Beyond Climate Mitigation: The Promising Social Impact of MEC’s Electric Cooking Program on Women in Rural India

Stories from the field

Induction cooking is a complex issue in India, given that polluting fossil fuels like coal remain the primary source of electricity generation in the country. However, as India moves to cleaner and more renewable sources of electricity in the future, following the worldwide push in power systems planning to move to cleaner sources of fuel, the future of clean cooking in India is surely electric. At MEC, we are leading the movement by ensuring that when the day comes, the underserved and low-income communities of women are not left behind in the energy transition once again, as the last in the socio-economic ladder to receive access to clean cooking technologies.

Our clean cooking program, MicroEnergy Credits – Microfinance for Clean Cooking Product Lines – India (GS12066), is the pioneer carbon program promoting e-cooking in India, through which induction cookstoves are being made available to women microentrepreneurs in low-income communities to cook in cleaner, safer environments on their journey up the clean energy ladder. The program also has the accomplishment of being issued the first-of-their-kind carbon credits earlier this year under the new Gold Standard Methodology for Metered & Measured Energy Cooking Devices. It has a verified impact on SDGs 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 &13.

The program has a clear environmental impact with verified reduced emissions. By replacing cooking fuels like wood and charcoal, induction cookstoves reduce associated GHG emissions and provide a cleaner cooking environment with no indoor air pollution. By eliminating the need for firewood, the stoves also directly reduce the need to chop down trees for fuel, preventing deforestation in the local area and positively impacting the environment. To date, the program has already reduced 85,310 tonnes of carbon emissions from being released into the atmosphere and is on track to reduce several thousand tonnes more year-on-year.

Not only that, the program supports better health outcomes for families, especially for women and children. According to The Economist, 4 million people still die prematurely every year because of the indoor air pollution generated by cooking with polluting fuels like coal and kerosene, making it the world’s third-biggest cause of early mortality for women and children, after heart disease and strokes.[i] By significantly reducing the air pollution and carbon emissions associated with cooking, our induction cookstoves program provides a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional methods. The use of these stoves also completely eliminates the instances of fire-related accidents during cooking.

MEC clients sit in front of a wall covered in soot from a traditional ‘chulha’

However, it is the social impact of our carbon intervention that sets the MEC program apart. Our recent conversations with some clients in Bhathat village, Maharajganj district, near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, India, demonstrated some remarkable co-benefits of the program to the women microentrepreneurs:

Monetary savings: The money the women save by using induction cookstoves has a far-reaching impact on the lives of their families. Kanchan Pal, an end-user who runs a cosmetics and bangle store in the village, reports that aside from the ease of use and making her cooking environment safer, she is most enthused by the monthly money she saves by cooking on the induction cookstove. An LPG cylinder costs her between 900-1200 rupees a month, and firewood costs 7-8 rupees/kg. Her household of 6 people can consume up to 15 kgs of firewood in a month. On the other hand, the cost of cooking on an induction stove is about 200-300 rupees a month, encouraging her to use that as her primary cooking method. Kanchan has used the money saved on cooking fuels to stock her shop better, resulting in better business and more income for her. She was preparing for her daughter’s wedding, which was to take place the week after we met her, and she reported that she had also used some of the savings from fuel purchases to support the wedding preparations, a matter of great pride for her.

Kanchan Pal is delighted with the money she saves every month by cooking on an induction cookstove

Time savings: Gita Gupta, an end-user who runs an egg stall during the day and a food stall in the evenings, reports that cooking on the induction stove at home saves her at least 30-45 minutes daily. She can simultaneously manage other household chores because the food cooks faster and does not need to be watched as it cooks. She chooses to use this saved time to keep her stalls open longer, resulting in a direct increase in her daily income.

Gita Gupta spends more time on her microenterprises now

Women Empowerment- Increase in gender and social equity for women: Perhaps one of the most encouraging impacts of our program has been the increase in social equity that most women reported. These women are not just caregivers inside their homes and microentrepreneurs outside their homes; their financial contribution lends them increased agency, further empowering them to participate in social and economic activities. Because their micro-enterprises are generating more income due to investing more time and money saved, some women we met reported receiving more social and domestic support from their husbands and families. Pavitra Nisar, another client who runs a food stall, reports that her husband now helps her around the house, even cooking sometimes since it is much easier to cook food on an induction cookstove, which is an almost ground-breaking social change in this pocket of rural India, given that most women even in urban and peri-urban India cannot claim to enjoy this domestic support. Gita also tells us that her children make simple snacks like instant noodles for themselves after school on these stoves, which she encourages since there is no fear of fire or burns. This small act has fostered independence in her children, who are learning to care for themselves and freeing up Gita’s time in turn.

Pavitra Nisar’s husband helps her with domestic cooking, allowing her more free time to use as she pleases

Community building and personal development: The women reported an exciting development: using video tutorials on YouTube to learn new dishes to cook on the induction stoves. The women share innovative dishes and recipes they try with each other, enriching their social interactions. They reported a marked sense of personal accomplishment in keeping pace with modern technology like electric cooking and using the internet to learn new recipes.

MEC's clean cooking program is not just a solution to the environmental and health crises associated with traditional cooking methods; it is a transformative initiative that empowers women, enhances their economic prospects, promotes significant improvements in health, and fosters gender and social equity in underserved communities. The success stories of women like Kanchan, Gita, and Pavitra highlight the transformative potential of clean cooking solutions, showing how technological innovations can catalyze broader social change. As we continue to build programs to navigate the transition to clean energy in our efforts towards climate mitigation, we are committed to ensuring that marginalized groups remain at the forefront of this change.

[i] [i] https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2024/07/12/why-cooking-causes-4m-premature-deaths-a-year

MEC Africa Program: All You Need to Know

MicroEnergy Credits – Microfinance for Solar Lamps & Efficient Cookstoves

Grouped Project under Verra

In line with our commitment to transparency and integrity, we are providing a comprehensive list of all the information about our Africa clean energy program here.

This initiative aims to ensure that stakeholders have access to program details and documentation in an easy-to-use way.

In the rural areas in Kenya, the predominant means of cooking are traditional cookstoves that use charcoal or wood as fuel. The smoke and fumes from these inefficient stoves contribute heavily to indoor air pollution, and affect human health. In rural areas of Kenya there is either no grid connection or frequent power outages and low voltage so rural households must use kerosene for indoor lighting, which also contributes to indoor air pollution.

Under the project activity, MEC works with project partners to develop a successful and diversified clean energy-lending program. The clean energy program addresses typical barriers for low-income clients including education, price, finance, and supply and aftersales service. MEC trains project partners to implement the clean energy lending program, as well as a robust and transparent carbon credit monitoring and tracking system to quantify and record the volume of carbon emission reductions created through the clean energy program.

Audited Documents

Project Design Documents
Monitoring Reports

Additionality:

Over-crediting

Co-benefits of the program

MEC India Clean Energy Program (GS11450): All You Need to Know

MICROENERGY CREDITS – MICROFINANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCT LINES – INDIA

PoA ID GS 11450

In line with our commitment to transparency and integrity, we are providing a comprehensive list of all the information about our India clean energy carbon program here.

This initiative aims to ensure that stakeholders have access to program details and documentation in an easy-to-use way.

The program promotes three broad categories of Clean Energy Products (“CEP”):

Efficient Stoves
Water Purifiers
Solar Electric Lights

Comprehensive information about the program:

I. Audited Documents:

Project Design Documents
Monitoring Reports
Verification Reports

II. Additionality:

III. Over-crediting:

IV. Co-benefits of the program: Fostering community empowerment

MicroEnergy Credits Achieves Milestone with First-of-Their-Kind Induction Cookstove Carbon Credits Issuance under Gold Standard

Mumbai, 13 February 2024– MicroEnergy Credits, a trusted provider of social impact carbon credits, proudly announces the issuance of first-of-their-kind carbon credits for its innovative induction cookstove clean cooking carbon program under the new Gold Standard Methodology for Metered & Measured Energy Cooking Devices. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the fight against pollution and health impacts caused by traditional cooking fuels, particularly in rural India.

Cooking fuels, including wood, coal, and biomass, have long been a major source of indoor air pollution in India. This form of cooking has a disastrous impact on not only the environment but also a devastating toll on public health. Those who cook over wood or kerosene, mostly women, inhale dangerous amounts of toxic smoke. According to the World Health Organization, pollution from this type of cooking kills 4 million people every year. In India, smoke from solid fuel used for cooking and other household activities is the largest source of ambient air pollution. Recent studies[i], including the one by Rao et al[ii]., have found that 20–50% of the pollutants in ambient air in India originate from residential solid fuel combustion.

April Allderdice, CEO, MicroEnergy Credits said:

“Our induction cookstove program not only contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities on the energy ladder, providing them with cleaner and more efficient cooking solutions. By harnessing the power of innovative solutions, we are empowering households to transition towards cleaner energy sources, contributing to a healthier environment, and improving the quality of life for rural and low-income women and their families.

“This initiative aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically targeting SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 13 – Climate Action. By addressing the cooking sector's environmental impact, we are promoting better health outcomes for communities as well as creating a positive ripple effect in mitigating climate change.”

Margaret Kim, CEO, Gold Standard said:

“Clean cooking projects play an essential role in contributing to sustainable development and reducing emissions. The first issuance of credits from our Methodology Metered and Measured Cooking Device methodology, which enables accurate real-time measurement of energy consumption, marks an important milestone for clean cooking in the carbon market. I congratulate MicroEnergy Credits for their innovative and impactful project, and look forward to seeing the wider adoption of this methodology.”

MicroEnergy Credits' induction cookstove clean cooking program offers a transformative solution by significantly reducing the air pollution and carbon emissions associated with cooking. Induction cookstoves provide a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional methods. The technology not only improves air quality and health outcomes for communities, but it also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.

The Gold Standard certification attests to the verifiable emission reductions achieved by the MicroEnergy Credits program. The rigorous monitoring and verification process ensures that each credit issued represents a genuine and impactful reduction in carbon emissions, further emphasizing the company's commitment to generating the highest quality of carbon credits with verifiable impact.

Following a certification the project has achieved the following verified impact:

85,310 tons of CO2 reduced annually
133,525 households benefited
103 jobs created
1.10 hours saved per household per week

“The world will not reach net zero without addressing clean cooking access. And the cooking crisis, like climate change, will not be solved without carbon finance,” said Donee Alexander, Chief Science and Learning Officer, Clean Cooking Alliance. “When based on realistic assumptions that reflect integrity, transparency, and accountability, like those of Gold Standard’s metered methodology, clean cooking projects can deliver huge climate wins for people and the planet.”

MicroEnergy Credits remains dedicated to pioneering programs with clean energy solutions to empower rural and low-income communities on their journey out of poverty. The induction cookstove carbon credits issuance is a testament to the company's ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on both the well-being of communities and the planet.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Garima Dawer

Director, Communications, MicroEnergy Credits

[email protected]

About MicroEnergy Credits

MicroEnergy Credits is a social enterprise that helps MFIs launch and scale clean energy lending programs by connecting them to carbon markets. As a trusted provider of social impact carbon credits, MEC seeks to empower every community by providing access to affordable and innovative clean energy solutions. MEC aims to create a world free of both poverty and climate change. Our programs enable rural and low-income communities to take control of their clean energy future while providing corporations committed to positive climate action with carbon credits with verifiable impact.

Over the past 16 years, we have impacted the lives of over 40 million people in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. Our MFI partners play a crucial role in the adoption of clean energy. As a supportive partner, MEC leverages its prowess in the carbon market to provide resources, training, and expertise to help our MFI partners make a difference on the ground.

[i] [i] Chafe, Z., & Chowdhury, S. (2021). A deadly double dose for India’s poor. Nature Sustainability, 4(10), 835-836. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00752-0

[ii] Rao, N. D., Kiesewetter, G., Min, J., Pachauri, S., & Wagner, F. (2021). Household contributions to and impacts from air pollution in India. Nature Sustainability, 4(10), 859-867. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00744-0

How Does MEC Incorporate the Research from UC Berkeley (Gill-Wiehl et al) in its Work?

As a project developer, MEC read Gill-Wiehl’s original research with interest. We are always trying to keep on the cutting edge using the best possible methodologies. Technology is continuously changing and we are evolving with it. As our CEO April Allderdice writes here, the methodologies will continue to change and improve over time. Moreover, it is our company's value that constructive criticism is a valuable catalyst for progress. The great news is that MEC has already been applying most of the suggestions for monitoring integrity. Here are some of the suggestions from the paper that MEC is already implementing:

The Usage Surveys are done physically and hence are based on the actual observations of the enumerators on the ground. There is minimal risk of recall bias as households are not asked to “recall” their use over the monitoring period.
MEC uses Kitchen Performance Tests which are considered robust.
MEC already avoids social desirability bias by not relying solely on the household response, but rather on in-person observation of the home and photos.
MEC carries out Kitchen Performance Tests in both dry and wet seasons to establish any difference in use. The conservative value between the wood used in any of these seasons is used for calculating the emission reductions.
MEC uses a higher sample size of 60-80 households for KPTs.
MEC usage rates range from 53-85% which is in line with independent literature
MEC’s projects apply the TPDDTEC v3.1 methodology however the baseline wood consumption does not go beyond the thresholds given in the TPDDTEC v4 methodology. This measure has been incorporated to ensure that the value of wood consumption is based on the latest available research and guidance from the methodology. Note that MEC is not required to apply these thresholds as they are not mandated under TPDDTEC v3.1.
MEC VPA project boundaries are carefully chosen to minimize the risk of heterogeneity within a VPA.
An additional safeguard is applied by MEC VPAs in that whenever there are multiple states within the same VPA, Usage Surveys and KPTs are done per state. This ensures that heterogeneity concerning size, age of family members, type of food, etc. is accounted for.
MEC projects are well within the 0.75 ton/capita/year (~3.2 MJ-delivered/capita/day) threshold and hence well below 3.2 MJ/capita/day.
MEC uses the highly regarded Gold Standard methodology for its cookstove projects in India.
MEC is already using the Gold Standard Methodology for Metered and Measured Energy Cooking Devices recommended by UC Berkeley, for its new electric cooking POA - GS12066 - MICROENERGY CREDITS – MICROFINANCE FOR CLEAN COOKING PRODUCT LINES - INDIA - CLEAN COOKING PROJECT

MEC Africa Program: Co-Benefits

Fostering Community Empowerment - Paving the Way Towards a Sustainable Future

MicroEnergy Credits (MEC) programs, backed by carbon finance, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between clean energy solutions and communities in need. Employing a holistic approach, MEC addresses challenges encompassing energy drudgery, awareness, pricing, finance, and after-sales services, ensuring a sustained impact on the communities it serves.

The comprehensive strategy of MEC's Africa programs makes a substantial contribution to community development. By significantly reducing indoor air pollution and providing access to sustainable energy for cooking and lighting, the program addresses the fundamental needs of low-income households. Strategic partnerships with microfinance institutions facilitate upfront credit facilities for clean energy technologies, ensuring affordability through manageable EMIs. Furthermore, the program creates employment opportunities for local youth, fostering sustainable development in the communities it serves.

Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals while addressing barriers for low-income clients under MEC Projects in Africa

Within the dynamic landscape of its projects in Africa, MEC not only strives to contribute to the broader canvas of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also successfully addresses the unique challenges faced by low-income households. This multipronged model forms the crux of MEC's mission in Africa.

MEC is committed to not only providing clean energy solutions and clean water (significantly contributing to SDGs 6 & 7) but also actively addressing the barriers faced by low-income clients. Comprehensive training programs empower MEC’s project partners to effectively implement clean energy lending, supported by a robust carbon credit monitoring system for transparency and accountability. These innovative strategies and multifaceted approaches employed by MEC’s projects in Africa have been striving to achieve the twin objectives of sustainable development and inclusivity in the African context since 2013, impacting 8 million low-income households.

MEC strategically employs carbon finance to drive sustainable change, focusing on:

Increasing awareness among end-users

Carbon finance is allocated to drive education and awareness campaigns among rural and low-income communities. This ensures that communities are not only aware of the benefits of clean energy but also actively engage in adopting solutions that help them shift away from traditional fossil fuels to improved clean energy technologies. This action aligns the end user’s perspective towards the low carbon technology and contributes to SDG-7(Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).

Training and capacity building

MEC dedicates resources to training and capacity-building programs for micro-entrepreneurs and staff members of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Each training program developed by MEC is tailored to the specific needs of partner organizations. These programs aim to improve skills, facilitate effective communication with end-users, and ensure the rigorous use of technology, along with prompt after-sales services, and scaling-up of the program in the long run. This action aligns the end user’s perspective towards the low carbon technology and contributes to SDG-7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 13 (Climate Action), SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Lending funds to local SMEs

MEC recognizes the importance of local businesses, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and channels funds to support sales of clean energy products. This not only boosts local economies but also creates a self-sustaining cycle of clean energy adoption. The activities under the program provide opportunities for skilled employment in rural areas and significantly contribute to SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Aftersales service and maintenance

Carbon finance is utilized to provide after-sales service and maintenance, ensuring that the end-users can maximize the benefits from the continuous use of clean energy products. This solidifies the community’s trust and commitment towards the adoption and consistent use of clean energy technologies which significantly contributes to SDG-7 and SDG-13.

Sustained engagement with end-users

MEC maintains a sustained relationship with the end-user, with regular monitoring of product usage being an important part of MEC’s carbon program. MEC works with microfinance institutions which typically meet with clients every week or fortnight. These meetings serve the purpose of reinforcing the behavioural change needed for the sustained efficient adoption of the clean energy product. Moreover, these meetings create a timely opportunity for users to access after-sales service for their products. The action promptly contributes to SDG-7 and SDG-13.

Lowering interest or principal costs

Carbon finance is strategically used to lower interest or principal costs for clients, making clean energy solutions more affordable to low-income communities. This lowering of the upfront cost is supported through carbon finance promotes widespread adoption and significantly contributes to SDG-1.

Harmony between MEC projects in Africa and the Governments of Kenya and Uganda’s welfare schemes and programs

In addition to aligning with the SDGs, MEC's Africa program has broadened its influence by supporting various schemes and social security programs initiated by the Governments of Kenya and Uganda. The following is a list of schemes and programs to which the MEC program has contributed:

Sl. No	Scheme/Program Name	Country	About	Contribution of MEC’s Program to the Schemes/Program
1	Last Mile Connectivity Program	Kenya	The project is targeted at benefitting approximately 314,200 non-commercial customers (households) resulting in electricity access to an additional 1.5 million Kenyans	By implementing solar home lighting systems, MEC ensures sustainable access to electricity, enabling low-income households to engage in productive activities after nightfall
2	National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)	Kenya	The National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), 2018-2022, is a five-year plan that helps Kenya adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions	MEC MFI carbon program in Kenya is reducing GHG emission by providing low carbon technologies among the under-privileged communities.
3	Climate Change Act, 2016	Kenya	mainstream climate change responses and formulate program and plans to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of human and ecological systems to the impacts of climate change;	The MEC MFI carbon program in Kenya is instrumental in establishing an ecosystem for the adoption of low-carbon technologies within underprivileged communities.
4	Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP)	Kenya	KYEOP is a transformational project that aims to empower and uplift the well-being of the youth in Kenya by equipping them with essential training, internship and business grant opportunities.	The MEC model educates and empowers microentrepreneurs, creating a skilled workforce in Africa. Additionally, MEC provides training for MFI staff, enhancing their skills in sales, marketing, and the service and maintenance of low carbon technologies.
5	Youth Livelihood Program (YLP)	Uganda	to empower the target youth to harness their socio-economic potential and increase self-employment opportunities and income levels	The MEC model educates and empowers microentrepreneurs, creating a skilled workforce in Africa. Additionally, MEC provides training for MFI staff, enhancing their skills in sales, marketing, and the service and maintenance of low carbon technologies.
6	Rural Electrification Agency (REA) initiatives Promotion of renewable energy sources	Uganda	The implementation of the policy objectives will positively respond to the various policy instruments and programs, which address poverty, catalyze industrialization, and protect the environment.	The MEC MFI carbon program in Uganda is instrumental in establishing an ecosystem for the adoption of low-carbon technologies within underprivileged communities.
7	National Climate Change Policy & Action Plan	Uganda	To ensure a harmonized approach towards a climate-resilient and low-carbon development path for sustainable development in Uganda	The MEC MFI carbon program in Uganda is instrumental in establishing an ecosystem for the adoption of low-carbon technologies within underprivileged communities and supporting the national climate change policy and action plan.

MEC seeks to empower every community by providing access to affordable and innovative clean energy solutions, including solar lighting systems, improved biomass cookstoves, and water purification systems.

With the aim to create a world free of both poverty and climate change, MEC leverages carbon finance through its programs, enabling rural and low-income communities to take control of their clean energy future. MEC's projects in India showcase collaboration, innovative financing, and a comprehensive approach to empowerment to bring enduring transformation for communities in their journey out of poverty.

In working towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future, Micro Energy Credits (MEC) is contributing through transformative projects in Kenya and Uganda. The program supported by Carbon Finance, play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between clean energy solutions and communities-in-need. MEC's holistic approach addresses challenges related to education, pricing, finance, and aftersales services, ensuring a comprehensive impact on the communities it serves.

MEC's African program embodies a comprehensive approach aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By significantly reducing indoor air pollution, it actively contributes to SDG-13. Additionally, providing access to sustainable energy for cooking and lighting addresses the fundamental needs of low-income households, making a positive impact on SDG-1. MEC forms strategic partnerships with Microfinance Institutions to ensure upfront credit facilities for clean energy technologies, supporting affordability through manageable EMIs and contributing to SDG-7. Furthermore, the program plays a vital role in generating local employment opportunities, making a meaningful contribution to SDG-8.

Addressing Barriers for Low-Income Clients:

MEC goes beyond providing clean energy solutions by actively addressing the typical barriers faced by low-income clients. Through comprehensive training programs, project partners are equipped to implement clean energy lending effectively. This includes the establishment of a robust carbon credit monitoring and tracking system to ensure transparency and accountability.

Bridging Gaps through Client Education:

MEC places a strong emphasis on client education to empower communities with information about clean energy solutions. By fostering a deeper understanding of the benefits of clean energy, MEC not only provides a sustainable solution but also brings about a behavioral change towards adopting these technologies.

Utilizing Carbon Finance for Sustainable Impact:

The innovative use of carbon finance is at the core of MEC's projects in Africa, amplifying the impact of clean energy initiatives. Here's how MEC strategically employs carbon finance to drive sustainable change:

Client Education and Marketing:

Carbon finance is allocated to drive client education, awareness campaigns and marketing efforts. This ensures that communities are not only aware of the benefits of clean energy but also actively engage in adopting solutions that help them shift away from traditional fossil fuels to improved clean energy technologies.

Training and Capacity Building:

MEC dedicates resources to training and capacity building programs for micro-entrepreneurs and staff members of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). Each training program developed by MEC is tailored to the specific needs of partner organizations. These programs aim to improve skills, facilitate effective communication with end-users, and ensure the rigorous use of technology, along with prompt after-sales services, scaling-up, of the program in the long-run.

Lending Funds to Local SMEs:

Recognizing the importance of local businesses especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), MEC channels funds to support sales of clean energy product. This not only boosts local economies but also creates a self-sustaining cycle of clean energy adoption.

Aftersales Service and Maintenance:

Carbon finance is utilized to provide aftersales service and maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of the clean energy products. This solidifies community trust and commitment towards adoption and consistent use of clean energy technologies, making the projects more effective in the long run.

Lowering Interest or Principal Costs:

Carbon finance is strategically used to lower interest or principal costs for clients, making clean energy solutions more affordable to low-income communities. This financial cost cutting supported through carbon finance promotes widespread adoption, furthering MEC's mission of creating a sustainable and resilient future.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targeted under MEC’s projects in Africa

Climate Action (Goal 13): The emissions generated by the water purifier are lower compared to boiling water on a standard stove. Likewise, the substitution of kerosene lanterns with SLS results in decreased emissions, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

No Poverty (Goal 1): The water purification systems and SLS offer efficient and environmentally friendly access to the basic essential services.

Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7): Project provides access to affordable and cleaner technology for drinking safe water i.e. operational WPS and Solar lighting Systems for lightning purpose.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8): The project generates local employment for manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance of CEPs.

The overarching vision of MEC's projects in Africa is to enable the installation of solar lighting systems, improved biomass cookstoves and water purification devices throughout the country. By leveraging carbon finance in a multifaceted approach, MEC and its project partners aim to transform communities by providing them clean energy solutions and at the same time empowering them to build a sustainable and resilient future.

MEC's projects in Africa exemplify how collaborative efforts, innovative financing models, and a holistic approach can bring about tangible and lasting change. As we navigate the path towards a greener tomorrow, MEC’s projects pave the way for a future where clean energy is a universally accessible and affordable. Through education, strategic financing, and community empowerment, MEC showcases the potential for a sustainable and brighter future for all.

Image Credit: Freepik

MEC Africa Program: Project Additionality- Common Practice Analysis to Bolster Integrity of Carbon Credits

The concept of common practice in additionality is a critical component in bolstering confidence in carbon offsets and their integrity. MicroEnergy Credits follows a robust process to ensure that all its carbon projects are strictly additional and not common practice.

Common practice analysis helps determine the extent to which a technology is business as usual i.e. has already diffused in a sector and region. Distributed clean energy products in Uganda and Kenya have been able to be deployed only through carbon finance. Several programs by multilateral banks, government initiatives, etc. have had limited success for various reasons, elaborated upon extensively later in the article.

In the context of energy access and clean cooking/lighting services in Kenya and Uganda, challenges and opportunities converge to shape the landscape.

About 0.7% and 20.40% of the populations of Uganda and Kenya, respectively, have access to clean cooking[i], Significantly contributing to indoor air pollution, fire hazards, and adverse health impacts. No or limited access to modern and clean energy sources, such as electricity and clean cooking technologies, remains a pressing issue.

The applicable geographic areas for interventions (rural areas of Uganda and Kenya) are characterized by diverse challenges including economic constraints, lack of infrastructure, and geographic remoteness. Many households face challenges in adopting clean cooking technologies due to high upfront costs, limited awareness, and insufficient supply of products.

MEC’s clean energy program reduces emissions by facilitating a transition from conventional fossil-fuel technologies to more energy-efficient alternatives. Collaborating with our partner microfinance institutions, MEC has identified products that meet the specific requirements of each community. These products include solar lighting systems and improved cookstoves (ICS).

In the period preceding the project's commencement, there was a lack of infrastructure and supportive conditions[ii] for the adoption of renewable technologies such as solar home lighting systems, and improved cookstoves (ICS). The community that the project aimed to assist had limited awareness about these cleaner technologies. Further, the essential products were largely unavailable in the local market, making it challenging for the targeted population to access and benefit from these sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Besides that, there was no financing[iii] available for the mentioned products, The upfront cost of these clean technologies was high for a low-income remotely located household. MEC, partnering with MFIs, sought to address these gaps by creating awareness, establishing a supportive ecosystem, enabling financial assistance in the form of microfinance loans, and making these technologies more accessible to the community, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way of living.

Projects implemented without carbon finance

Initiatives by the Governments of Uganda & Kenya and multilateral organizations have focused on the implementation of biomass cookstoves. Unfortunately, many of these efforts faced challenges and were largely unsuccessful due to a lack of a comprehensive ecosystem development approach. Most of these programs involved the free distribution of improved cookstoves among low-income households. The key issues contributing to their failure included an insufficient emphasis on behavioral change among end-users, limited access to repair and maintenance services, the inadequate establishment of local supply chains, and the provision of technologies not well-suited to local food habits and cooking styles.

Here is an example of a past program initiated by the Government of Kenya:

Name of Program	Objective	Period	Number of Clean Energy Technology Products Distributed
The Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP)	To increase access to modern energy services – electricity and modern cooking solutions– in households, businesses, and community and public facilities in fourteen underserved counties in Kenya	2018-2023	2,50,000 solar home lighting systems 1,50,000 improved cookstoves

A study[iv] conducted by the Lund University suggests that the failure of previous clean cooking programs is attributed to a lack of understanding of user needs. The conventional utility-based model focusing on benefits and price may overlook competing priorities. The cooking needs of stove users are diverse, extending beyond smoke reduction and fuel efficiency. The study underscores the necessity for stove design and dissemination methods to align with features valued by users, even those unrelated to health and environmental impacts. Recognizing user perspectives is vital, as users must value and find their needs met for sustained stove adoption and usage.

Similarly, a study[v] conducted by the Stockholm Environment Institute suggests that the use of carbon finance can benefit – and sometimes even strengthen – improved cookstove projects in several ways. Most cookstove projects using carbon finance are still in the early stages. However, by examining how various types of actors are using (or plan to use) carbon finance within their business models, and how these fit with what the literature tells us about the core ingredients for cookstove market transformation.

Additionally, a study[vi] conducted by the United Nations University, Institute for Advanced Study of Sustainability (IAS) in Machakos and Laikipia counties of Kenya, investigated women's perceptions of health risks related to firewood dependence, their attitudes toward improved cooking charcoal stoves (ICS) as cleaner alternatives, and barriers to adoption. Despite awareness of health risks, there is a projected upward trend in firewood demand. Barriers to ICS adoption vary socio-culturally. The study recommends stakeholder involvement, participatory designs, and leveraging SDG 7 to promote cleaner and sustainable energy sources for cooking.

Overcoming barriers to clean energy adoption with MEC’s carbon funding

There is also evidence to suggest that giveaway programs (i.e. where clean energy products are given for free) are not successful for several reasons, e.g. limited to no focus on end-user awareness, lack of after-sales service, and no capacity development at an individual or institutional level.

The MEC program is not common practice as it utilizes carbon finance to overcome challenges, empowering microentrepreneurs to invest in clean energy products. Initially, MEC collaborates with the microfinance institution to devise an appealing clean energy product offering for its microfinance client base, addressing obstacles such as education, pricing, financing, and the availability of supplies and after-sales service. Subsequently, MEC provides training to the microfinance institution for the implementation of the clean energy-lending program. This training encompasses aspects like business planning, capacity building, marketing and awareness campaigns for client education, and supply chain processes. MEC establishes a robust and transparent system for monitoring and tracking carbon credits, quantifying, and documenting the number of emissions reduced by the clean energy program. Lastly, the carbon finance is employed to expand and sustain the clean energy program through activities such as:

Client education and marketing
Internal training and capacity building
On-lending funds to local SMEs producing clean energy systems
Aftersales service and maintenance
Lowering the interest or principal cost to the client

The common practice analysis conducted in the context of MicroEnergy Credits' carbon programs in Africa underscores the pivotal role of additional practices in ensuring the integrity of carbon credits. MEC's approach, leveraging carbon finance to overcome barriers to clean energy adoption, stands out as a distinctive and effective strategy, addressing challenges ranging from lack of awareness and infrastructure to financing constraints. By integrating microfinance institutions, client education, and comprehensive monitoring systems, MEC not only reduces carbon emissions but also establishes a sustainable and environmentally conscious pathway for rural communities, thereby contributing significantly to the broader goals of carbon mitigation and sustainable development.

[i] https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking

[ii] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221462962030116X

[iii] https://shaktifoundation.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/3FINAL-COOKING.pdf

[iv] https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=7762708&fileOId=7868525

[v] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214629614001467?via%3Dihub

[vi] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0376835X.2017.1335592

MEC India Clean Energy Program- Project Additionality: Common Practice Analysis

Bolstering the Integrity of Carbon Credits

Common practice analysis helps determine the extent to which a technology is business as usual i.e. has already diffused in a sector and region. Distributed clean energy products in India have been largely successfully deployed through carbon finance. Several programs by multilateral banks, government initiatives, etc. have had limited success for various reasons, elaborated upon extensively later in the article.

In the context of energy access and clean cooking/drinking water/lighting services in rural India, challenges and opportunities converge to shape the landscape. About 840[i] million in India fully or partially rely on traditional biomass for cooking, contributing to indoor air pollution, fire hazards, and adverse health impacts. Limited access to modern and clean energy sources, such as electricity and clean cooking technologies, remains a pressing issue.

The applicable geographic areas for interventions in rural areas of India are characterized by diverse challenges including economic constraints, lack of infrastructure, and geographic remoteness. Many households face challenges in adopting clean cooking technologies due to high upfront costs, limited awareness, and insufficient supply of products.

MEC’s Clean Energy Program reduces emissions by facilitating a transition from conventional fossil-fuel technologies to more energy-efficient alternatives. Collaborating with our partner microfinance institutions, MEC has identified products that meet the specific requirements of each community. These products include solar lighting systems, improved cookstoves (ICS), and water purifiers.

In the period preceding the project's commencement, there was a lack of infrastructure and supportive conditions[ii] for the adoption of renewable technologies such as solar home lighting systems, improved cookstoves (ICS), and water purifiers. The community that the project aimed to assist had limited awareness about these cleaner technologies. Further, the essential products were largely unavailable in the local market, making it challenging for the targeted population to access and benefit from these sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Besides that, there was no financing[iii] available on the mentioned products, The upfront cost of these clean technologies was high for a low-income remotely located household. MEC, partnering with MFIs, sought to address these gaps by creating awareness, establishing a supportive ecosystem, enabling financial assistance in the form of microfinance loans, and making these technologies more accessible to the community, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way of living.

Projects implemented without carbon finance

Numerous initiatives by the Government of India (GOI) and multilateral organizations have focused on the implementation of biomass cookstoves. Unfortunately, many of these efforts faced challenges and were largely unsuccessful due to a lack of a comprehensive ecosystem development approach. Most of these programs involved the free distribution of improved cookstoves among low-income households. The key issues contributing to their failure included an insufficient emphasis on behavioral change among end-users, limited access to repair and maintenance services, the inadequate establishment of local supply chains, and the provision of technologies not well-suited to local food habits and cooking styles.

Here are a few examples of past programs initiated by the GOI:

Name of the Program	Objectives	Period	Number of stoves distributed
National Program on Improved Cookstoves (NPIC)	To disseminate improved cookstoves on a mass scale, through various partners, including state nodal agencies, NGOs, and self-employed workers	1983- 2002	35 million[iv]
National Biomass Cookstoves Initiative (NBCI)	To enhance technical capacity, strengthening research and development for ICS	2009	NA
Unnat Chulha Abhiyan	To promote improved biomass cookstoves across all states and union territories	2014	2.4 million

A study conducted[v] jointly by J-PAL Global, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago on evaluating the long-term impacts of improved cooking stoves in India revealed significant insights into the sustainable outcomes and effectiveness of these state-run cookstove programs. The study was conducted in Odisha, India, in partnership with NGO Gram Vikas, to assess the long-term health and environmental impacts of an improved cookstove program. It was found that while many households accepted the stoves, regular usage was low and declined over time. The stoves did not substantially reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, leading to limited health improvements. The study suggests that real-world conditions significantly affect the success of such state-run interventions, emphasizing the need for testing technologies in realistic settings before massive-scale implementation.

Likewise, a research paper titled "Piloting Improved Cookstoves in India"[vi], advocates for a social marketing strategy. The approach, based on the 4Ps (promotion, product, price, and place), is recommended to stimulate the adoption of improved cookstoves. The authors emphasize the necessity of a holistic strategy that addresses communication, pricing, and placement considerations. To surpass the current low levels of adoption, the article suggests a comprehensive field-testing methodology, exploring various combinations of social marketing interventions. The study is executed in rural India, concentrating on areas with diverse socio-political and biophysical contexts.

Another academic publication by the University of Iowa, USA and Cornell College, USA titled "Why Have Improved Cook-Stove Initiatives in India Failed?“[vii] argues that rural women in India, who are the primary users of cookstoves, do not give priority to improved cookstoves. Meeting the priorities of these women would necessitate substantial investment to challenge established and influential social practices.

A joint research study[viii] “Who is willing to pay for solar lamps in rural India?” by VIT Bhopal University, India, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India, and the Boston College School of Social Work, USA underscores the need to increase awareness in the surveyed states, particularly for solar home systems (SHS) and solar water pumps. Given the minimal duration of available electricity, especially during dark hours in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh states, the research suggests that solar products can serve as a meaningful solution to address these gaps. Recommendations include promoting awareness through various programs to generate significant interest in solar energy products, ultimately increasing willingness to pay among the population.

Overcoming barriers to clean energy adoption with MEC’s carbon funding

Client education and marketing
Internal training and capacity building
On-lending funds to local SMEs producing clean energy systems
Aftersales service and maintenance
Lowering the interest or principal cost to the client

The common practice analysis conducted in the context of MicroEnergy Credits' carbon programs in India underscores the pivotal role of additional practices in ensuring the integrity of carbon credits. MEC's approach, leveraging carbon finance to overcome barriers to clean energy adoption, stands out as a distinctive and effective strategy, addressing challenges ranging from lack of awareness and infrastructure to financing constraints. By integrating microfinance institutions, client education, and comprehensive monitoring systems, MEC not only reduces carbon emissions but also establishes a sustainable and environmentally conscious pathway for rural communities, thereby contributing significantly to the broader goals of carbon mitigation and sustainable

[i] https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/clean-cooking-india-challenges-solutions_0.pdf

[ii] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221462962030116X

[iii] https://shaktifoundation.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/3FINAL-COOKING.pdf

[iv] https://energypedia.info/images/f/f7/Dr._Parveen_Dhamija_%28MNRE%29_-_Unnat_Chulha_Abhiyan.pdf

[v] https://www.ideasforindia.in/topics/environment/improved-cooking-stoves-in-india-evaluating-long-run-impacts.html

[vi] Jessica J. Lewis, Vasundhara Bhojvaid, Nina Brooks, Ipsita Das, Marc A. Jeuland, Omkar Patange & Subhrendu K. Pattanayak (2015) Piloting Improved Cookstoves in India, Journal of Health Communication, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10810730.2014.994243

[vii] Why Have Improved Cook-Stove Initiatives in India Failed? - ScienceDirect

[viii] Who is willing to pay for solar lamps in rural India?- ScienceDirect

Image by Freepik

MEC Clean Energy Program- Project Additionality: Overcoming Socio-Economic Barriers

Bolstering the Integrity of Carbon Credits

The concept of additionality is a critical component in bolstering confidence in the integrity of carbon credits. MicroEnergy Credits follows a robust process to ensure that all its carbon projects are strictly additional and have a high social impact.

In the Guide to Carbon Offset Utilization, the concept of "quality or integrity" of an offset revolves around the confidence of the stakeholders in the ability of credit to fulfill the emission reduction requirements. The principle of additionality is crucial for boosting trust in carbon credits and safeguarding their integrity. In the context of crediting mechanisms, "additionality" refers to the notion that emission reductions or removals resulting from a mitigation activity are considered additional only if the activity would not have taken place without the additional incentive provided by carbon credits. Essentially, an additional project signifies that it would only be financially viable with carbon funding from market-based mechanisms. To quality as genuine carbon offsets, the reductions from projects must be "additional" compared to what would happen at business as usual. All projects registered under widely accepted greenhouse gas (GHG) project standardsadhere to the guidelines for evaluating and demonstrating additionality as established by the respective GHG crediting programs.

Socio-Economic Barriers Analysis for Proof of Additionality of MEC’s Clean Energy Program

Barriers faced by low-income households to adopting clean energy technologies in India & Africa

Low-income households in India and Africa face several barriers to adopting clean energy technologies. These barriers are economic, social, and infrastructural. Here are some common challenges:

High Initial Costs: Clean energy technologies have high upfront costs, making them unaffordable for low-income households. This includes the cost of solar panels, improved cookstoves, and other renewable energy technologies. Access to affordable financing options that can help spread out the cost over several years can help low-income households gain access to clean energy technologies and make additional savings when compared to the cost of fossil fuels in the long run.
Limited Access to Finance: Low-income households have limited access to financial resources and face challenges in obtaining loans or financing for clean energy investments. Lack of credit history and collateral. The above-mentioned issues prevent them from forming formal sources of lending such as banks. However, microfinance institutions can significantly contribute by offering small, affordable loans without collateral to low-income households, and enabling them to access and afford low-carbon technologies.
Lack of Awareness: People from low-income households lack awareness and understanding of the benefits of clean energy technologies. Most of these technologies are considered to be of extraterrestrial origin. Limited education and outreach efforts contribute to a lack of awareness regarding available options and potential savings. Besides that, the lack of a market ecosystem for renewable products is also a major constraint for low-income households to get familiar with the technologies. Comprehensive awareness creation exercises can enhance awareness of low-carbon technologies.
Dependency on Traditional Fuels: Low-income households rely heavily on traditional and non-renewable energy sources, such as kerosene, wood, or biomass, which are cheaper in the short term but have negative environmental and health impacts. Implementing a robust behavioral change strategy, which includes raising awareness through training sessions, door-to-door campaigns, and facilitating experiential learning processes, can increase and sustain public trust in low-carbon technologies.
Cultural and Social Factors: Social norms and cultural practices also influence technology adoption. For instance, a lack of acceptance or understanding of new technologies slows down their adoption in low-income Indian communities. Thorough training and capacity-building exercises can dispel myths associated with the technologies and reshape people's perceptions about the technologies.
Maintenance and Repairs: The lack of access to skilled local technicians or maintenance services also discourages low-income households from investing in clean energy technologies and increases the trust deficit in low-carbon technologies. Concerns about the ongoing costs and reliability of these systems create a significant barrier for low-income households to invest and adopt clean energy technologies.

Addressing these barriers requires a comprehensive approach involving government initiatives, financial institutions, awareness campaigns, and community engagement to make clean energy technologies more accessible and attractive to low-income households in India.

In India, MEC's Carbon Program is closing gaps by designing projects that empower low-income households to select the most suitable and dependable clean technologies, supported by carbon finance.

2. Barriers faced by micro finance institutions to fund low-carbon technologies

Historically, a few microfinance institutions have engaged in providing microfinance for low-carbon technologies, However, challenges such as the high cost of hiring additional staff, costs related to marketing and building awareness, understanding of the products and technologies, absence of a local supply chain, concern about reputational risk, limited onward lending funds and challenge in developing products for consumptive loans have always tied the scope of growth. The MEC has introduced a program aimed at helping microfinance institutions overcome these hurdles.

Use of carbon funding to overcome barriers to clean energy adoption

MEC utilizes carbon finance to overcome the barriers - from investing in awareness programs by training MFI partners to empowering microentrepreneurs by accessing loans for the adoption of products and supporting MFI partners to provide aftersales service to customers. MEC begins by collaborating with microfinance institutions to devise an attractive clean energy product offering for its microfinance client base, addressing obstacles such as lack of education, high pricing, access to financing, and delivery and after-sales services. Subsequently, MEC trains the microfinance institutions for the implementation of the clean energy-lending program. This includes business planning, capacity building, and the execution of marketing, awareness/ education, and supply chain processes. MEC has established a robust and transparent system for monitoring and tracking carbon credits, quantifying, and documenting the amount of emission reductions generated by the clean energy projects. Lastly, the carbon finance is employed to expand and sustain the clean energy program through activities such as:

Client education and marketing
Internal training and capacity building
On-lending funds to local SMEs producing clean energy systems
Aftersales service and maintenance
Lowering the interest or principal cost to the client.

MEC employs a rigorous methodology to guarantee that its projects exclusively benefit low-income households in rural India, who would otherwise face challenges in accessing clean energy technologies due to economic and financial obstacles. The utilization of carbon funding is instrumental to overcoming these barriers and eventually bridging the viability gap in investment decisions. Consequently, the carbon credits produced by MEC's carbon programs contribute significantly to socio-economic development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

MEC India Clean Energy Program: Co-Benefits - Fostering Community Empowerment

Paving the Way Towards a Sustainable Future

MicroEnergy Credits (MEC) programs, backed by carbon finance, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between clean energy solutions and communities in need.

Employing a holistic approach, MEC addresses challenges encompassing energy drudgery, awareness, pricing, finance, and after-sales services, ensuring a sustained impact on the communities it serves.

The comprehensive strategy of MEC's India program makes a substantial contribution to community development. By significantly reducing indoor air pollution and providing access to sustainable energy for cooking, lighting, and clean water, the program addresses the fundamental needs of low-income households. Strategic partnerships with microfinance institutions facilitate upfront credit facilities for clean energy technologies, ensuring affordability through manageable EMIs. Furthermore, the program creates employment opportunities for local youth, fostering sustainable development in the communities it serves.

Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals while Addressing Barriers for Low-Income Clients under MEC Projects in India

Within the dynamic landscape of its projects in India, MEC not only strives to contribute to the broader canvas of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also successfully addresses the unique challenges faced by low-income households. This multipronged model forms the crux of MEC's mission in India.

MEC is committed to not only providing clean energy solutions and clean water (significantly contributing to SDGs 6 & 7) but also actively addressing the barriers faced by low-income clients. Comprehensive training programs empower MEC’s project partners to effectively implement clean energy lending, supported by a robust carbon credit monitoring system for transparency and accountability. These innovative strategies and multifaceted approaches employed by MEC’s projects in India have been striving to achieve the twin objectives of sustainable development and inclusivity in the Indian context since 2013, impacting 8 million low-income households.

MEC strategically employs carbon finance to drive sustainable change, focusing on:

Increasing awareness among end-users

Carbon finance is allocated to drive educative awareness campaigns among rural and low-income communities. This ensures that communities are not only aware of the benefits of clean energy but also actively engage in adopting solutions that help them shift away from traditional fossil fuels to improved clean energy technologies. This action aligns the end user’s perspective towards the low carbon technology and contributes to SDG-7(Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).

Training and capacity building

MEC dedicates resources to training and capacity-building programs for micro-entrepreneurs and staff members of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Each training program developed by MEC is tailored to the specific needs of partner organizations. These programs aim to improve skills, facilitate effective communication with end-users, and ensure the rigorous use of technology, along with prompt after-sales services, and scaling-up of the program in the long run. This action aligns the end user’s perspective towards the low carbon technology and contributes to SDG-7(Affordable and Clean Energy), 13 (Climate Action), SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Lending funds to local SMEs

Aftersales service and maintenance

Sustained engagement with end-users

Lowering interest or principal costs

Harmony Between MEC Projects in India and the Government of India's Welfare Schemes and Programs

In addition to aligning with the SDGs, MEC's India program has broadened its influence by supporting various schemes and social security programs initiated by the Government of India. The following is a list of schemes and programs to which MEC's India program has contributed:

	Scheme/Program Name	About	Contribution of MEC’s Program to the Schemes/Program
1	Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)	SBM focuses on achieving universal sanitation coverage and clean water for all	A prominent technology within MEC's program is the water purification system, ensuring continuous access to safe and clean drinking water
2	National Solar Mission (Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission)	Aims to promote the use of solar energy	The solar home lighting System is a frequently used technology within the MEC program
3	UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)	UJALA promotes the use of energy-efficient LED bulbs	LED lights are part of the offering under the MEC program
4	Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana	Reliable power supply to rural areas	By implementing solar home lighting systems, MEC ensures sustainable access to electricity, enabling low-income households to engage in productive activities after nightfall
5	Skill India Mission (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana)	Enhance employability of the India's youth by providing them with skill development and vocational training	The MEC model educates and empowers microentrepreneurs, creating a skilled workforce in rural areas. Additionally, MEC provides training for MFI staff, enhancing their skills in sales, marketing, and the service and maintenance of low carbon technologies
6	Jal Jeevan Mission	Access to safe and piped water supply to all rural households in India	A prominent technology within MEC's program is the water purification system, ensuring continuous access to safe and clean drinking water
7	Green India Mission (National Mission for a Green India)	Focuses on afforestation, reforestation, and conservation of biodiversity to enhance carbon sinks, mitigate climate change, and improve environmental sustainability	The MEC program guarantees a decrease in carbon emissions, contributing positively to climate change mitigation and enhancing environmental sustainability. Efficient energy usage in improved cookstoves reduces the amount of firewood used in cooking, reducing deforestation
8	Stand-Up India	Promotes entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs)	The MEC model educates and supports micro entrepreneurs, especially women, cultivating a skilled workforce (for example: distributors of clean energy products, and clean energy leaders) in rural regions