Climate Curve

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Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Project Summary / Description:

This project was formed in 2025 in response to the persistent gap between installed renewable energy capacity and actual system performance in Desa Donoharjo, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Although the village has been designated as an Independent Energy Village and is equipped with solar panels and biodigesters, these systems operate far below their potential due to limited local technical capacity, labor-intensive manual operations, and reliance on external actors.

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Replaces/avoids GHGs (e.g., projects that replace sources of GHGs, such as the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, transport, or other energy uses)', 'Reduces GHGs (e.g., projects that reduce sources of GHGs, such as through efficiency or other changes in consumption)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Our project empowers climate-vulnerable rural communities by placing local residents at the center of renewable energy decision-making and daily system operation. In Desa Donoharjo, women and youth are directly involved in training, system monitoring, and community discussions, particularly around energy use for cooking, tourism activities, and household needs. By simplifying technology and providing hands-on training, the project lowers barriers that often exclude women and non-technical community members from participating in energy management.
The project also prioritizes youth leadership through its implementation by a student-led organization. IFSA LC UGM is composed primarily of young people who represent the next generation of climate leaders and act as knowledge bridges between universities and local communities. Students are trained not only in technical aspects, but also in social safeguards, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive facilitation, ensuring respectful collaboration with communities.
In addition, the project works with climate-vulnerable groups such as small-scale farmers and livestock owners, whose livelihoods are directly affected by energy access and climate variability. By improving energy reliability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the project strengthens local resilience while ensuring that underrepresented groups are active participants not just beneficiaries of climate solutions.