Cookstove Manufacturers Active in Western China
In a typical desert area in Gansu Province, Western China, a solar technology company has led the development of highly efficient solar cookers. Local manufacturer, Lanzhou Huaneng Eco Energy Development Co. Ltd (Huaneng), also is a distributor of solar cookers, biomass stoves, and Kangs – biomass heated beds.
On a recent visit to stove enterprises and partners In Gansu, Alliance Country Manager for China Jichong Wu learned Huaneng is in the process of realigning its distribution model. In a move to become less dependent on government subsidies, they have launched a pilot distribution program called “the Environmental Protection Ambassadors”. As motivation to generate sales for the company they offer a bundle of three stoves to selected villagers to be the company’s “Ambassadors.” These individuals will be recruited by Huaneng’s agents and will sign a contract with an annual sales target. The program is still in a pilot phase, but can be duplicated at a larger scale if succeeded.
Jichong Wu also visited to other manufacturers, BioLite in Guangdong, a U.S.-based C-Corp that designs, manufactures and distributes ultra-clean biomass cookstoves and other clean energy products, and the Midea Group, China’s largest home appliance and induction stove supplier. Alliance and Midea are in discussion on deeper engagement and a full-scale partnership.