In the month the organization celebrates its 13th anniversary, Sasha Bezuhanova, founder of MOVE.BG, has given an interview to Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).
Did you know?
54% of Bulgarians heat with wood and coal, according to data from the Institute of Energy Management.
What are the solutions?
MOVE.BG`s program “Urban Jungle” has published a special brochure presenting 7 Bulgarian entrepreneurs who develop innovative solutions to global environmental challenges from Bulgaria. The project is part of our initiative for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy after the coronavirus.
Today, we meet you with an innovative project through the eyes of its creator - the Hisarya-based startup Gamera which develops stoves for domestic wood heating with a lower carbon footprint. Zhivko Stefanov, the co-founder of the project, tells us more about Gamera.
What are the main problems with the implementation of new, modern, and non-polluting forms of heating?
The big problem is still the low consumer awareness about the main pollutant - the low efficiency of stoves for domestic wood heating. Also, the lack of motivation among consumers to move to new, more effective solutions. On the other hand, there is incompetence, inaction, and no interest in the state institutions to adopt new measures and non-transparency/corruption in weak attempts to find a solution.
What is the impact of this challenge in Bulgaria/Europe?
High wood consumption and air pollution during the heating months which go up to 80% due to low efficiency. Also, high morbidity and mortality among the population due to dirty air.
What are the solutions?
Consumer education, financial incentives from the state, regulations on the efficiency of heating devices, and fuels (firewood).
What does your product offer?
Gamera is a series of stoves for domestic wood heating, which are based on rocket heaters. Our products have approximately 90% efficiency due to the secondary combustion based on innovative technology different from the one used in widespread stoves. Gamera has 2-3 times lower fuel consumption and can use a wide range of fuel, unsuitable for traditional stoves. Our stoves also have lower harmful emissions comparable to those of an electronically controlled pellet boiler.
What is your motivation to develop an innovative business with a social impact?
We are two friends who have quit our jobs in the IT sector in a bid to find a more impactful profession. We have faced heating problems in the countryside: we knew about the existence of rocket heater technology and after making homemade samples for personal use, we decided to organize experimental series due to the lack of a commercialized product based on this technology.
Who are the other innovative Bulgarian entrepreneurs and why they have decided to develop green businesses? Download our free brochure "Green Innovators of Bulgaria" here.
For a green restart of the Bulgarian economy
It is time for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy and its transition from resource-intensive industries to green business models. Funds from the EU post-COVID-19 recovery mechanism - “Next Generation EU” as well as those from the Green Deal can help make this transition a successful journey. Therefore, MOVE.BG has initiated a coalition “For a Green Restart” that includes “Greenpeace-Bulgaria”, WWF Bulgaria, “Institute Circular Economy”, and MOVE.BG.
The coalition has brought together over 50 of Bulgaria's leading experts in the fields of green startups and innovation, climate, the circular economy, energy as well as biodiversity, and agriculture. They have generated more than 130 ideas for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy. Read the recommendations here.
