What We Do 

Grupo Fenix's primary goal is to research, develop and apply appropriate, renewable energy technologies in Nicaragua. Grupo Fenix has the following objectives: 

• To conduct practical research into appropriate energy technologies 
• To support community self-determination and local responsibility for the projects 
• To increase the technical skill level and employability of local people 
• To improve health and living standards of families and communities 
• To preserve natural resources.

How Grupo Fenix Started

Grupo Fenix started as a program of PFAE (Program de Fuentes Alternas de Energia) in 1996 by a group of enthusiastic engineering students and Professor Susan Kinne at the National Engineering University (Universidad Nacional de Ingeneria or UNI), in Managua, Nicaragua. The name "Grupo Fenix", literally meaning "Phoenix Group", receiving inspiration from the mythical bird of Egyptian sun worship, the Phoenix, which is forever renewed. In a few short years, the Grupo Fenix initiative has expanded into a cooperative network of university-trained engineers and local community people who share a common passion for developing solar and renewable energy technologies in Nicaragua and finding cost-effective ways to have these simple technologies utilized. While continuing to maintain its central office and a major presence at the UNI, Grupo Fenix has formed strong roots within many rural towns and villages. It has found a way to combine the technical and organizational expertise of university-trained men and women with the needs, skills and interests of local people in Nicaragua's low-income communities. Two vital forces, Professor Rich Komp from the U.S. and the Falls Brooke Center, New Brunswick, Canada, have helped Grupo Fenix grow from a small group of students into an expanding network of committed people from many walks of life who work toward a vision of bringing renewable energy to those who need it most. 

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