How Nigeria's Powerstove is Reinventing Clean Cooking

Powerstove is a Nigerian clean-energy company tackling one of Africa’s most persistent challenges: access to safe, affordable, and environmentally sustainable cooking solutions. Founded by Okey Esse, the company developed a patented smart cookstove that converts the heat generated during cooking into usable electricity.

This innovation allows households not only to cook more efficiently but also to charge phones, power lights, and run small devices—addressing both energy poverty and reliance on traditional biomass fuels through a single solution.

At the heart of Powerstove’s value proposition is its ability to deliver multiple benefits from one appliance. Its clean cookstoves significantly reduce smoke emissions, fuel consumption, and carbon output while generating electricity through thermoelectric technology.

The company estimates that its stoves can reduce fuel use by up to 70% compared to traditional cooking methods, helping families save money while improving indoor air quality. By combining clean cooking, electricity generation, and carbon reduction, Powerstove is creating a practical solution for millions of households that lack reliable access to modern energy services.

Powerstove has attracted international attention for its innovative approach to clean energy and climate resilience. In 2022, the company secured a $1 million grant from the Shell Foundation and UK aid-backed Transforming Energy Access programme to scale production and expand distribution.

Its technology has also generated interest within global carbon markets due to its potential to reduce emissions at scale. Founder Okey Esse and Powerstove have received recognition from innovation and sustainability platforms, cementing the company’s position as a rising force in Africa’s climate-tech sector.