The financing supports DelAgua's agreement with TotalEnergies Carbon Solutions to purchase Certified Carbon Units generated through the project. Over the next ten years, the project is expected to avoid approximately 2.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
This investment demonstrates BPR Bank's growing role as a key player in green financing and marks a strategic step toward achieving the Bank's commitment to allocate at least 20% of its lending portfolio to green financing.
The project builds on DelAgua's award-winning Tubeho Neza (Live Well) programme, which has already distributed more than 1.6 million improved cookstoves across Rwanda.
The fuel efficient stoves manufactured by BURN reduce firewood consumption by 71% and lower harmful indoor smoke emissions by 81%, helping to prevent respiratory illnesses and protect forests.
By distributing the stoves free of charge, the project ensures that even the most vulnerable rural households benefit from clean cooking, reduced energy burden, and improved health outcomes.
The clean cookstove project is designed to meet the Core Carbon Principles, representing the highest global standards for environmental integrity.
Measurement and verification will use advanced Stove Use Monitoring Sensors and DelAgua's established digital monitoring platforms to ensure fully transparent climate impact reporting.
This initiative directly contributes to Rwanda's target of achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2030 and aligns with national efforts toward environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable rural development.
Patience Mutesi, Managing Director, BPR Bank Rwanda Plc expressed commitment to driving sustainable growth by financing solutions that positively impact people and the planet.
She highlighted that the partnership with DelAgua and TotalEnergies demonstrates the bank's growing leadership in green financing and dedication to supporting Rwanda's transition to a low carbon economy.
'By bridging the financing of this initiative, which will distribute improved cookstoves to rural households, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also improving the quality of life for thousands of families. This milestone brings us closer to achieving our goal of having 20% of our portfolio dedicated to green financing and reaffirms our purpose,' she stated.
According to Euan McDougall, CEO of DelAgua, this partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation, integrity, and collaboration come together.
He further explained that combining DelAgua's proven track record in delivering large-scale impact with TotalEnergies' commitment to sustainable development, will be crucial in transforming lives across Rwanda.
'This has been made possible through green finance, which is a proven, viable, and strategic financial model. We are proud to partner with a local financial institution, BPR Bank Rwanda, to deliver this project; setting a precedent for similar investments in Rwanda," he noted.
Pascal Siegwart, Vice-President Carbon Markets and Economy at TotalEnergies also expressed delight at the company's support to the project expected to expand cleaner cooking solutions.
'This initiative reflects our commitment to making energy more affordable, accessible, and sustainable. By promoting clean cooking, we aim to deliver tangible benefits for the environment and public health, while also contributing to gender equality. Such projects are key to driving long-term social, economic, and human development in a sustainable way,' he said.
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