Pistachio Shell Heaters: A Sustainable Solution for Winter in Northern Syria
As winter approaches, thousands of families in northern Syria face the harsh reality of cold temperatures in displacement camps along the Turkish border. With limited income sources and rising prices, securing heating fuel has become a significant burden for many. In response to the scarcity of diesel, residents have turned to an innovative and cost-effective alternative: pistachio shell heaters.
The idea of using pistachio shells for heating originated in the Khan Sheikhoun area, known for its pistachio cultivation. Muhammad Al-Tafran, owner of the Khan Sheikhoun Technical Center, explained that the heater was designed to burn pistachio shells without modifications to existing diesel heaters. This adaptation has gained popularity as it provides warmth while being more affordable and environmentally friendly compared to traditional heating methods.
Economic and Environmental Benefits of Shell Heaters
The transition to pistachio shell heaters has been driven by the high cost and scarcity of diesel fuel. Civil engineer Wassim Sweid shared that heating with diesel can cost up to three times more than using pistachio shells. Currently, heating with pistachio shells for 14 hours costs about 33% of what it would with quality diesel.
However, the industry faces challenges due to the control of key pistachio-producing regions by regime forces, leading to a shortage of shells. To address this, traders have begun importing shells from Turkey, Iran, Georgia, and the United States, with prices ranging from $130 to $180 per ton. Additionally, residents have started mixing different types of nut shells, such as hazelnut and almond, to further reduce costs.
The craftsmanship of shell heaters has evolved, with manufacturers now using aluminum plates and offering various models and colors to suit consumer preferences. Some heaters even include an oven feature, allowing families to cook while heating their homes. Prices for these heaters vary from $40 to $250, depending on specifications.
On average, a family requires about 1.3 tons of shells for the winter season, with costs fluctuating based on market conditions. Despite warnings about chemical treatments on pistachio shells, Al-Tafran reassured that the shells are naturally flammable and do not undergo any harmful treatments.
