Juanita Urrego

Colombian engineer creating renewable energy access for rural communities

Juanita Urrego (b.1992) pioneered solar energy solutions for Colombia's remote regions through her company Solucionesur. Her modular solar kits, designed with local indigenous communities, have provided electricity to over 150,000 people since 2020. A 2021 partnership with the Colombian Ministry of Energy expanded this model to Venezuela's border regions. Her CrowdSolar crowdfunding platform connects international investors with rural cooperatives, raising $4.2M since launch. Juanita's 2023 book 《Lighting the Margins》 details her community-centered approach. Recognized as a 2024 Ashden Award finalist, her work directly contributed to Colombia's 2025 National Energy Plan goals for 95% rural electrification. She also trains female engineers through the Amazon Solar Leaders program.