Protos plant oil stove for developing countries

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A stove powered with plant-oil? That does not seem so unusual in an age in which even automobiles run on rapeseed oil. But, a high-tech, high-quality stove that is nevertheless so inexpensive that even poor families in developing countries can afford it, is a special challenge that requires a special idea. The plant-oil stove Protos, developed by BSH, is more than just a cooker; it is also generates positive ecological, economic, health and social benefits beyond basic humans needs of daily food preparation.
More than 2.5 billion around the world prepare food on open fires. Up to 700 kilograms of wood are needed per person per year to fulfill the cooking requirements, leading to severe deforestation, health and safety problems. The World Health Organization WHO estimates that every year 1.6 million people die as result of the indoor air pollution caused by those fires. Furthermore deforestation leads to ecological problems like flash floods and mudslides – as seen recently in the Philippines and elsewhere.
BSH is working to provide a viable alternative to the open fires, charcoal use as well as imported kerosene or gas used for cooking. With a core competence in developing world-class home appliances, BSH is dedicated to sustainable development for all members of society.
But, BSH cannot tackle this challenge alone. Support for the initial research and development in conjunction with the University of Hohenheim was provided by the German Environmental Foundation and other members of the Bellagio Forum for Sustainable Development.
On the ground, BSH is working in cooperation with the Leyte State University in the Philippines as well at the German GTZ and DEG and European Environmental Heritage Fund.
Protos. The Plant Oil Stove.An Initiative of Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group.
For further information:
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The Project - Using Plants Oil Stoves for Improved Health and Against Deforestation
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The Product - High-Tech for Reliable Cooking Energy in Developing Countries
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Impressions of the test operation of the cooker on the island Leyte