Prelims: Current events of national importance | Energy
Why in News?
Due to the LPG crisis, rural households are reverting to firewood. Modern biomass cookstoves Improved Cookstoves (ICS) are being promoted as cleaner, cheaper alternatives.
|
Feature |
Traditional Chulha |
Improved Biomass Cookstove (ICS) |
LPG Stove |
|
Definition |
A mud or brick‑based open fire cooking stove commonly used in rural India |
A modern firewood‑based stove designed with better airflow and combustion technology. |
A modern firewood‑based stove designed with better airflow and combustion technology. |
|
Thermal Efficiency |
0% |
38–45% |
60% |
|
Fuel Use |
High, wastes heat |
Cuts fuel use by up to 2/3 |
Efficient, but costly fuel |
|
Smoke & Pollution |
Heavy smoke, indoor air pollution |
Secondary aeration reduces soot & harmful gases |
Clean combustion, negligible smoke |
|
Health Impact |
Respiratory hazards, drudgery for women |
Cleaner combustion, less smoke exposure |
Safe, minimal indoor pollution |
|
Fuel Cost |
Often scavenged; bought Rs.10/kg |
Same firewood but reduced consumption; pellets/briquettes possible |
More than Rs.100/kg (commercial LPG rates) |
|
Energy Equivalence |
4 kg firewood is equivalent to 1 kg LPG (low efficiency) |
4 kg firewood equivalent to 1 kg LPG (in ICS) |
|
|
Savings |
None; high consumption |
More than 50% reduction in firewood use; 60% cheaper than LPG |
Expensive during crisis |
|
Upfront Cost |
Negligible (mud stove) |
Household Improved Cookstoves less than Rs.2,000; commercial greater than Rs. 20,000 |
Stove cost moderate; cylinder deposit required |
|
Sustainability |
Unsustainable if extraction is greater than regrowth |
Sustainable if managed; alternative fuels (pellets, agri‑waste) |
Fossil fuel, non‑renewable |
|
Supply Chain Needs |
Local firewood collection |
Local distribution + awareness + after‑sales support |
Centralised LPG distribution network |
Reference
