EKI Energy Services Ltd. (EKI) announced a major milestone as the company secured a pilot grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to support the distribution of Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s (IOCL) Surya Nutan solar cooking devices. The initiative will target tribal and underprivileged regions across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
About Surya Nutan:
- Developed and patented by IOCL, Surya Nutan is an indoor solar cooking device designed to replace traditional open-fire cooking methods.
- It combines solar PV, thermal storage, and a grid power connection, ensuring all-weather operability.
- Capable of boiling, steaming, frying, and making chapatis, it eliminates smoke and indoor pollution, making it ideal for underserved communities.
- Manufactured by GHG Reductions Technologies, a Nashik-based subsidiary of EKI.
Key Benefits:
- Health Improvement: Reduces indoor air pollution, mitigating respiratory diseases.
- Cost Efficiency: Operates on solar energy with minimal maintenance.
- Empowerment: Promotes clean cooking solutions, especially for women in underprivileged communities.
Pilot Grant Objectives:
- The grant will focus on distribution of Surya Nutan solar cookers in multiple districts in the three states.
- Aims to demonstrate the device’s potential to improve health outcomes, reduce poverty, and empower women.
Leadership Insights:
Manish Dabkara, Chairman and Managing Director of EKI, stated:
“We are thrilled to receive this support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This grant will enable us to scale up efforts to provide clean cooking solutions to those in need. Surya Nutan has the potential to transform lives and create a ripple effect of positive change.”
Vision for the Future:
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting Surya Nutan at India Energy Week 2023 as a revolutionary step toward sustainable energy, this initiative aligns with the government’s goal of reaching three crore households in the coming years. The Gates Foundation’s backing amplifies the impact, paving the way for broader adoption and cleaner cooking practices nationwide.
