Enabling Electric Cooking Ecosystem in Rural India (2022-2025)
IIT Bombay has been awarded the project “Enabling the Electric Cooking Ecosystem in Rural India,” submitted to Loughborough University, UK, as part of the Modern Energy Cooking Services competition. This initiative is one of 11 projects selected for funding in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 globally, aiming to activate and sustain the electric cooking supply chain in rural India through targeted initiatives. Despite cleaner cooking technologies like LPG and electric cookstoves, rural households primarily rely on biomass due to affordability and accessibility challenges. The project comprises two phases: the first focuses on designing a supply chain activation plan for clean cooking appliances, while the second implements a sustainable electric cooking supply chain in rural Bihar, promoting electric induction cookstoves and electric pressure cookers (EPCs). Led by J-WIRES in collaboration with IIT Bombay and Jeevika, the initiative seeks to transition households to electric cooking by leveraging reliable electricity access and establishing a strong supply chain. The project has shown promising results, significantly increasing electric cooking appliance sales and reaching over 1,500 households in Gaya and Aurangabad. It also highlights the importance of community engagement, training, and awareness campaigns, alongside a three-tier supply chain network involving local retail shops and Clean Cooking Champions (CCCs).