Improved traditional kilns and high performance retorts such as the stationary “GreenMad Dome retort” were introduced. The retort has a proven efficiency rate of more than 30% compared to traditional kilns. The internal rate of return (4,500 €/unit) exceeds 40%, a 3 times higher output. New climate-friendly kilns with methane recycling cut carbonisation time from 7 days to 72 hours. Micro credit services were provided by local microfinance agencies (OTIV) and the use of alternative fuels such as chips, briquettes and pellets were demonstrated.

Forest owners and charcoalers organised themselves as shareholder groups, create a registered micro-enterprise to invest and run the retort, and commercialise the produce on the basis of a rural energy market.

The business plan of the established company is based on the plantation management plan. Producers pay duties to the commune & taxes to the region. Several rural energy markets join forces to establish an urban charcoal market and facilitate traceability by creating a “green value chain”. Economic returns increased by ~30% compared to traditional marketing structures.