electricity. Through 25 branches nationwide it now provides a range of sustainable energy services to under-served households and businesses across India.  

In 2005, SELCO won an ‘Ashden Award’ for its success in providing affordable solar home systems across southern India. They used part of this cash award to set up the Innovations department, which assists start-up businesses and explores new products, services and partnerships; this is the department the volunteer will be working in.

What skills or experience do I need?

Required: 

  • Be enthusiastic about current development issues and have a good understanding of realistic constraints they may encounter.
  • The ability to develop multiple approaches to solving a problem
  • Being able to engage well with local community members and colleagues alike
  • Have a track record of leadership skills, project management and successful team work. 

Desired:

  • Practical experience in the areas of work planned is seen as very useful, but not essential. 
  • Fluency in Hindi, Kannada or Gujarati

Want more info?

Visit: www.ashdenawards.org/winners/selco or  www.selco-india.com/

Groups: