Namibia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Rural Power Solutions is developing solar cookers, an alternative to traditional wood cooking method. This idea emerged because of high demand for wood and hence increasing deforestation rates in rural areas of Namibia.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Rural Power Solutions is a pioneering startup company in its Research and development phase. It emerged because of a realization of an increasing scarcity of wood in rural areas of Namibia, caused by the high reliance of these communities on wood as their primary cooking energy source. We are therefore developing solar cookers these are devices that use the power of the sun to cook with no additional fuel source. With our solar cookers, families in rural areas can cook their meals without the need for wood or gas. Our versatile design, which blends elements of box and parabolic cookers, ensures adaptability to a wide range of cooking needs and styles, catering to the diverse preferences of our customers. Moreover, our commitment to inclusivity is evident in our designs, which incorporate Namibian traditional cooking methods, bridging the gap between modern technology and cultural practices.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Based on the 2019-2021 Namibia Census mapping, about 53% (268 842) of households in Namibia use firewood as their main source of energy for cooking. Out of these, 88% (212 168) are in rural areas while, 22% (58 554) are in urban areas. This high reliance on wood not only exacerbates environmental degradation, but it also threatens rural communities' livelihoods and well-being. As a result, deforestation rates have risen to the point where people are forced to either use materials such as animal dungs, palm fruit kennels or walk long distances, in search of wood for their daily cooking needs.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Firstly, solar cookers utilize renewable solar energy, this promotes a cleaner and greener environment as they significantly reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions from cooking. Secondly, solar cooking eliminates the need for traditional fuels such as wood, charcoal or gas, leading to substantial savings for households and reducing deforestation as well as habitat destruction. Thirdly, by reducing indoor air pollution caused by traditional open-fire cooking methods, our solar cookers contribute to better respiratory health and overall well-being, especially in rural communities. Lastly, this initiative fosters local manufacturing and distribution, creating jobs and empowering communities with new skills and sustainable economic opportunities.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our primary target are households and individuals in rural areas and informal settlements who have limited access to cooking fuels and highly depend on wood or fossil fuels as their primary energy source for cooking. In addition, we are targeting low-income households who spent a large portion of their small income on cooking fuels, environmental advocates and NGOs as well as outdoor enthusiasts.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-09-16

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Me (Founder): Ms. Cecilia Naule is a current master's student in renewable energy, with a research focus on heat storage for solar cookers. She holds an honors degree in Physics and has been actively involved in business development programs, mentorship as well as attending numerous energy conferences and renewable energy workshops. This extensive experience has provided a solid foundation in both the technical and business aspects of renewable energy solutions. 2. Mr. Poland Michael (Co-founder) is a current PHD student in Physics (with research on Solar PV), he holds a master's and bachelor's degree in physics. His deep expertise in solar photovoltaic technology complements the Rural Power Solutions' focus on solar energy.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/rural-power-solutions-cc-2021/about (and) www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-ndafaanhu-naule-b0980621a

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

3

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Solar cookers are smoke and fire free and hence reduce indoor air pollution. By reducing indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods, our solar cookers significantly improve respiratory health and overall well-being especially of women and girls as they are mostly the ones involved in the collection of wood/fossil fuels and cooking for their families. In addition, the use of solar cookers reduces accidents caused by open fires in households.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The use of solar cookers reduce time spent in collecting wood and hence reduce labor associated with traditional cooking methods. This therefore alleviate the domestic burden on women and girls, promoting gender equality.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

The solar cookers can be used to purify water by pasteurization especially in informal settlements, contributing to better sanitation and access to clean water.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Our solar cookers provide a sustainable, affordable and clean energy solution, directly aligning with this goal. Solar cooking uses the direct energy of the sun, which is readily available, freely and in an abundant amount. Once the user spent the initial amount of purchasing the solar cooker, there will be no additional cost associated with its utilization.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Rural Power Solutions will create jobs mostly in the manufacturing and distribution of the solar cookers, therefore contributing to local economic growth and decent employment opportunities.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Rural Power Solutions promotes innovation in renewable energy technology and supports the development of sustainable infrastructure in the energy sector.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

We are providing cooking energy access to those with limited to no access to electricity and clean cooking energy fuels, thereby supporting energy equity.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Our solar cookers reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources, decreasing air pollution and improving the quality of life in communities. Solar cookers lower the demand for firewood and charcoal and by doing so we help reduce deforestation and land degradation, thereby promoting greener, more sustainable urban and rural environments.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our solar cookers promote responsible consumption and utilization of natural resources (wood-cutting down of trees) by harnessing renewable solar energy and reducing dependence on wood for cooking.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The use of solar cookers reduces carbon emissions associated with the use of fossil fuels. In addition, solar cookers reduce the cutting of trees for wood and hence deforestation - a major contributor of climate change. Therefore, Rural Power Solutions directly contribute to climate action efforts.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our solar cookers help reduce deforestation and land degradation by decreasing the cutting down of trees as well as the need for firewood and other biomass fuels used for cooking.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Rural Power Solutions actively seeks collaborations with NGOs, government agencies and other stakeholders to promote and implement sustainable energy solutions, contributing to global partnerships for achieving the SDGs.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

4

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

2

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

While solar cookers are widely used in other countries, they are not prevalent in Namibia. Our Startup introduces this innovative solution to the local market, tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the region, thus improving on the existing options available. There is a high demand of clean cooking fuels in rural areas and informal settlements of Namibia. Traditional cooking methods such as gas and electricity are often expensive and unequally distributed across different regions/areas - not to talk about wood which is getting scarce on a daily basis. Therefore, our solar cookers directly address this unmet need by providing an affordable, eco-friendly alternative.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Currently, our main competitors are Gas stove distributors, Charcoal/wood efficient stove manufacturers and wood vendors all who requires users to continuously procure fuel to cook. However, we possess a unique position in the Namibian market as there are currently no active solar cookers. Secondly, our cookers use a hybrid design, ensuring versatility in cooking methods. Thirdly, we actively engage with prospective buyers to tailor our products to their specific needs. Moreover, our cookers will utilize highly reflective mirror aluminum reflectors, enhancing heat capture and cooking efficiency. Furthermore, our designs are safeguarded by Namibian intellectual property rights, giving us control over our innovations. Additionally, our solar cookers will come with user manuals for user-friendliness, and we offer a range of sizes and personalization. Finally, we have segmented price ranges based on our customer groups.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Not yet but, I hope to do so in the near future.