From idea to reality: our pellet burners in operation at schools in Africa

What started as an idea and a conversation about the need for cleaner cooking in schools has now become a reality. In July 2025, twelve of our ULMA burners were installed in schools in Rwanda - an important step in a national pilot project to replace wood-fired kitchens with modern pellet-based solutions.

An everyday problem with big consequences

In many schools across Africa, food is still cooked over open wood fires. Not only is this inefficient, it also has a negative impact on the health of both kitchen staff and students, while the consumption of firewood is a drain on both the environment and the economy.

Being able to offer a sustainable solution that works in practice - not just in theory - has been the driving force behind our work.

Two new burners, adapted to reality

For the project, we developed two new models of our pellet burner:

• a smaller version for outputs up to 30 kW
• a larger model for up to 60 kW

Both are designed to meet the challenges of rural school kitchen environments. Among other things, we've equipped them with our proven PLC control - updated to withstand uneven power supply - and developed a new internal auger that can handle pellets of local, more varied quality.

The control is simple and intuitive. Instead of a thermostat, it uses a knob, making it easier to adjust the power directly on site, without advanced technology or programming.

The pilot project - and what happens next

The first 12 systems are now in place and in daily use. The response from the schools has been very positive - both in terms of operation and the improved working environment.

This fall, we are delivering another 12 burners to Rwanda, and in early 2026 we are planning for a larger roll-out of 150 units. In 2027, the goal is to deliver another 250 burners.

But it doesn't stop there. Three units are already on their way to Uganda and Kenya, and we are currently planning a similar project in Madagascar.

More than just technology - a local economic benefit

An important part of the project is about more than just technology. The pellets used are cheaper than firewood - but also locally produced. This means that schools get a cost-effective solution, while local suppliers and jobs benefit.

Being able to contribute to local economic development is an aspect we see as at least as important as the technology itself.

This is just the beginning, but it's already clear: pellet-powered cooking has an important role to play - not just for the climate, but for people's everyday lives.