Ending the Charcoal Crisis: How Kinetic7’s New Hydrogen Tech Could Save Zambia’s Forests
A deep-tech company, Kinetic7, has announced a major global breakthrough in clean energy with the development of a hydrogen-on-demand solution aimed at tackling household air pollution and deforestation in developing nations.
Founded by Australian entrepreneur Rick Parish, the company revealed that its innovation enables the safe production and immediate use of hydrogen gas without storage, offering a carbon-free alternative for cooking and heating.
The technology is designed to address the needs of approximately 2.3 billion people worldwide who rely on firewood, charcoal and other polluting fuels. According to global estimates, household air pollution contributes to around 3.5 million premature deaths annually, largely due to respiratory diseases linked to toxic smoke exposure.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with operations spanning the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy and the United States, Kinetic7 has spent six years developing its proprietary system. The innovation produces hydrogen through electrolysis using freshwater, powered by an internal battery that can be recharged via solar panels or conventional energy sources.
The company confirmed that its first commercial applications will be two portable cooking stoves, Nomad™ and Tribe™, currently entering the commercialisation phase. The Nomad™ stove was first showcased at the Paris Summit on Clean Cooking organised by the International Energy Agency in 2024.
Unlike traditional hydrogen systems, the stoves do not store gas, enhancing safety while maintaining efficiency. They are designed for use in humanitarian settings, disaster relief operations, and remote communities with limited access to clean energy.
Mr Parish said the innovation could play a transformative role in reducing reliance on wood-burning stoves across developing regions.
“Our aim is to partner with humanitarian agencies, governments and the United Nations to ensure families have access to clean cooking solutions. This will help reduce the millions of deaths linked to household air pollution,” he said.
The technology has undergone independent academic review by experts from Imperial College London, further strengthening its credibility.
Zambian economist and former politician Elias Chipimo described the innovation as “one of the most inspiring of our time,” noting its potential to address deforestation and health challenges linked to charcoal use in Africa.
“In Zambia, significant forest loss is driven by charcoal production, while indoor air pollution continues to affect peri-urban communities. Innovations like this could have a lasting impact,” he said.
Medical expert Ram Dhillon also highlighted the public health benefits, stating that eliminating indoor smoke could significantly reduce respiratory illnesses and premature deaths.
Beyond health and environmental gains, Kinetic7 says the technology could also improve safety for women and children in rural areas, who often face risks while collecting firewood.
The company added that its solution aligns with 13 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, positioning it as a potentially significant contributor to global clean energy and climate action efforts.
