2026 Kenya trip delayed
Earlier this year, Empowered Solutions for Environmental Sustainability (ESES) made the difficult decision to postpone our planned 2026 deployment to Kenya. Our team did not decide to delay the trip lightly.
Due to the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our team chose to delay travel to Nairobi and Mombasa out of concern for the safety of our team and partners. While disappointing, protecting the people who make this work possible had to come first.
Although we delayed the trip, we have not put our mission on hold.
Poly3.0 Efficiency Improvements and Comparison to Previous Models
Instead, our engineering team used the additional time to continue refining one of ESES’ most impactful technologies: our plastic-to-fuel reactor. Every improvement made today means we’re better prepared to serve communities tomorrow. And now, we’re excited to share that those efforts are already paying off!
During its first complete production run, our newest reactor produced 2.66 liters of fuel in just five hours, representing a 40% improvement in efficiency over previous designs. What’s especially exciting is that we conducted the reactor’s first full test, and we have not yet fully optimized the system. We expect even greater performance as testing continues.
One of the biggest contributors to these results is a redesigned insulation system. Rather than relying on conventional insulation, the reactor now uses custom-shaped mineral wool insulation that better retains heat throughout the conversion process. By reducing heat loss, the reactor is able to convert waste plastic into fuel more efficiently while using less energy.
When compared to the reactor we deployed in Kenya last year, the improvements become even more significant. The new design demonstrated a remarkable 69% increase in efficiency, while costing approximately half as much to build.
That combination matters.
Lower construction costs mean more communities can benefit from the technology. Higher efficiency means more fuel can be produced from the same amount of plastic waste. Together, these improvements move us closer to creating a solution that is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically practical for long-term local use.
The reactor also demonstrated encouraging economic performance during testing. Based on the global average market price for kerosene, the five-hour run generated approximately $3.02 in profit. Since ESES is developing this technology with affordable cooking fuel in mind, kerosene provides the most meaningful benchmark for measuring its impact.
| Feature | Poly2.0 (Spring 2026) | Poly3.0 (Summer 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Year | Developed/Deployed in 2025, measured Spring 2026 | 2026 Summer Prototype |
| Fuel Output | 1.59 L in 5 hours | 2.66 L in 5 hours |
| Efficiency | Baseline | 40% improvement |
| Compared to Kenya 2025 Reactor | Slight efficiency improvement | 70% more efficient |
| Construction Cost | 2,200 USD | 1,000 USD |
| Insulation | 5mm Aerogel | 1″ mineral wool |
| Heat Retention | Baseline | Improved through tailored insulation |
| Estimated Profit (Kerosene) | $1.81 per 5-hour run | $3.02 per 5-hour run |
| Estimated Profit (Diesel) | $2.13 per 5-hour run | $3.55 per 5-hour run |
| Development Status | Development completed, field deployed – Nairobi, Kenya 2025 | Lab tests completed, further optimization underway before deployment |
Research and development rarely follow a linear path. Sometimes progress happens in the field, and sometimes it happens back in the workshop. While we weren’t able to return to Kenya this year, we refused to let that pause become stagnation. Every test, every design refinement, and every efficiency gain brings us closer to delivering an even stronger system when we do return.
When is ESES going back overseas?
Our commitment to Kenya has not changed, nor has our commitment to other countries. However, safety always comes first for our teammates and their families.
Our team has been monitoring the Ebola outbreak and doing constant assessments on travel and public health conditions. Until our team deems those conditions safe, we will continue our work here in the United States. When that day comes, we’ll be bringing technology that is faster, more efficient, more affordable, and better equipped to help communities transform plastic waste into a valuable resource.
To everyone who has supported ESES through donations, encouragement, and belief in our mission, thank you. Your support allows us to keep improving (maybe link to previous post), even when circumstances force us to change course or delay a trip. We can’t wait to share what comes next.
