A Comparative Study of Different Improved Cooking Stoves in Nepal: Assessing Fuel Diversity Efficiency and Marginal Abatement Costs

Abstract

In Nepal, traditional stoves, predominantly used in rural areas, have raised significant concerns, including heightened fuel consumption, indoor air pollution, and deforestation. Recently, Improved cooking stoves (ICS) have emerged as a promising alternative, showcasing remarkable reductions in fuel usage and emissions while improving cooking efficiency and indoor air quality. This research aims to comprehensively evaluate commercially available high-efficiency ICS across critical parameters. The study evaluated the performance and economic viability of various wood and charcoal-burning stoves, considering their thermal efficiencies, emission reduction capabilities, net present values (NPVs), internal rates of return (IRRs), benefit-cost (B-C) ratios, and marginal abatement costs. Among the stove types assessed, the force draft wood stove utilizing firewood emerged as the most economically advantageous option, despite its lower thermal efficiency compared to other fuels. Despite its lower efficiency, this stove demonstrated the highest NPV of NPR. 3600, an impressive IRR of 80%, and a commendably low marginal abatement cost of NPR. 748 per ton of CO2 equivalent. The findings underscored the significance of considering factors beyond thermal efficiency alone, highlighting the pivotal role of economic feasibility, emission reduction potential, and long-term financial returns in assessing the suitability of cooking stoves, wherein the firewood-powered stove showcased robust economic viability and considerable environmental benefits.