Quantifying the Environmental Impacts of Cookstove Transitions: A Societal Exergy Analysis Based Model of Energy Consumption and Forest Stocks in Honduras

Noah Ver Beek,Paul E Brockway,Matthew Kuperus Heun,Elvin Vindel

doi:10.3390/en13123206

Abstract

Unsustainable consumption of biofuels contributes to deforestation and climate change, while household air pollution from burning solid biofuels in homes results in millions of premature deaths globally every year. Honduras, like many low and medium Human Development Index countries, depends on primary solid biofuels for more than 30% of its primary energy supply (as of 2013). We conducted a societal exergy analysis and developed a forest stock model for Honduras for 1971–2013 and used the results to model an energy transition from traditional wood stoves to either improved efficiency wood cookstoves or modern fuel cookstoves (using Electricity or Liquefied petroleum gas) over the period 2013–2050. The exergy analysis and forest model enabled quantification of the environmental tradeoffs between the improved efficiency and fuel switching scenarios. We find that the continued reliance on wood within both the existing and improved wood cookstove scenarios would exhaust forest stocks by 2050, though improved efficiency could reduce national greenhouse gas emissions. Modern fuel cookstoves would reduce household air pollution, emissions, and deforestation. However, the best alternative to successfully reduce household air pollution, GHG emissions, and deforestation is a rapid switch to electric stoves with significant investment in renewable-based electricity.

Highlights

Most energy came from either human or animal labor or wood fuels [1], both of which are limited, low-density options: muscle work is limited by the number and strength of humans and animals, and wood fuels are limited by the available forest area
We applied the methods outlined to the Honduran Economy from 1971 to 2013 and projected energy consumption for residential cooking to 2050
Despite most countries relying heavily on modern fuels for the bulk of their energy needs, Primary solid biofuels still supply a significant portion of residential energy use

Summary

Introduction

Prior to the industrial revolution, technology and knowledge limitations restricted energy supplies to fuels with low energy density. Most energy came from either human or animal labor or wood fuels [1], both of which are limited, low-density options: muscle work is limited by the number and strength of humans and animals, and wood fuels are limited by the available forest area. Technologies were developed to extract and use high energy density fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. Muscle work and PSBs have been replaced by fossil fuels in most of the world’s economy, and energy is more accessible and affordable than ever.

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