During my internship with 17 Energy in Concepción, Chile, I supported the development of the Viento Azul Biobío offshore wind project by designing a business model that directs part of the project revenue to local communities. This work aligns with 17 Energy’s mission to develop renewable projects that are financially viable while making local communities active stakeholders rather than passive recipients. I modeled project cash flows, mapped local needs against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and identified feasible funding mechanisms. By embedding equity considerations into financial modeling, I helped explore how the offshore wind strategy could advance a just transition in Chile.

My academic training at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, with a focus on Energy and Data Analytics, was directly relevant. Courses on energy systems, climate finance, and renewable project finance equipped me to build models and sensitivity analyses for offshore wind investments. Training in international affairs strengthened my cross‑cultural communication skills, which I used to engage with local stakeholders. This combination of technical and communication skills allowed me to contribute meaningfully to 17 Energy’s strategic objectives while sharpening my ability to bridge policy, finance, and community engagement.

Two main challenges shaped my experience: engaging with fishermen and overcoming language barriers. Even when studies showed minimal ecological impact, local fishermen were understandably concerned that offshore wind development could affect fish stocks. Building trust required presenting findings clearly, listening respectfully, and demonstrating that their perspectives mattered. At the same time, my Spanish proficiency was not always sufficient for technical concepts. Miscommunications could have undermined community confidence. I relied on bilingual colleagues, simplified explanations, and gradually improved my Spanish to communicate more clearly. These challenges taught me that technical expertise alone is insufficient in renewable energy development. Trust building, transparency, and cultural sensitivity are equally vital.

This internship reaffirmed my belief that the energy transition must be designed with communities at its center. Successful renewable projects require more than engineering and finance; they must align with local priorities and build social legitimacy. I gained confidence integrating policy, finance, and stakeholder engagement into coherent strategies. I learned the value of adaptability: data gaps and shifting conditions are common, and effective solutions come from balancing quantitative analysis with qualitative insight. Personally, I grew as a communicator, learning to bridge cultural and linguistic divides with humility. Professionally, I strengthened my commitment to working at the intersection of capital, policy, and community. An equitable energy transition is both necessary and achievable when practitioners collaborate and act on their values.