While the global energy shock caused by the conflict in the Middle East is expected to continue, companies are exploring alternative solutions and shifting towards the climate transition. One example is "green" coal in Chad.
They look like charcoal, but these black briquettes are actually made from plant waste: millet and sesame stalks, palm leaves and cobs.
The residues are sorted, crushed and mixed with a maceration of gum arabic to facilitate ignition, and with clay to slow combustion.
It doesn't smoke, it lasts a long time and it's economical. And I've noticed that it doesn't blacken the pan, and there aren't even any side effects ," explains Sophie Saboura, 24, a resident of N'Djamena, the Chadian capital.
Briquettes last up to three times longer than traditional charcoal, according to Ousmane Alhadj Oumarou, technical director of the Raikina Association for Socio-Economic Development (Adser) factory.
"From an environmental point of view, eco-friendly charcoal contributes to sanitation. It also reduces the effects of climate change. It also helps to combat deforestation ," he explains.
Adser produces approximately 10 tonnes of briquettes daily, used for cooking, but they are not available everywhere.
"Its use has its limits. Because even the manufacturing process takes time... it can take a week ," explains Pierre Garba, a renewable energy specialist.
"Sometimes, when there is demand, we try to call, we wait, and we wait, and we wait," confirms Sophie Saboura.
Producers continue to look for solutions to produce more.
With rising gas and energy prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East, green coal is emerging as an alternative for lower-income households. It is also a more climate-friendly solution.
