Imagine a breakthrough that could dramatically improve access to clean cooking methods for millions—here's where innovation meets social impact. Green Scene Energy Plc has recently introduced Tolo, a solar-powered stove that’s not only environmentally friendly but also significantly more affordable. Priced at 7,403 birr for the single-burner model and 13,400 birr for the double-burner, Tolo is designed to be 25 to 30 percent cheaper than other infrared stoves currently available on the market. This price point is especially important because it targets households in remote and rural regions where electricity access remains a major challenge.
What makes Tolo stand out is its ability to operate on solar energy through Direct Current Charging (DCC). It offers versatility by functioning both in areas connected to the electrical grid and in off-grid locations, making it a flexible solution for diverse household needs. Green Scene Energy has plans to distribute this innovative stove using a pay-as-you-go system, working through microfinance institutions and local retailers to make it even more accessible for low-income families.
Rekike Bekele, the CEO of Green Scene Energy, emphasizes that Tolo is specifically crafted for households that lack reliable electricity and for those seeking cleaner, more efficient alternatives to traditional fuels like biomass and charcoal. This focus addresses a dual challenge: reducing harmful emissions and providing affordable, sustainable cooking options.
The manufacturing process takes place at Green Scene Energy’s facility in the Kotebe neighborhood of Addis Ababa, which boasts a daily production capacity exceeding 200 units. Since its founding in 2016, the company has supplied over 9,000 solar energy products across Ethiopia and is now expanding into the manufacturing of solar appliances—showing a strong commitment to local economic growth and renewable energy adoption.
Ethiopia’s rising electricity tariffs—caused by reforms aimed at cost recovery, inflation, and increasing demand—are making solar solutions more attractive than ever. As of September 2025, nearly 45 percent of Ethiopians still live off-grid, predominantly in rural areas where grid extension remains a challenge.
This launch aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goals outlined in the Clean Cooking Programme (2035) and the National Carbon Market Strategy (2025–2035). Both initiatives aim to expand access to modern, clean cooking energy and to significantly cut household carbon emissions. And here’s where it gets controversial… Are affordable solar solutions like Tolo truly enough to bridge Ethiopia’s energy gap, or are systemic changes needed to ensure sustainable access for all? Share your thoughts—this is a debate worth having.
