Sunflower Solar Cooker Project, Report by Shen Mingran

Our society faces numerous challenges in daily life, and the topic I will discuss today is closely related to these issues. Although scholar Oliver from Shanghai’s research focuses differ from mine, the project and methodology we’re introducing can provide sustainable solutions for Zimbabwe——. Titled “Sunflower Solar Cooker Project”, this initiative is scheduled to launch on August 6, 2025.
In Zimbabwe, where environmental issues and the availability of resources affect local people, the Sunflower Solar Cooker project can effectively utilize the region’s abundant solar energy resources to provide a high-quality solution.

I. Core value and highlights of the project

1. Significant environmental impact:
   Substituting wood for firewood effectively reduces deforestation and forest degradation.
   Using solar energy to significantly reduce the carbon emissions from cooking.
   To achieve sustainable use of resources based on Zimbabwe’s huge solar potential of 109 GW.
2. Outstanding social benefits:
   Energy poverty alleviation: Direct service to the rural population lacking electricity.
   Health improvement: Safe heating of drinking water ** helps reduce the risk of waterborne
   diseases such as cholera.
   Inclusive employment: Create assembly, retail and after-sales service jobs for the disabled in
   partnership with local organizations (NCDPZ).
3. High economic feasibility:
   Reasonable pricing: The cooker is priced at $150, which matches the local monthly income
   (~$80), and the expected payback period is about 12 months.
   Sustainable operations: Local partner Olkast maintains a profit margin of about 15%
   (approximately $20 per unit) to ensure long-term viability of the project.
   2、 Current challenges and countermeasures
   challenges opportunities
   Limited access to the Internet During the pilot period, we will focus on offline practical
   training to ensure that users can use and maintain cooking
   utensils correctly

II. Exchange rate fluctuations

We are exploring cooperation with local financial institutions to develop local currency installment plans to cushion the impact of exchange rates and maintain affordability

III. Opportunities and Prospects
Great potential: Zimbabwe’s 109 GW solar resources provide a solid foundation for this project, and the successful model has the potential to be replicated in other African countries (such as Ghana).
Green financing: Actively seeking and utilizing external green funds can significantly accelerate the process of project scaling.
Strategic significance: The project has successfully implemented a profitable green business model, effectively combining the needs of energy poverty, environmental protection and economic development, and providing a valuable blueprint for China-Africa cooperation and the promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).