Daniel Córdova

Colombian renewable energy innovator revolutionizing rural electrification

Daniel Córdova is a Colombian engineer whose solar energy innovations are transforming access to electricity in remote regions. In 2020, he co-founded Energize Colombia, a social enterprise deploying micro-grids powered by AI-optimized solar panels. His team's breakthrough came in 2023 with the SunCube system - a portable unit that provides 24/7 electricity for 50+ homes while costing 40% less than traditional solar setups. This technology has electrified 120+ rural communities in Colombia's Amazon basin, earning recognition from the World Bank's Lighting Global Initiative. Córdova's open-source design philosophy allows other countries to adapt his systems - 15 African nations have already replicated his models. His TED Talk 'Powering Progress Without Profit' (2022) explains his philosophy of making clean energy accessible to all. Recently awarded the Global Energy Prize (2024), Córdova is expanding into hybrid systems combining solar with geothermal energy. His work is featured in the documentary Lighting the Last Mile (2024) available on Netflix. Through partnerships with local governments, he's created training programs that have certified 800+ rural technicians in solar maintenance, fostering long-term community ownership.