The Emergence Of Large-Scale Bioethanol Utilities: Accelerating Energy Transitions For Cooking
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
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Abstract: This peer-reviewed study explores the large-scale adoption of bioethanol for clean cooking in Kenya, using the KOKO Networks model as a pioneering case. The research investigates how technological innovation, climate finance, and scalable utility models have enabled bioethanol to reach over 950,000 households?an unprecedented figure in Sub-Saharan Africa?s clean cooking sector. It assesses the environmental, health, gender, and economic impacts of bioethanol, emphasizing reductions in indoor air pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study applies the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Theory of Change to identify barriers to scalability and documents strategies KOKO used to overcome limitations in affordability, fuel accessibility, taxation, and distribution infrastructure. The findings show bioethanol supports 13 of the 17 SDGs and presents a viable, replicable alternative to charcoal and kerosene in urban settings.