Press Release

February 3, 2011 --- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ethiopian Energy NGO Gaia Association Signs Agreement with Ethiopian Federal EPA
to Install Community Microdistilleries for Clean Cooking Projects

Gaia Association has entered into a supported agreement with the Ethiopian Federal
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to source and install three microdistilleries in
rural Ethiopian communities. The project will link agriculture to energy with simple,
affordable, small-scale processing and distillation equipment. The agreement between EPA
and Gaia Association was signed on December 20, 2011. The efficient microdistilleries
(EMDs) will be installed, operated, and owned by three unique communities in the Amhara,
Afar, and Oromia/Addis Ababa regions.
The EMD equipment will be modular, transportable and self-contained. The EMDs will
transform sugar and starch feedstocks and waste products such as fruit cull and coffee husks
into bioethanol fuel. The EMDs will produce about 120 liters of fuel-grade ethanol per day.
Gaia Association will be responsible for overseeing the procurement and installation of the
EMDs at the project sites. Gaia will also provide technical support such as training on EMD
operation, fuel production, safety and handling. The project uses a community-based
approach to determine which local feedstocks are to be sourced to produce ethanol. The fuel
will be used for clean-burning ethanol stoves. It will also be used to generate power and to
run small motorized vehicles called Bajaj scooters. The ethanol stoves will displace
traditional wood and charcoal stoves. The EPA will monitor the project and provide
technical and programmatic advice.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is an Ethiopian government body established
under the Ministry of Natural Resources Development and Environmental Protection in May
of 1994. Its mission is to ensure strong environmental management as it promotes Ethiopia’s
national development program. EPA is Ethiopia’s expert in climate change mitigation
strategy and serves as “gatekeeper” for carbon finance projects.
Gaia Association is an Ethiopian non-profit, non-governmental organization working to
provide clean-burning stoves and alcohol fuels to families in Ethiopia since 2005. The EMD
project represents Gaia’s entry into the supply-side, to provide not only appropriate
appliances for ethanol fuel but also the means to produce the fuel. Its target clientele is all
who lack access to clean energy for the household. The stoves reduce black carbon, GHG
emissions and indoor air pollution to levels unachievable by improved solid fuel stoves. Gaia
is pleased to work with the EPA to advance efforts to mitigate climate change, reduce
deforestation and improve health outcomes by reducing indoor air pollution. In addition to
working with the Ethiopian government, Gaia also serves as an Implementing Partner to the
UNHCR, providing energy services in refugee camps in the Jijiga region.
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Contacts:
Wubshet Tadele: +251-116-183540; Wubshett@projectgaia.com
Gulce Askin: +1 (717) 334-5594; Gulce.askin@projectgaia.com
Info@projectgaia.com