Q: What is Energy Corps?

A: Energy Corps is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives by combating indoor air pollution and reducing energy poverty. We provide free natural gas and propane to developing nations through partnerships with energy companies, drastically improving health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and elevating quality of life. Our plan is to launch pilot programs in Central America and Africa by partnering with NGO already working on this critical issue.

Q: Why was Energy Corps created?

A: Energy Corps was created to address the deadly issue of indoor air pollution caused by using harmful biomass fuels like wood and dung for cooking. By providing cleaner energy solutions, we will improve health outcomes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help raise living standards in developing nations.

Q: How does Energy Corps work?

A: Energy Corps partners with energy companies that donate 1% of their product, such as natural gas and propane. We distribute these far cleaner energy solutions to households in developing nations, replacing harmful biomass fuels and reducing indoor air pollution.

Q: How does Energy Corps improve health?

A: By providing clean energy, Energy Corps reduces indoor air pollution, a major cause of respiratory illnesses and premature deaths. According to the World Health Organization, this improvement in air quality leads to better health outcomes for families, particularly women and children.

Q: What environmental benefits does Energy Corps provide?

A: Transitioning from biomass fuels to natural gas and propane significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This helps combat climate change and contributes to a more sustainable environment.

Q: How does Energy Corps affect women and children?

A: Access to clean energy reduces the time women spend gathering fuel, allowing them to pursue education, jobs, and other pursuits. It also improves health, enabling women and children to attend school and participate more fully in their communities.

Q: But aren't there other initiatives promoting the switch from wood and dung? Why is Energy Corps better?

A: Yes, there are other initiatives like the Global LPG Partnership and World LPG Association's Cooking for Life campaign that promote the switch from wood and dung to cleaner fuels. However, Energy Corps is enlisting corporate partners to donate 1% of their product—including natural gas and propane, distribution stations and cooking setups—directly to those in need. This ensures a consistent and scalable supply of clean energy solutions. We are also looking to partner with governments, tapping into their aid programs to deliver these services. Energy Corps has the backing and involvement on energy companies who have an essential understanding of how to deliver the gas that will close the energy gap. Additionally, we emphasize immediate health impacts by reducing indoor air pollution and improving the quality of life for women and children, who are often most affected. .

Q: Why can't we just switch to solar or other non-fossil fuel sources of cooking and heating?

A: While solar and other non-fossil fuel sources may be ideal for long-term sustainability, they currently face significant barriers in many developing regions, including high initial costs, inconsistent energy supply, and the need for substantial infrastructure development. In contrast, propane and natural gas offer an immediate, proven and reliable solution that drastically reduces indoor air pollution and improves health outcomes. India, for example, has made the switch to millions of their citizens, These fuels are proven,  more easily integrated into existing systems and can quickly replace harmful biomass fuels. Energy Corps uses these transitional fuels as a pragmatic step towards eventually integrating more renewable energy sources as technology and infrastructure evolve.  The World Health Organizations sees natural gas as a key feature in the move toward zero emissions.

Partnerships and Participation

Q: How do energy companies get involved with Energy Corps?

A: Energy companies can partner with Energy Corps by donating 1% of their product. This partnership not only helps provide clean energy solutions to those in need but also demonstrates their commitment to the community. To learn more, please contact us here.

Q: What benefits do corporate partners receive?

A: Corporate partners gain recognition for their positive impact on global health and the environment. They also align with global climate goals by supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improving health outcomes in developing nations.

Q: Can individuals contribute to Energy Corps?

A: We will soon be offering the opportunity for Individuals to contribute by sponsoring a family. This sponsorship will help provide access to clean energy solutions, improving health and quality of life for those in need.

Pilot Programs and Expansion

Q: Where is Energy Corps currently operating its pilot programs?

A: Energy Corps is starting its pilot programs in Central America, focusing on regions with high reliance on biomass fuels and significant health impacts from indoor air pollution.

Q: What is the timeline for Energy Corps' expansion?

A: Phase 1 (Years 1-2) involves setting up the initial structure and pilot programs in Central America. Phase 2 (Years 3-5) will see the rollout of programs to Africa, Southeast Asia, and India, with continuous expansion and scaling of successful programs.

Q: How does Energy Corps measure its impact?

A: Energy Corps uses monitoring and evaluation frameworks to collect and analyze data on program outcomes. This includes the number of households transitioned to cleaner energy, the reduction in indoor air pollution, and improvements in health and quality of life.

Additional Information

Q: How many lives does Energy Corps aim to save?

A: Energy Corps aims to transition 2 million households to cleaner energy solutions, potentially saving approximately 400,000 lives by reducing exposure to harmful indoor air pollution.

Q: How can I stay updated on Energy Corps' progress?

A: You can stay updated by signing up for our newsletter here, and coming back to our website often.