Ecochar
The Problem: Waste, Deforestation and Unemployment
Ghana loses 125,000 hectares of forest each year to charcoal production. Burning coconut shells and sawdust releases 0.6 million tonnes of pollutants, worsening air quality. At the same time, 1.8 million Ghanaians are unemployed (GSS, 2024). This triple crisis of deforestation, pollution, and unemployment demands urgent, sustainable soluticons.
Transforming Waste into Clean Fuel
Ecochar develops smokeless briquettes made from coconut shells and sawdust using low-temperature thermal compression (~120°C). These briquettes burn 40% longer than charcoal, offering a clean, affordable, and sustainable alternative. The project also establishes coconut plantations that absorb CO₂ and recover agricultural waste, promoting circular economy practices.
Impact and Achievements
Ecochar has begun production and community engagement, proving the potential of clean briquettes to replace charcoal in households.
