For millions of Ukrainians, frequent power cuts have made life incredibly difficult. The FireDragon Fuel for Ukraine (FFU) project addresses a critical energy challenge caused by the ongoing conflict, which has increased the use of hazardous fuels indoors during blackouts, particularly from open fires or solid fuel stoves. This project team has developed a patented, fire-safe, and sustainable solidified ethanol tool that excels in emergency and outdoor scenarios. Its key strengths include ease of use without requiring infrastructure, making it ideal for humanitarian responses, disaster relief, and outdoor use. The product is lightweight, portable, and environmentally friendly, offering a reliable clean fuel option for situations where traditional fuels are unavailable.
It can serve markets and communities where there is a need for emergency low infrastructure clean cooking alternatives. As part of the InnovateUkraine programme, the FFU team is bringing their invention to Ukraine, working with local packaging producers and university researchers to establish a production plant for nationwide distribution in Ukraine.
The FFU project introduces a sustainable and locally produced cooking fuel alternative that reduces reliance on traditional biomass and imported fuels while promoting cleaner and safer cooking practices. It aims to provide a reliable source of clean fuel in areas where people have been displaced from their homes or have no access to traditional energy sources. This approach can also be extended to regions facing similar humanitarian challenges worldwide.
The team is integrating community engagement, fuel analytics, and the setup of a new production facility to ensure a viable business model for the Ukrainian market as part of the InnovateUkraine programme.
Key features of the FFU solution include the development of a solidified ethanol fuel that is safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels, reducing harmful emissions.
In-depth market research across Ukraine to analyse fuel consumption habits among households, humanitarian groups and displaced persons is informing a tailored business model that aligns with local market demands and ensures that the production and distribution of FireDragon fuel are both efficient and responsive to the specific needs of Ukrainian communities.
The project involves end-users in product specification workshops where participants, including Ukrainian households, first responders, and internally displaced people, provide feedback on different versions of the solidified ethanol fuel. These workshops are helping tailor the fuel’s design, packaging, and functionality to meet specific needs across diverse demographics. By integrating user insights into the manufacturing process, the team ensures that the final product is well-suited for its intended markets, increasing adoption rates and supporting sustainable energy practices.
A pilot plant is testing production efficiency and training a gender-balanced and socially inclusive workforce, laying foundations that will extend beyond the InnovateUkraine programme.
The FireDragon fuel itself is made from renewable, plant-based ethanol. It resembles traditional fire lighting blocks but is clean enough to cook with indoors and can be distributed and used in off-grid areas. It is non-toxic, safe in confined spaces, and burns cleanly without harmful fumes. The fuel also stays lit in blizzards and rain, making it particularly suitable for emergency heating and cooking.
Tested extensively in the UK, the product is now being manufactured and packaged in Ukraine for the first time.
The FFU project has made major progress towards establishing full-scale local production. Despite repeated attacks on energy infrastructure delaying grid connection, the team has continued on-site operations with remarkable persistence – all due to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and determination of the project team to navigate challenges. Gas is now connected, and the site is expected to have electricity imminently, a key milestone that will allow machinery to run and blending to begin.
Once production starts, FireDragon will be able to blend and dispense molten product ready for distribution. This product has already been refined and improved further based on feedback from users in Ukraine. For example, first responders need a resealable pouch to slide down into their pocket; this feedback has been taken on board and integrated into manufacturing in Ukraine.
The plant’s workforce reflects FireDragon’s commitment to DEI. The production site is fully accessible, with wheelchair ramps to both the facility and safe shelters, ensuring that veterans and people with disabilities can work safely. In an area with limited employment opportunities, the team is committed to creating opportunities for those facing the challenges of war. The FFU production facility is following inclusive hiring guidelines and training people who may have struggled to access other employment opportunities.
Liquid FireDragon fuel has already been distributed in Ukraine, with partners including the Planet of People charity, Benben charity and Charitable Foundation Aid working tirelessly to get Fire Dragon to people who need it. In time, the team hopes to export the product to European markets to help generate revenue, sustain jobs and contribute to Ukraine’s GDP.
As winter approaches in Ukraine, the team is working hard to distribute samples and test the project further with everyday households and displaced people. Marketing is beginning to build awareness, and production should soon start in earnest at the new site in Ukraine.
Following the InnovateUkraine programme, FireDragon aims to expand into the European market. Plans include expanding into new use-cases, such as motoring and leisure users such as campers, fishermen, hunters, and cyclists. For example, the product could be sold at motoring retail forecourts to provide motorists with a safe way to stay warm in vehicles.
As the business continues to grow, each of these developments will help boost Ukraine’s economy through job creation and export revenue, while continuing to support marginalised groups in regions with limited employment opportunities. The technology and model developed through this project can be replicated globally, offering a scalable, clean-burning fuel solution for communities affected by energy insecurity or natural disasters.
The FFU project is supported by a collaborative team of partners, including:
BCB International, (UK)
Vynnytsia National Technical University (VNTU), (Ukraine)
Ucrain Nua LLC, (Ukraine)
