blueEnergy Knowledge & Impact Center
Learnings, data and solutions built alongside communities
Our mission
20+ years alongside vulnerable communities
This platform brings together the knowledge built over more than 20 years of working with vulnerable communities. Here we document learnings, results, and impact — sharing practical lessons that empower families and communities 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 | The Origins
French linguist Colette Grinevald Craig began work to revitalise the Rama language — planting the seeds of community-centred development that would define blueEnergy.
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 an MIT social entrepreneurship competition and launched a rural electrification project — the founding spark of what became blueEnergy.
- 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. Real infrastructure, built by and for local communities.
- 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 — validating the community-first approach to clean energy.
- 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 programme is launched, expanding blueEnergy's reach into climate-resilient farming and nutrition security.
- 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 — the ultimate expression of blueEnergy's commitment to empowering local leadership and lasting community ownership.
- 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
What we've built
Solutions Implemented
Across three interconnected domains — water, energy, and food security — concrete infrastructure installed and maintained in partnership with communities.
WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE
- 124 latrines and eco-bathrooms
- 126 wells constructed
- 1,435 water filters distributed
- 88 handwashing stations installed
- 74 greywater treatment systems
- 42 drinking water & sanitation committees
- 11 school bathrooms rehabilitated
- 7 rainwater harvesting systems
- 4 waste sorting stations
- 700 hygiene and cleaning kits distributed
- 1 multi-use sports court at CCACC
RENEWABLE ENERGY
- 260 individual and community solar systems
- 268 solar lanterns distributed
- 219 improved cookstoves installed
- 5 solar-powered water pumping systems
- 1 biodigester system
FOOD SECURITY & NUTRITION
- 95 family gardens established
- 27 model families supported
- 96 garden implementation plans
- 22 community promoters trained
- 11 certified biointensive master trainers
- 10 nurseries established
- 7 climate adaptation plans
- 7 entrepreneurship initiatives supported
- 5 community development plans
- 6 CCACCs established
- 57 garden kits distributed
- 1 seed bank
- 1 virtual learning platform
- 1 CCACC community kitchen