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Restoring Clean Energy in Panama, Regen 2030
Restoring Clean Energy in Panama, Regen 2030
Restoring Clean Energy in Panama, Regen 2030
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Restoring Clean Energy for Learning, Leadership & Community Resilience

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Regenerative 2030

  • Restore the full functionality of Bonllik’s community solar energy system by replacing depleted batteries.
  • Ensure consistent access to electricity for students and residents to charge devices for education, communication, and daily use
  • Support equitable education outcomes by enabling virtual learning for Indigenous youth in an off-grid.
  • Strengthen community energy autonomy through sustainable, locally managed infrastructure.
  • Empower women in leadership through the implementation and oversight of a women-led, community-driven clean energy project.

The Empowering Energy for Bonllik project is a community-led initiative by the Organización de Mujeres Unidas de Bonllik, based in the remote Indigenous region of Bocas del Toro, Panamá. The project aims to restore critical solar infrastructure by replacing the batteries of an existing off-grid solar system that has supported the local community for the past eight years.

With no access to the national power grid, the community relies entirely on solar energy for lighting, charging devices, and participating in virtual education. Currently, students and families face severe disruptions due to the system's failure. This project will re-establish clean and consistent electricity for over 60 residents, enabling 20 students to resume their studies and participate in digital learning.

Beyond restoring energy, the initiative delivers long-term social and environmental benefits. It strengthens community resilience, reduces reliance on polluting energy sources, and promotes climate-friendly practices. As a women-led organisation, OMUB also champions gender equality and local leadership, ensuring the project is managed, maintained, and sustained from within the community.

This is an investment in education, equity, and Indigenous energy sovereignty.

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education:  Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

Gender Equality:  Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Affordable And Clean Energy:  Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity.

Sustainable Cities And Communities:  There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Climate Action:  Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

Impacts

  • Restores full solar power capacity for 60+ residents in an off-grid Indigenous community.
  • Enables 20 students to regularly access virtual learning and digital education tools.
  • Reduces reliance on polluting energy sources like candles, flashlights, and fuel generators.
  • Avoids an estimated 0.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually through renewable energy use.
  • Increases participation in community activities by up to 50% with restored lighting and connectivity.
  • Strengthens women's leadership in sustainable development through a fully community-managed initiative.
  • Promotes long-term energy resilience and autonomy in a region with no national grid access.
  • Builds local knowledge through training sessions on system use, care, and maintenance
  • Enhances academic performance by an expected 15% due to improved access to charged devices.

Outcomes

The community’s solar energy system will be fully restored with new batteries.

Over 60 residents will regain daily access to power for charging phones, lamps, and essential devices.

20 students will consistently access electricity for studying and participating in virtual classes.

Two educational sessions will be delivered on the proper use and maintenance of the solar system.

Reduced use of candles, flashlights, and fuel-powered generators, improving safety and reducing costs.

Background

The Naso Indigenous community of Bonllik, located in the remote region of Bocas del Toro, Panamá, lives entirely off the national electricity grid. In recent years, with support from donors and local efforts, a solar energy system was installed to meet basic community needs, including lighting, communication, and student learning. However, after eight years of service, the system’s batteries have reached the end of their life. As a result, families and students now face daily energy shortages, hindering access to education, digital tools, and community activities that rely on power.

This project, led by the Organización de Mujeres Unidas de Bonllik (OMUB), seeks to restore reliable access to clean energy by replacing the depleted solar batteries. By doing so, the community will regain the ability to charge devices, hold gatherings, and support children in their studies—especially as more learning shifts online. The initiative not only improves energy access but strengthens women’s leadership and promotes long-term sustainability through training and responsible management of the system. With 100% of the community beyond grid reach, restoring this solar system is essential to maintaining quality of life, supporting education, and building climate resilience in Bonllik.

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