History

Our Story

09/2019

Nolbert meets Dr. Paul Anderson

Our story started way back in 2009 when Nolbert met with Prof. Paul Anderson at the Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation (CREEC) following a PCIA conference in Kampala that Paul had attended earlier. Paul introduced the “Champion 2008” stove which ultimately became the founding stove for our story.

02/2010

Modifying the Champion

In February 2009, Paul and Nolbert began working closely to improve the Champion TLUD stove to suit the Ugandan market in close collaboration with CREEC. Over SIX versions of micro-gasifier stoves were developed and tested with users in the following year. We enjoyed the expertise of our Master Tinsmith Mr. Sembatya Mohamed a.k.a Sadam.

05/2011

TLUD Stove Camp in Uganda

Paul conducted the first ever Stove Camp at CREEC at which the Mwoto stove evolved. The Mwoto stove was promoted by CREEC throughout Uganda in 2011 in a World Bank-funded BEIA project which concluded that there was market for micro-gasifier stoves in Uganda.

05/2011

Setting up Awamu Biomass Energy

In April 2011, Paul and Nolbert conceived the idea of setting up a for-profit enterprise to continue the good work of CREEC. Awamu is formally founded as a social enterprise with its base at the premises of St. Noah Church of Uganda in Makerere Kikoni (Kampala). Further user tests lead into refining the Mwoto stove into the Quad stove. Over 750 units sold.

03/2013

Quad Stove

After founding, we carried out intensive user and market research that led to modifying the Mwoto stove into the Quad Stove. Three versions were developed with the idea of developing parts for delivery at the last mile. The main challenge was achieving precision using hand tools.

10/2013

We won the SEED Award for Low Carbon

Later in the year, Awamu received recognition for developing an innovative solution with both economic and environmental benefits tLater in the year, Awamu received recognition for developing an innovative solution with both economic and environmental benefits through the SEED 2013 Award for low carbon.

Our Impact

Our Goal: Awamu is focused on developing low cost, high quality and efficient clean energy products for peri-urban and rural households that help them utilize energy in a sustainable manner and therefore increase their resilience to effects of climate change.