Problems to solve:
Gender inequalities in educational lag, and workforce in Paraiso, Tabasco
Livelihood - Agricultural activities: Irrigation, processing, etc.
Domestic energy use: Heating, cooling, lighting, cooking and appliances. Traditional use of electricity and cooking fuel.
Essential services: Schools, clinics, and community centers.
Transportation and mobility to support daily life and activity
Idea: We could replicate Solar Sister Initiative in Paraiso, Tabasco.
Solar Sister model is a social enterprise that can be adopted and adapted to the context of Paraiso, Tabasco because it combines the life changing power of clean energy access and women’s enterprise.
The initiative aims to spread solar power across rural villages in Paraiso, with the help of a direct sales network. By providing access to electricity in rural areas, especially for women, it helps to close the gender technology gap. We can train women to become entrepreneurs, providing them with a “business in a bag”.
Each Solar Sister entrepreneur buys her lights and cookstoves from Solar Sister, then sells and delivers them -- woman-to-woman -- to her family, friends, and neighbors.
In 2012, building on the success of this business model in Uganda, Solar Sister and its partners made a Commitment to Action to scale its network of women energy entrepreneurs in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. These entrepreneurs bring products such as solar lighting, mobile phone charging, and clean cook stoves to underserved and hard-to-reach communities. This is a story of how empowering women can positively impact their lives, families, communities, and ultimately, their countries.
Benefits
We invest in local women entrepreneurs to start, grow and sustain successful clean energy businesses, so they can build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and the community.
Developing a Self-sufficient Rural Community in Energy Management
Reduced dependence on fossil fuels and increased environmental sustainability.
Enhanced community stability during power outages and natural disasters.
Economic benefits through local energy production and cost savings.
Distributed generation: Generating energy closer to the point of consumption.
Microgrids: Creating self-contained energy systems for local communities.
Grid-tied systems: Integrating renewable energy with the main power grid.
Barriers and challenges in developing self-sufficient rural communities:
Lack of funding and resources.
Technical expertise and knowledge gaps.
Community acceptance and resistance to change.
Financial and policy support from Mexican government and organisations might be a challenge?:
Financing opportunities: Identifying grants, subsidies, and low-interest loans for renewable energy projects.
Unlock funding:
Government grants and subsidies for renewable energy development,
International funding programs supporting sustainable initiatives.
Private sector investments in community energy projects.
Policy incentives: Advocating for supportive policies and regulations for rural energy development.
Public-private partnerships: Collaborating with businesses and NGOs for funding and expertise.
The role and influence of women in rural communities warrant a thorough reevaluation. The notion of empowering women through clean energy holds substantial promise and has garnered ample support and resources.
Community engagement and education are fundamental components of success. Empowering residents with knowledge about clean energy and involving them in the decision-making process will foster a sense of ownership and pride in the transformation.
By transitioning to renewable energy solutions, rural communities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, combat climate change.
Even though it may not be feasible to halt refinery operations entirely, implementing this approach in the community is a commendable step towards creating positive change. By focusing on changing mindsets, raising awareness among citizens, and gradually reducing reliance on a fossil fuel-based economy, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. It's about taking small yet significant steps to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and energy transition.
This is a good option but clean energy will not stop the refinery polluting.