Rodick Weideveld, the driving force behind the Dutch initiative Solar Chef, is bringing innovative solar cooking technology to Rwanda. The Solar Chef products are designed to address the widespread reliance on biomass and fossil fuels for cooking, which negatively impacts both health and the environment.
Weideveld highlighted the unique features of the Solar Chef cooking kit, which operates on 700 watts of solar power. “Our device includes two batteries that provide a backup of one hour at maximum power, using an induction cooking plate,” he explained.
Rodick Weideveld
The kit is not just limited to cooking; it can also power small appliances, charge phones, and run LED lights or a radio.
Rwanda is the first African country where Solar Chef will test this product. “We’ve been developing and testing this kit for the past two years in the Netherlands, and now we’re ready to see how it performs in an environment where it’s really needed,” said Weideveld.
During their visit, the Solar Chef team engaged with local communities, including potato farmers in the north and chili farmers in the east, to gauge interest and gather feedback.
One of the standout features of the Solar Chef initiative is its affordability. Weideveld shared that the pricing model will allow Rwandans to pay between 10,000 and 20,000 Rwandan Francs per month through a PAYGO system. This fee includes all services and maintenance, with options to upgrade the kit as needed.
“Our mission with Solar Chef is to bring affordable, clean cooking to everyone, starting here in Rwanda. We believe this product can make a significant difference in people’s lives by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional cooking methods,” Weideveld emphasized.
The introduction of Solar Chef in Rwanda represents a significant step toward promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing the environmental and health impacts of traditional cooking fuels.
By Carine Kayitesi
