In the ECOWAS region, around 80% of the population still uses traditional biomass for cooking, often in an unsustainable manner and on inefficient stoves. Smoke from cooking on these stoves contributes to health problems, especially for women and children. Inefficient stoves are often unsafe and uncomfortable to use. Cooking fuel expenses keep on rising and the unsustainable wood fuel supply chains cause environmental degradation and deforestation

In the ECOWAS region, around 80% of the population still uses traditional biomass for cooking, often in an unsustainable manner and on inefficient stoves. Smoke from cooking on these stoves contributes to health problems, especially for women and children. Inefficient stoves are often unsafe and uncomfortable to use. Cooking fuel expenses keep on rising and the unsustainable wood fuel supply chains cause environmental degradation and deforestation

The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in cooperation with the Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) in New York and the Engineering Department of the University of Cape Verde (UNICV) in Mindelo, Sao Vicente, are executing a part-time certified distance-learning programme on sustainable energy for West African experts from utilities, regulators and IPPs. Qualified and interested experts from all fifteen ECOWAS countries are invited to apply. read More   VIENNA, 28 May 2013 – ECREEE supports the establishment of other regional sustainable energy Centers in Africa in cooperation with UNIDO, the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).  ECREEE participated actively in the preparatory meetings of the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) and presented experiennces in West Africa during the EACREEE validation workshop, held form 8 to 9 May 2013 in Kampala, Uganda. read More	UPCOMING EVENTS Validation of institutional framework assessment on standards & labeling 1-3rd of October Regional Training Workshop on Promotion of national RE policies and incentive schemes in the ECOWAS member States.