India Clean Cookstove Forum 2014
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and GIZ India organized the second India Clean Cookstove Forum in Delhi on 10th and 11th November 2014. The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, Shell Foundation,and Sir Ratan Tata Trust were partners to this event. The Forum brought over 200 people – practitioners, project developers, investors, banks, researchers, civil society, social enterprises, government representatives, and donors together for two days of discussions to map next steps to tackle the challenges hindering the large-scale adoption of improved cookstoves (ICS) and fuels in India. The Forum was inaugurated by Mrs. Varsha Joshi, Joint Secretary, MNRE by lighting an improved cookstove.
On day one, discussions tailored for practitioners focused on increasing the demand and improving the supply of improved cookstoves and fuels while also addressing key issues pertaining to marketing, distribution networks, financing, gender and product design. Day two workshops focused on finding ways to transform the market for clean cooking and make clean cooking technologies available in all Indian households. The Forum concluded with panel discussions on the Roadmap for Clean Cooking in India. ADB was also associated with the Forum, and organized a one day workshop for early stage entrepreneurs where they could receive support to help make their business models more and attractive for investors. The stakeholders were highly appreciative of the Forum are looking forward to continued discussions and opportunities for further interaction. The Alliance as a partner supported GIZ India in bringing key panellists and practitioners to the Forum and moderated panels on Financing for Improved Cookstoves and Policy and Ecosystems and participated as one of the key panellists in the concluding panel on roadmap for clean cooking in India.