A Revolutionary Solar Stove: Empowering Rural Households with Clean Cooking Solutions
In a bold move to address the energy gap in rural Ethiopia, Green Scene Energy Plc has unveiled Tolo, a game-changer in the clean cooking landscape. Priced at a remarkable 7,403 birr for a single-burner and 13,400 birr for a double-burner, Tolo is a solar-powered cooking stove that offers a 25-30% discount compared to its infrared competitors.
But here's where it gets controversial... Tolo is not just about affordability; it's about accessibility and sustainability. Aimed at households in rural and off-grid areas, Tolo harnesses the power of solar energy through Direct Current Charging (DCC), making it a versatile cooking solution for both on-grid and off-grid locations.
"Tolo is our response to the energy challenges faced by households without electricity access and those seeking cleaner alternatives to traditional biomass and charcoal," explains Rekike Bekele, CEO of Green Scene Energy.
And this is the part most people miss... Tolo is not just a stove; it's a symbol of Ethiopia's progress towards a greener future. With a daily production capacity of over 200 units at Green Scene Energy's factory in Kotebe, Addis Ababa, the company has already supplied over 9,000 solar energy products nationwide and is now expanding into solar appliance manufacturing.
The rising electricity tariffs in Ethiopia, influenced by cost-recovery reforms, inflation, and increasing demand, have highlighted the importance of solar solutions. As of September 2025, approximately 45% of Ethiopians still lack grid access, primarily in rural areas. Tolo's launch couldn't have come at a better time.
Supporting Ethiopia's Clean Cooking Programme (2035) and National Carbon Market Strategy (2025-2035), Tolo aims to expand access to modern cooking energy and reduce household carbon emissions. It's a win-win situation, offering a cleaner, more efficient cooking experience while contributing to Ethiopia's environmental goals.
So, what do you think? Is Tolo a step towards a brighter, cleaner future for Ethiopia? Or is there more to this story that we should consider? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
