A pilot of secondary use of solar irrigation power for clean cooking

This executive summary describes a pilot project in rural Kenya that tested the feasibility of using solar irrigation systems and batteries to power electric pressure cookers (EPCs). The pilot found that while the technology is feasible and accepted by users, its impact was limited by battery constraints, competing energy needs, and gendered dynamics regarding energy control.

• A randomized controlled trial in rural Kenya demonstrated that solar irrigation systems equipped with batteries can successfully power electric pressure cookers (EPCs). While these devices were enthusiastically accepted and used—particularly by educated households—the pilot showed only small, tentative reductions in the use of traditional solid fuels.
• The effectiveness of using solar irrigation for cooking is hindered by technical and social barriers, including battery capacity limits, competing demands for electricity (such as lighting and televisions), and a gender imbalance where men typically control battery use while women make cooking decisions.
• To scale the secondary use of solar irrigation for clean cooking, the report suggests that battery capacities must be aligned with multi-use demands or cooking must be scheduled during peak solar generation hours. Additionally, policies should focus on inclusive access, gender-equitable control of energy assets, targeted financing or subsidies for EPCs, and behavioral support.

APA

Aklin,, S. M. L. K. A. (2026). A pilot of secondary use of solar irrigation power for clean cooking. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/beyond-irrigation-solar-power-kenya

Chicago

Aklin,, Sunil Mani,Tara Laan,Franziska Keller,Cliff Anami,Michaël. A pilot of secondary use of solar irrigation power for clean cooking. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/beyond-irrigation-solar-power-kenya.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Aklin, |first1=Sunil Mani,Tara Laan,Franziska Keller,Cliff Anami,Michaël |title=A pilot of secondary use of solar irrigation power for clean cooking |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=10 February 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/beyond-irrigation-solar-power-kenya |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{aklin2026pilot, author = {Aklin,, Sunil Mani,Tara Laan,Franziska Keller,Cliff Anami,Michaël}, title = {{A pilot of secondary use of solar irrigation power for clean cooking}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = feb, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/beyond-irrigation-solar-power-kenya}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }