Interested in renewable energy applications for the developing world? Curious about real-world applications for the information you’re learning in school?
Join us for a week-long immersion program in Nicaragua and learn first-hand the successes and challenges of renewable energy implementation in a developing context!
blueEnergy will be hosting week-long immersion programs over Spring Break for students interested in renewable energy applications. Participants will work with fellow students from across the country, exploring the topic of renewable energy within the Nicaraguan landscape. Have the experience of a lifetime while participating in blueEnergy’s renewable energy program!
blueEnergy is an international non-profit that connects the unserved to clean water, energy, and other basic services to give people the opportunity to improve their own lives. For more information on our work, please visit our website, www.blueEnergygroup.org.
Program Overview: This one-week immersion program explores different applications of renewable energy technologies in developing countries. Looking particularly at the Nicaraguan context, participants will explore first-hand the successes and challenges of successfully implementing sustainable development projects with renewable energy at the national and local level in Nicaragua. Topics such as effective technology transfer and adaptability, community development, infrastructure design and planning, and the economics and financing behind renewable energy projects will be addressed. Case studies will be presented on rural electrification, appropriate design technologies, and micro-enterprises utilizing renewable energy. Participants will also gain insight into the workings of Nicaragua’s largest renewable energy association, Renovables, and will have the opportunity to meet and work with some of the association’s leading member organizations.
The week-long program will also provide workshop experience. Working with one of Renovables member organizations, participants will gain hands-on experience in the construction and implementation of a renewable energy technology. Participants will also have the opportunity to work on a research project of their choosing1. Research topics will be developed in collaboration with blueEnergy personnel to ensure participants address topics that interest him/her. Example research topics include, but are not limited to the following: development of offshore wind in Nicaragua, rural electrification for development, renewable energy technology transfers to rural communities, and financing renewable energy projects for rural household use and adaptation.
The immersion program also affords time for participants to explore the rich Nicaraguan culture and learn about the complex history of this fascinating country. Cultural outings, including authentic dinners, working for a more equitable, sustainable world city tours of Managua and trips to the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast will be incorporated into the program’s weekly agenda.
Dates of Trips: March 11th-17th OR March 25th-31st
Cost: Fees are $1,600 for the 1-week program. The program fee pays for a high quality experience and covers room, board, internet, laundry, emergency medical insurance, and project-based travel. In addition, a portion of your program fee supports the local projects you’ll be working on. International airfare and domestic airfare are not covered and are the responsibility of the participant.
Questions or Interested in Applying?
Contact Emily Castello at Emily.Castello@blueEnergygroup.org
