Background of the study

This section explores the innovative use of engine-used oil as a fuel source for stoves,
highlighting its potential for sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and waste reduction.

Traditionally, societies used local resources for heating and cooking. However, with the
industrial era, fossil fuels became prevalent. (Smil 2017) highlights the importance of exploring
unconventional sources like engine-used oil in the contemporary energy landscape. Reusing
engine waste oil for home heating and cooking becomes important considering growing
environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable practices.

The combustion of traditional fuels like used engine oil contributes to air pollution and
environmental degradation. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO),
household air pollution from cooking fuels is responsible for approximately 4.3 million premature
deaths annually worldwide (WHO, 2021).

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been a prevalent cooking fuel for decades due to its
convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency. The widespread adoption of LPG can be traced back
to the mid-20th century, following advancements in refining and distribution technologies
(Bazilian et al., 2014). Its popularity surged globally, particularly in urban areas, as households
transitioned away from traditional biomass fuels like wood and charcoal.

LPG is often perceived as a modern, clean, and safe option for cooking, especially in
urban areas (Rehman et al., 2019). In contrast, used engine oil, despite its potential as a fuel
source, is commonly associated with environmental pollution and health hazards
(Tchobanoglous et al., 2014). These perceptions impact the willingness of households to adopt
alternative cooking technologies and underscore the importance of empirical research to
challenge misconceptions and inform decision-making.

The use of LPG is often associated with modernity and improved living standards. Its
clean combustion properties and easy availability have led to its widespread acceptance in both
developed and developing countries (Zerriffi, 2007). However, concerns have emerged
regarding the environmental impact of LPG production and combustion, as well as its
affordability for marginalized communities (Smith et al., 2013).

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has long been the dominant cooking fuel globally due to
its convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency (Smith et al., 2014). However, concerns over its
environmental impact, including indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, have led to
a search for cleaner alternatives (Balakrishnan et al., 2015). This search has prompted
researchers and policymakers to explore innovative solutions, including the repurposing of
waste materials like used engine oil as cooking fuel.

One such alternative is the utilization of Used Engine Oil (UEO) as a cooking fuel. UEO
is a byproduct of various industries, including automotive maintenance, and is often disposed of
improperly, leading to environmental pollution (Soltan et al., 2019). Repurposing UEO as a
cooking fuel presents an opportunity to mitigate environmental harm while addressing energy
poverty in underserved communities (Soltan et al., 2019).
 The potential of UEO stoves has garnered attention from researchers, policymakers, and
grassroots organizations seeking innovative solutions to energy and environmental challenges.
Initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement have
underscored the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources, further fueling interest in
alternative cooking technologies (United Nations, 2015; United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change, 2015).

The use of UEO as a cooking fuel presents an innovative approach to address both
environmental and economic challenges. UEO, generated as a byproduct of automotive
maintenance activities, is often discarded improperly, leading to environmental pollution.
However, researchers have proposed various methods to convert UEO into a usable cooking
fuel, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative. For instance, studies like that
conducted by Amosa et al. (2019) explored the feasibility of using UEO-derived biodiesel as a
cooking fuel, demonstrating its energy efficiency and reduced emissions compared to
conventional diesel.

According to the (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021), incorrect spent oil disposal
puts the ecosystem in danger. Investigating its transformation into a fuel that may be used is a
step toward a circular economy and is in line with the larger objectives of waste reduction and
sustainable resource management. The (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2022)
reports emphasize the need to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy
sources. Research on engine-used oil in stoves aligns with this global agenda, offering a way to
repurpose waste materials.

Exposure to indoor air pollution from cooking fuels has been linked to respiratory
diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even premature mortality. Vulnerable populations, such as
women and children who spend more time near cooking stoves, are particularly at risk (Bonjour
et al., 2013).

To lessen the effects of climate change, sustainable energy practices are critically
needed, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Studies indicate
that using used oil in stoves is a feasible and low-impact option that has potential for the
environment (Wang et al., 2018). Reusing waste oil might be a more affordable option in areas
with low incomes where access to traditional fuels may be restricted. The economic
ramifications and possible advantages for underprivileged populations are consistent with
research findings such as those of (Thompson and McKnight 2018), which highlight the
significance of cost-effective energy solutions in reducing poverty.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), LPG consumption for cooking
purposes has steadily increased, particularly in urban areas and developing countries, reaching
approximately 62.2 million tonnes globally in 2020 (IEA, 2021). However, the dominance of LPG
has raised concerns regarding its environmental impact, safety hazards, and affordability,
especially for low-income households.

Recent news reports have also drawn attention to the urgency of addressing clean
cooking challenges. For instance, a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health revealed
that household air pollution from traditional cooking fuels remains a leading risk factor for global
disease burden, particularly in developing countries (Mendelsohn et al., 2022). Moreover, efforts
to promote clean cooking solutions have gained momentum on the global stage, with initiatives
like the Clean Cooking Alliance advocating for universal access to clean cooking by 2030 (CCA,
2021).

Access to clean cooking fuels is often limited in low-income households, leading them to
rely on cheaper but more polluting alternatives. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and
exacerbates social inequalities, as highlighted by the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) agenda (UN, 2020).

Recent news articles highlight the urgency of transitioning to cleaner cooking fuels. For
example, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that household air pollution
from cooking fuels contributes to over 4 million premature deaths annually, predominantly in
low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2018). Such findings underscore the need for
research into alternative cooking technologies that can mitigate health risks and environmental
degradation.

Despite the promising attributes of UEO as a cooking fuel, its adoption faces barriers
related to safety concerns, technological limitations, and societal perceptions. Public perception
plays a crucial role in the acceptance and adoption of alternative cooking technologies. A study
by Mbayazana et al. (2020) found that while UEO-based cooking technologies offer potential
benefits, they are often met with skepticism due to perceived safety risks and lack of
awareness.

The economic differences caused by energy poverty are highlighted in (Smith and
Barreto's, 2019) report, which also underscores the need for accessible alternatives. Stoves that
utilize engine oil are an affordable option that supports the objectives of equitable and
sustainable energy availability. (Patel et al.'s 2017) studies underscore the significance of
affordable, locally accessible energy solutions in addressing economic disparities, promoting
sustainability and resource optimization through unconventional fuel sources.

Reusing used oil aids in the creation of more effective and alternative heating
techniques, which is beneficial given the progress made in stove technology and the increasing
demand for sustainable energy sources. Research in this field is necessary because, as
(Sovacool and Dworkin 2015) point out, innovation in energy technology is essential to attaining
a sustainable future. (McDonough and Braungart, 2002) advocate for a cradle-to-cradle
approach to waste management, focusing on repurposing engine-used oil to promote a
sustainable and circular energy system by reintegrating waste materials into production cycles.

Studies have demonstrated the potential of UEO as a viable cooking fuel, emphasizing
its abundance, affordability, and potential for reducing waste (Xu et al., 2020). However,
empirical evidence comparing the performance, emissions, and safety of UEO stoves to
conventional LPG stoves remains limited. Conducting a comparative analysis will address this
gap in the literature and provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and
communities.
 Recent developments in the field of alternative energy and sustainable development
have further propelled the discourse on cleaner cooking technologies. Initiatives such as the
Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative, launched by the United Nations, emphasize the
importance of transitioning to cleaner cooking fuels to achieve global energy access and
environmental goals (SE4All, n.d.).

Ensuring the efficacy and durability of such efforts requires an understanding of how
communities see and use engine-used oil burners. (Jenkins and McCauley 2017) examine the
social dynamics surrounding the introduction of unconventional fuel sources, highlighting the
significance of community acceptance and involvement in determining the efficacy of alternative
energy solutions. The viability of utilizing engine-used oil as stove fuel has grown due to recent
developments in stove technology and waste oil filtering devices (Martin et al., 2020). This
emphasizes how crucial research is to assess the safety procedures and technical
developments related to this activity.
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