What is the Green Fire Project?
GREEN FIRE 2023 invites participation in a solidarity and sustainable operation. In Europe, the risks of gas and electricity shortages are threatening everyone – and it is twice as tragic for countries that have only the wood from their forests to cook their food. For each stove sold in Europe, two stoves are distributed in poor countries dependent on wood and charcoal to cook food. This innovative project provides an ecological and 100% decarbonized stove that has been conceptualized and developed by Jean Garrigues, President and founder of HYDRANTMAN Swiss Association. The stove is inspired by the principle of wood pyrolysis to produce clean combustible gas. It allows cooking food with biomass compressed into wood pellets, small wood, and compressed briquettes. The project’s overall mission is clear: protect drinking water in regions of the world facing shortages.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Key figures and facts reveal the true impact of the Green Fire project:
- Every stove sold in Europe triggers the distribution of two stoves in countries in need.
- The ecological stove is constructed of 100% stainless steel – durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Operates on “biomass gas” generated via pyrolysis using wood pellets, small wood, and/or small bundles.
- Biomass saving: up to 50% compared to charcoal and over 30% compared to traditional wood stoves.
- A single load of 0.75 liters of pellets can prepare a meal for one hour of continuous fire.
- Performance in watts is equal to that of a ceramic hob with an 18 cm diameter.
Ecological Advantage
The ecological and 100% decarbonized stove is essential in areas where food is cooked over wood fire, and in regions facing risks of gas and electricity shortages. Constructed with a commitment to sustainability, the stove not only protects the planet but also utilizes a smoke-free combustion process with a neutral carbon footprint. With waste rates of less than 1%, this innovative stove is comparable in performance to traditional ceramic hobs, ensuring that ecological advantages are not achieved at the cost of efficiency. The system, operating on biomass gas, represents a breakthrough in ecological cooking methods… truly a win for the planet!
Humanitarian Action
Two stoves are distributed for every one sold, turning each purchase into a powerful act of humanitarian support. This initiative directly aids poor countries, especially those devastated by deforestation and water shortages. The Green Fire stove is a lifeline, enabling a saving of 50% in biomass compared to charcoal and more than 30% compared to standard wood stoves. This significant reduction in biomass consumption is more than a statistic – it is a catalyst for positive environmental change. By reducing dependence on unsustainable practices, the project sets the stage for the stopping of deforestation within two years, the regeneration of forests and biodiversity in seven years, and the restoration of ecological balance within ten years.
Protection Against Energy Shortages
In a time when many regions face the looming threat of gas and electricity shortages, the Green Fire stove emerges as a reliable energy solution. With just a load of 0.75 liters of pellets, a full hour of continuous cooking is possible – no gas or electricity needed. This makes the stove a crucial tool for those residing in areas with limited infrastructure, where access to modern utilities can be inconsistent. The stove’s ability to generate biomass gas and operate without reliance on the traditional energy grid ensures robust protection against the risks of energy scarcity. It works perfectly on any balcony or terrace, reinforcing its role as an essential resource in facing modern energy challenges.
Economic and Environmental Innovation
The project’s design reflects a harmonious blend of economic innovation and environmental stewardship. Distributed at a price of 250 CHF per unit excluding tax—or 400 CHF excluding tax for two stoves—the arrangement ensures wide accessibility while supporting global solidarity efforts. The logistics are handled by a professional company, with a modest delivery fee of 30 CHF for all of Switzerland. Such considerations ensure that the stove reaches those who need it most, bolstering sustainable economies and reinforcing eco-responsible practices. This methodical approach demonstrates a commitment to both environmental and economic sustainability.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The project protects drinking water resources, especially in water-scarce regions.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By providing an alternative cooking solution, the stove mitigates energy shortage risks.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The 100% ecological stove with a neutral carbon footprint contributes to combating climate change.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – By reducing biomass consumption, the initiative supports the regeneration of forests and biodiversity.
Community and Environmental Benefits
The Green Fire project stands as a beacon of hope for both environmental and humanitarian challenges… Developed by the HYDRANTMAN Swiss Association, it embodies practical innovation while advancing the principles of sustainable development outlined by the FAO. Tests in Switzerland and Nepal confirm impressive biomass savings of 30% to 50% in daily use, reinforcing the practical application of ecological science. More than just a stove, the project represents a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding natural resources, empowering vulnerable communities, and initiating long-term change. Through its multifaceted approach—ranging from ecological benefits to tangible humanitarian impact—the project invites diverse communities, including European and Asian men and women, to contribute to the safeguarding of water in Himalayan countries and Africa. As countries face unprecedented challenges related to energy and environmental sustainability, projects like Green Fire nurture a future where human ingenuity and sustainable practices walk hand in hand.
