Productive Use of Thermal Energy

An Overview of Technology Options and Approaches for Promotion

The potential benefits of promoting efficient thermal energy technologies in the productive sector, notably amongst micro and small enterprises, are frequently overlooked by policy makers and international donors. Biomass, as the most common source of thermal energy, often suffers from an unfavourable reputation as a ‘dirty’ energy source. These enterprises often work in the informal sector and are frequently situated in remote areas.

Productive use of thermal energy involves a range of activities, such as cooking, drying, heating, smoking, baking, cooling and manufacturing. Biomass burning and use of solar thermal energy are already embedded in many conventional manufacturing processes in developing countries, but mainly with comparatively inefficient technologies.

This booklet sheds light on improved thermal energy technologies for productive purposes and approaches for promoting these technologies with a focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors. It also provides practical guidance on how to promote effectively the distribution of efficient biomass and solar thermal appliances for productive uses for energy and private sector development practitioners. Though, it does not offer ready-made ‘one size fits all’ solutions, particularly as energy needs and supply, market regulation and business environments vary greatly from country to country.

The reader’s feedback is welcomed, in order for GIZ to gain a better understanding of the topic for future successful support of productive use of thermal energy. Please do not hesitate to contact the GIZ programme “Poverty-oriented Basic Energy Services (HERA)” with your comments at hera@giz.de.

Further reading

• GIZ (2013): Productive Use of Thermal Energy - An Overview of Technology Options and Approaches for Promotion