Energía Renovable Originaria (ERO) is a growth-stage initiative installing 1.5MW to 10MW of renewable energy grids in five Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in Colombia’s key biodiversity areas. The project advances climate change mitigation, peacebuilding, and territorial sovereignty while promoting a just energy transition led by communities historically excluded from energy infrastructure decisions.

Currently in operation for 1–3 years with a team of 21–50 members, ERO is conducting prefeasibility studies for off-grid solar, infrastructure projects (two schools and a community governance house), water security initiatives in desert regions, and a research outpost studying coal mining’s impact on Andean air and water resources.

Funding: Channeled primarily through Indigenous nations and organizations from Canada in solidarity with South America.
Expenses: Prefeasibility studies, infrastructure development, community engagement, and research activities.
Challenges: Limited resources for Indigenous communities in Colombia, and threats from narcotrafficking and armed conflict that undermine local autonomy and sovereignty.
Vision: By 2030, ERO aims to achieve 10MW of renewable energy capacity across the five communities, with future expansion across South America and the Global South to support economic sovereignty and territorial autonomy.

Inspired by the founder’s Indigenous heritage and commitment to climate justice, ERO believes that Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities must lead the climate conversation. By combining renewable energy with community-led governance, the program seeks to demonstrate that those who understand how to protect the Earth can guide society toward a prosperous, peaceful, and fossil-free future.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/energ%C3%ADa-renovable-originaria-ero-program-take-place-colombia-q8tgc