Socioeconomic characterization and perception of renewable energies of the inhabitants of the municipality of San Nicolás, Estelí

Abstract

The study analyzed the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the municipality of San Nicolás, Estelí; focusing on the energy area to estimate average consumption and to know perceptions about renewable energies and the acceptance of a possible project that takes advantage of the wind resource at the territory. The study is descriptive and correlational. The information was collected through surveys in 868 households in 30 communities of the municipality, interviews villagers and focus group with key actors. Based on the data collected, database syllacans were designed, using SPSS statistical software. Descriptive and nonparametric variable analyses were performed, Spearmans Nonparametric Correlation test, Kendalls Tau C, and Cramers V statistic were applied. In conclusion it shows a poor municipality with low educational level, primary education prevails, illiteracy rate of 23.82 %, low monthly income C$ 2893 cordobas, low energy rates, low knowledge about renewable energies, acceptance of the project based on the positive perception of renewable energies regarding respect for the environment, the social benefits and the economic development that they can bring and the willingness to organize in an electricity cooperative.