The center has developed a project for registration in Clean Development Mechanism for carbon trade by constructing over 35,000 improved kitchens in Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Dhanusha and Mahottari in three years.
The center has already developed a project concept note and is currently developing project design document. Deputy Manager of the center Subarna Kapali said improved kitchens are eligible for carbon trade under CDM as they reduce firewood consumption and contribute to forest conservation.
The carbon saved through the improved kitchen will be traded at $7 per ton per year, he said. He said an improved kitchen can reduce CO2 emission by one ton per year. The Ministry of Environment has granted permission to the center to go ahead with the registration for carbon trade under CDM. The center will build the kitchens by mobilizing community organizations.
The project aims at reducing carbon emission by 2,670 tons in 2009; 20,231 tons in 2010; 33,551 tons in 2011; and 32,353 tons in 2012 through the improved kitchens.
Improved kitchens emit 20-30 percent less CO2 as compared with traditional kitchens.
The center has also developed a project to build 1,500 kitchens in Chitwan.
Over 85 percent people in Nepal still use one or the other form of biological fuel. It is estimated that 5,000 people lose life in Nepal annually due to diseases related to kitchen smoke. And it costs the national economy Rs 10 billion. Of all sources of energy in Nepal, firewood comprise 75 percent, agricultural by-products four percent and dung five percent.
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