blueEnergy Knowledge & Impact Center

Learnings, data and solutions built alongside communities

Explore Projects Learn More

Best Practices

Best practices for climate resilience

Innovation

Solutions adapted to local context

Our Impact

Empowered communities

What will you find here?

This platform brings together the knowledge we’ve built over more than 20 years of working with vulnerable communities. Here we document our learnings, results, and impact, and share practical lessons that empower families and communities to move toward a more sustainable and equitable future. We integrate clean energy technologies, data analysis, and community engagement to design and implement high-impact solutions. Explore how we turn ideas into real projects that improve lives and drive lasting change.

21 years of history

blueEnergy Nicaragua

🌱

1985–2002 | Origins

The foundations of blueEnergy began with the work of French linguist Colette Grinevald Craig in the revitalization of the Rama language.

The work was carried out in collaboration with CIDCA in Bluefields with support from the National Science Foundation. The Rama language was key for the territorial recognition of the Rama people.

In 1989, Guillaume Craig visited Bluefields after Hurricane Joan. In 1991, Mathias Craig visited Rama Cay, where the idea of installing community wind energy emerged, later inspiring the name "blueEnergy".

⚡

2002–2004 | Birth of blueEnergy

Mathias Craig won a social entrepreneurship competition at MIT and decided to start a rural electrification project.

  • 2003 – First feasibility study on the Caribbean Coast.
  • 2004 – Official start of operations in Bluefields.
  • 2004 – First agreement with INATEC, BICU and URACCAN.
🔧

2004–2007 | First technical solutions

Installation of handmade wind turbines and development of community energy solutions.

  • 9 energy systems installed
  • 6 communities benefited
  • 1,500 people impacted
  • Progressive transition to solar energy
🌍

2007–2011 | International recognition

blueEnergy receives global recognition for innovation in sustainable development.

  • CNN Heroes
  • Tech Awards
  • Energy Globe Awards
  • Ashoka Fellowship
  • New programs:
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH)
  • Home Solar Systems
  • Community Wells
  • Improved Cookstoves (Inkawasi)
🌾

2014–2018 | Agroecology and resilience

The Food Security and Agroecology program is launched.

  • Permaculture
  • Adaptation to Climate Change
  • Community Biodigesters
  • Participation in COP21
  • ASH Laboratory
🤝

2018–2025 | Local leadership and inclusion

The office is now led entirely by Nicaraguan professionals.

  • 2018 – Local Management with Sandra Pavón
  • 2020 – Institutional Response to COVID-19
  • 2021 – Launch of Rastro Verde
  • 2023 – Certification in Biointensive Agriculture
  • 2024 – Electrification of Rama Maneland

Implemented Technologies

Water

  • 124 Latrines and eco-toilets
  • 4 Waste stations
  • 126 Wells
  • 1,435 Water filters
  • 11 School bathrooms
  • 7 Rainwater systems
  • 88 Handwashing stations
  • 74 Greywater systems
  • 42 Water committees
  • 1 CCACC field
  • 700 Hygiene kits

Energy

  • 268 Solar lanterns
  • 219 Improved cookstoves
  • 260 Solar systems
  • 5 Solar pumping systems
  • 1 Biodigester

Food

  • 27 Model families
  • 95 Gardens
  • 96 Garden plans
  • 10 Nurseries
  • 1 Seed bank
  • 7 Climate adaptation
  • 7 Enterprises
  • 5 Community development
  • 6 CCACC
  • 57 Garden kits
  • 22 Promoters
  • 1 Community kitchen
  • 11 Certified teachers
  • 1 Virtual platform