Honduras: #3xRenewables for climate resilience, energy access and community empowerment

For years, people in the remote village of Santuario, Honduras, were waiting for light and access to energy, facing climate change impacts to battle.

Far from the electricity grids, families were living deprived of many daily necessities, unable to light up their evenings safely, or store medicines long-term.

Without electricity, the locals had to get up early in the morning and go into the forests to fetch wood used for making fire in their homes.

Candles bought in the local store served as basic source of light in the evening.

The wait was over two years ago when the Technical University of Valencia, Spain committed funding for a renewable-based project to help the community.

The funding was suitable to purchase solar panels and engage the people of Santuario to come together and install them.

The solution also uses 144 batteries to store the electricity, and a 25-kilowatts gasifier as a back-up to the solar power solution.

Now, the community gained a reliable electricity access, and their daily lives transformed.

Not only they save money, no longer needing to buy candles, but they can also use household equipment with sustainably running power.

A local shop owner grasped an opportunity to stock and sell frozen goods, increasing his income and making more produce available for the community.

The local people were able to purchase fridges and freezers to store food and medicines.

In the past, the medicines that need refrigeration were not readily available for the community. Thanks to the refrigeration, these medicines can now be stored in the right temperature, improving immediate access to healthcare.

“We have all kinds of electrical equipment that make our lives easier,” says one of the community leaders.

People now have computers, printers, and televisions, among others. Even an item as small as an electric razor is of great help and improve the daily lives.

The story of the Santuario is a story of hope and unity. The members of the community feel empowered and able to face the daily challenges.

Working together to construct and now maintain the mini solar plant and build the infrastructure for the renewable power brought hope and development to their beloved village.

Find out more about unlocking the benefits of energy transition and the #3xRenewables – for the planet and its people campaign.