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The National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka (NERDC) recently introduced the "Lanka Shakthi" wood gas stove to the local market under the auspices of the Minister of Science and Technology, the Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella. The Centre also conducted a demonstration on the working of the stove for the benefit of those present at the launch.

Initially known as the NERD Gasifier Stove, it was designed by D. M. P. Bandara, a mechanical engineer at the institute. This stove received the Presidential Award for the best local innovation in the year 2000, as well as a silver medal and certificate in 2002 at a competition held in Switzerland for the best innovations for resolving technological problems encountered by third world countries.

After receiving the patent in 2000, the stove continued to be manufactured at the NERDC with limited numbers being sold. The "Lanka Shakthi" wood gas stove is a new and improved version of the NERD Gasifier Stove. Price at around Rs. 2,500, it operates solely on firewood unlike the earlier version which required a limited input of electricity. Good alternative

The stove uses wood chips, pieces of coconut shell and firewood sticks as fuel and provides a good alternative to the traditional firewood stoves.

Among the positive impacts of this stove are that it enables a lower grade fuel to compete with modern fuels; reduces the use of firewood and improves the kitchen environment and related health hazards; promotes the use of an indigenous and renewable energy resource and enables the transfer from a primitive to a more modern technology and helps to elevate the social status and health of women and children, which contribute towards poverty eradication and economic growth.

All this would no doubt result in the enhancement of the quality of life of society as a whole. The stove acquires special importance when one notes that wood smoke is considered a serious health hazard with evidence revealing that the risks of Acute Respiratory Infection and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease increase significantly in persons exposed to the levels of wood smoke emitted by traditional firewood stoves.

In fact, a study done on the incidences of Acute Respiratory Infection and Conjunctivitis in women and children in Kenya has shown a considerable reduction in incidences in the case of those using improved stoves as compared to open fires.

Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the NERDC, Ranjan Rodrigo stated that as the stove uses firewood, the cost that needs to be incurred for the operation of the stove is vastly reduced. M. W. Leelaratne, General Manager of the Centre expressed confidence that the stove would be very popular in the local market, especially when one takes its social and economic benefits into account. He also expressed the Centre's willingness to look into any of the technical difficulties that may arise in the usage of the stoves.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella pointed out that the "Lanka Shakthi" wood gas stove is a viable alternative to gas stoves, especially in the light of the fact that regulation of gas prices is not possible for a country like Sri Lanka. He also noted that only around 25 per cent of the households use gas, as only this segment of the population can afford it.

He stated that it is a proud moment when we can introduce a local product of international quality to the local market. He also noted that the product adds value to material that might otherwise be wasted such as firewood and coconut husks. Executive Director, Integrated Development Association, R. M. Amerasekera, stated that not only is the stove an important intervention in the field of energy, but that it also has a broader range of impacts covering several development sectors not necessarily confined to energy. He noted that the introduction of the stove promises significant returns to the local economy and benefits to the natural environment through saving in the use of energy in household cooking.

He also pointed out that according to a report of the World Health Organisation, solid fuel use is responsible for nearly 2 million deaths in the developing world, the majority of them being women and children. It is also the fourth highest risk factor of mortality and morbidity and accounts for 2.2 per cent of the total number of deaths and 2.7 per cent of the life years lost due to illness.

He mentioned that several studies done in developing countries have shown that the use of improved wood stoves and influencing the behavioural patterns in the kitchen are effective in mitigating the adverse effects of wood smoke.

While switching completely to cleaner fuels such as LPG or electricity is the most effective way of eliminating the health hazards of biomass, this is not feasible for most households owing to the incremental costs. Mr. Amerasekera pointed out that in this context, stoves such as the "Lanka Shakthi" wood gas stove provide a practical and affordable solution.

He noted that in the light of the fact that around 88 per cent of the kitchens in Sri Lanka use firewood for cooking and the fact that women and children spend considerable periods of time in the kitchen there is a social responsibility to mitigate the negative impacts that can be found in such an environment.

This he felt is a role of science and technology and stated that the introduction of the modified "Lanka Shakthi" wood gas stove was a landmark step in this direction.

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