The objective of this project component was to develop and implement least-cost plans to supply household energy products through free marketing practices with substantial private sector participation to ensure the sustainability of affordable cooking fuels, create private enterprises and preserve the environment.

The component included the following elements: 1) strengthen planning for woody biomass development; 2) implement pilot projects for producing crop residue briquettes; 3) design and modify oil-fired industrial plants to use the briquettes; 4) demonstrate and evaluate charcoal production on a commercial scale; and 5) test new cooking appliances and other techniques for efficiency improvement.

According to the project completion report, the project did not establish the technical and economic viability of efficient charcoal production on a commercial scale or fully establish the economic viability of fuel briquetting operations.