Large parts of the world heat their homes by burning wood (or peat etc). I think the point they were trying to make is that if you're already burning wood, and you need electricity, you can convert some of the heat to electricity. I don't think they were advocating for the replacement of conventional power plants with wood burning thermoelectric stoves.
I think you're right. But the article is comparing low-carbon/zero air pollution solar panels with wood. They mention that air pollution can be reduced with special stoves over regular stoves but did not compare air pollution from no stove to non-combustion sources.
If energy systems were installed that could heat and power these places without biofuel at all you'd be vastly better off. I did not see that point in there.
"If energy systems were installed that could heat and power these places without biofuel at all you'd be vastly better off. I did not see that point in there."
What energy system you had in mind?
Solar panels could provide electricity, but they don't produce heat, which is vastly more important in the household. A solar PV installation that powers an electric cookstove and heater is unaffordable, even for many people in rich countries.
