T&T Woodgas Co. Ltd produces GreenFuel woodbriqgas — converting wood waste into clean-burning wood gas, smokeless charcoal briquettes, and wood tar for timber preservation. An innovative, environmentally friendly approach to cooking energy in Rwanda. A GIIH Cohort 3 venture.
- Cohort: GIIH Cohort 3
- Status: Product tested · ready for market (Dec 2023 roadmap)
- Products: Wood gas · smokeless briquettes · wood tar
- Pricing: 4,500 RWF/5 kg · 200 RWF/kg
- Contact: thierrybyiringiro02@gmail.com · +250 780 136 004
- Founder: Thierry Byiringiro
- Sector: Clean energy & waste recycling
The problem
- Deforestation: 77% of households use firewood — driving biodiversity loss
- Economic costs: Non-renewable energy and fossil fuels are expensive
- Air pollution: Smoke from traditional fuels contributes to climate change and costs lives every year
The solution
Woodgas production and smokeless briquettes from recycled wood waste:
- Diversification of energy sources away from raw firewood
- Reduced deforestation through waste-to-fuel conversion
- Reduced air pollution with economic benefits for households
About GreenFuel
GreenFuel woodbriqgas production is an innovative, environmentally friendly approach that utilizes renewable resources such as wood waste to produce clean-burning fuel. The process converts wood waste into gas and charcoal briquettes for cooking.
How it works
- Wood gas — produced from wood waste and used for cooking
- Charcoal briquettes — smokeless briquettes for clean cooking
- Wood tar — liquid by-product from carbonisation, used for timber preservation
- Wood waste recycling — closes the loop on discarded biomass
Business model
Revenue from direct product sales:
- 4,500 RWF per 5 kg pack
- 200 RWF/kg bulk pricing
Market opportunity & validation
- 77% of rural households — over 7 million people still cooking with firewood
- Only 4% use gas for home cooking — huge room for clean alternatives
- Field validation in Nyamagabe: free product trials received strong positive feedback — customers asked for increased production
Roadmap
- September 2023: Test products
- October 2023: Partner engagement · gather customer feedback
- November 2023: Product improvements based on feedback
- December 2023: Ready to go to market
Competition & partners
T&T Woodgas positions GreenFuel as a locally produced, waste-based alternative to imported fossil fuels and traditional firewood — building partnerships to scale distribution across Rwanda.
