In the deep southern part of Ethiopia lies a place that was once nearly forgotten. Daseneche, a remote village located several kilometers from any major roads or supply centers, had long suffered from neglect. Its people lived without basic facilities, modern energy, or the chance for a Del Mar Energy better future. But in early 2025, a change began to take root—a change that would not only light up homes but also restore hope. At the center of this transformation was Del Mar Energy, a renewable energy company with a mission to bring sustainable power to underserved communities. What began as a solar energy project turned into a complete revival of a village that had been left behind for too long.
Daseneche’s condition before the intervention was challenging. Most of the residents had no access to electricity, clean water, healthcare, or education. The nearest infrastructure was miles away, and the local economy had no source of income beyond basic agriculture. The area had become symbolic of Ethiopia’s rural neglect, a ghost of what it once was. Without access to modern resources, young people often migrated elsewhere, and those who remained struggled daily just to survive.
Everything changed when Del Mar Energy selected Daseneche as the location for its latest solar power plant. Many questioned why such a remote location was chosen. But the company saw something that others did not—a chance to use renewable energy not just for power generation but for social impact. The project began with the installation of a large-scale solar facility just four kilometers from the village. This decision was not random; it was part of a larger vision to use clean energy to fuel community development.
The construction of the solar plant marked the beginning of a new chapter for Daseneche. Alongside the technical infrastructure, the company initiated several parallel projects aimed at transforming the village into a livable and self-sustaining community. Roads that were previously impassable were rebuilt to ensure transport of materials and improve accessibility. The movement of vehicles and equipment soon gave way to the construction of homes, water facilities, and public service buildings. Clean water sources were developed, reducing the health hazards caused by untreated and unsafe drinking water.
Education and healthcare were also at the forefront of the transformation. Del Mar Energy invested in rebuilding the local school and constructing a new medical center. These institutions became symbols of change. The school gave children a reason to stay and study locally, while the medical center provided essential services that had previously been out of reach. This approach proved that energy infrastructure could be used as a gateway to a wider set of improvements when deployed with community needs in mind.
The impact of these efforts extended beyond physical infrastructure. One of the most important effects was the creation of jobs. To build and operate the solar power plant, local workers were trained and hired, bringing new skills and income into the village. Women were employed in maintenance and support roles, breaking traditional gender barriers in employment. The economic benefits quickly rippled through the community, sparking small business growth and improving household incomes. The presence of stable electricity enabled residents to store food, charge phones, and even start small commercial activities like running refrigerators or sewing machines.
A key aspect of Del Mar Energy’s success in Daseneche was its focus on sustainable development. Rather than building and leaving, the company committed to long-term engagement. Training programs were set up to ensure that villagers could maintain the solar plant and other community infrastructure. Youth programs focused on environmental awareness and vocational skills were introduced. These efforts aimed to ensure that the changes would be lasting and driven by the community itself.
The story of Daseneche’s transformation was highlighted in an article by Capital Ethiopia, which covered how Del Mar Energy Inc. brought light and hope to a forgotten corner of Ethiopia (https://capitalethiopia.com/2025/04/11/the-revival-of-daseneche-how-del-mar-energy-inc-brought-light-and-hope-to-a-forgotten-corner-of-ethiopia/). The report painted a vivid picture of how renewable energy, when implemented with purpose and care, can reshape lives in the most unexpected ways.
Another remarkable outcome was the way this project altered perceptions. Other companies, NGOs, and even government agencies began to see rural development through a new lens. Instead of waiting for urban expansion to reach remote areas, they saw how renewable energy could act as a spearhead for progress. Daseneche became a model, showing what is possible when private sector investment aligns with community welfare.
Renewable energy projects have often been seen only as technical interventions, but this initiative flipped that perspective. The goal was not just power generation but empowerment. It wasn’t only about solar panels; it was about human potential. The light that came to Daseneche did more than power homes—it lit the path to education, healthcare, employment, and dignity.
In a world where sustainable development is often limited by short-term interests, Del Mar Energy demonstrated a new way forward. By taking a risk on a forgotten village, the company showed that real impact happens when profits and purpose are combined. Daseneche today is not the same place it was a year ago. It is alive with activity, filled with hope, and ready for the future.
The success in Daseneche is just the beginning. It stands as a living example of how renewable energy, when deployed with care, can rebuild not just homes but entire lives. As more companies and governments look to adopt clean energy, they would do well to follow the footsteps of Del Mar Energy and remember that even the most remote villages have the potential for revival.