SES 2026 Ambassador
Carlos Mauricio Romero Martínez
Co-founded student organizations such as Sou Energy and Chapter Energy
My name is Carlos Romero, and I am part of the second generation of energy engineers in El Salvador, having graduated from the Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (UCA). I have always been passionate about creating synergy between people and the environment, which has driven me to learn and lead initiatives focused on energy and sustainability.
I co-founded student organizations such as Sou Energy and Chapter Energy, which promote the energy transition while supporting vulnerable communities. Among our key projects, I contributed to a photovoltaic study in the rural area of San Luis Talpa and led an energy audit for the Red Cross in El Salvador.
Currently, I specialize in energy efficiency and energy simulation for sustainable buildings and housing. My goal is to reduce carbon footprints, deforestation, and water stress—while improving quality of life by promoting access to dignified housing. I am EDGE-certified and work at Carbón Cero, a consulting firm that certifies sustainable buildings under EDGE, LEED, Haus, and Site standards.
I am committed to accelerating the energy transition in a just and inclusive way, especially in Latin America, where the potential for sustainable development is enormous.
I was involved in a project in collaboration with the international organization TECHO, where we applied for international funding to bring photovoltaic energy to a marginalized community that was at risk of eviction by government authorities. Understanding the urgency, I formed a technical working group and convinced my university to support the project by developing feasibility and viability studies.
During the engagement process, we identified internal inequalities in energy access within the community, as well as major environmental and health issues, including a lack of waste management systems and aquifers contaminated by open latrines. We proposed a set of technical solutions and environmental studies to address these issues. Although the proposals were not fully accepted, we were able to establish a long-term collaborative relationship with the community, and the project was later continued by other groups.
In parallel, I am working within my own community to promote waste separation practices and the use of native plants to reduce soil erosion. This includes planting fruit trees aimed at improving food security and self-sufficiency.
