Generating Local Economy by Regenerating Local Resources

Original project description

In 2008, the initiative introduced an innovative technology that reduces the energy consumption of conventional rice mill furnaces by roughly 60%. Firstly, the energy efficient technology not only reduces the amount of rice husk used as fuel for the boiler, hereby reducing the amount of waste (Rice Husk Ash -RHA) produced in the process, but it also reduces carbon emissions significantly and therefore generates carbon credits. The energy efficient technology also increases the competiveness of rice mill owners and can be applied to thousands of rice mills in Bangladesh.


Secondly, the project protects the environment and generates income by creating value chains around the rice byproducts.
• Rice Husk Ash (RHA) is recycled into low-cost cement. Besides offering a steady income, the cost-effective RHA cement enables the local population to become entrepreneurs and it will improve rural infrastructure. Furthermore it will reduce the disposal of RHA into the wetlands, hereby preventing pollution and protecting biodiversity which in turn improves the livelihoods of fishing communities.
• The saved rice husk can be pressed into charcoal-like carbon sticks to serve as fuel in private households, who mainly rely on wood from surrounding trees for cooking and lighting.

Current project updates

No update available.

Growth plans description

• After installing the technology in two model mills, conduct field tests to make the technology marketable
• Raise awareness among rice mill owners in the region to replicate the technology.
• Conduct a baseline assessment to quantify the carbon savings’ potential under various assumptions, with financial support from PKSF (Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation )
• Develop and test rice husk ash (RHA) cement.
• Develop and test experimental production of building materials such as slabs, pipes and hollow blocks.

Current Needs

• Assistance in linking up with carbon markets.
• Support with research and development (R&D).
• Liaise with other rice husk initiatives to exchange experience.

Project Gallery