For the longest time, Nigeria’s electricity supply has been wrestling with instability due to underlying factors related with the exhaustion or feeble function of the national grid which is utterly responsible for the nation’s electricity power. This continued lapse sometimes keep major areas in the dark for a long period, leaving businesses and organizations no other option than turning to other alternatives characterized by its expensive mode of attainment and operation. This situation has crept so much into the system such that the country is used to ration the supply of electricity or not having to see the blink of electrical voltages at all.
The downsides of the national grid has led to the rise of renewable energies, which is mostly considered as the best alternative for electricity supply in the country as against generators and power plants. Despite being a Mechanical System expert, Onasanya Oluwasegun’s passion for renewable energies knows no bounds. His work as a mechanical specialist gave him the opportunity to have a wealth of experience in turbine engines, hydraulic power units and maintenance of seawater lift pumps which guided his interests to renewable energy and its sources. Through his passion and seasoned experience, Onasanya Oluwasegun spotlights renewable energies as the promising solution to the country’s plagued electricity supply.
In an exclusive interview, Oluwasegun shares his enthusiasm and urges the engineering community to venture into the renewable energy niche, advocating for sustainable development and innovative solutions to Nigeria’s perennial power woes.
Could you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in renewable energy?
It all started when I became a mechanical engineer professionally. I started working on projects related to traditional energy systems and discovered during the process that some alternatives for the general electricity produced by the country’s national grid, are powered by fossil fuels, which have an enormous economic and environmental dent. With this discovery, I was led to explore alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass, whose electricity production seems quite easy and environmentally friendly. That’s where the interest sprung from, and so far so good, I’ve dedicated myself to advancing the renewable energy niche.
In your opinion, what are the key benefits of renewable energy for Nigeria?
Renewable energy is actually great If I have to be frank. Aside from the fact that obtaining durable kinds is expensive, it provides a reliable and constant source of power, defeating the country’s unstable electricity supply. The niche has also created an avenue for job creation amongst youths and young engineers, ultimately contributing to stimulating economic growth. Also, with respect to climate change, renewable energy helps to reduce gas emissions and utilization of fossil fuels which contributes to affecting the climate.
Nigeria has been grappling with an epileptic power supply for years. How can renewable energy serve as a solution to this problem?
Nigeria’s power supply hasn’t been stable since time immemorial, and while that is quite sad, there’s actually a way out. First, energy for electricity production should be diversified including the incorporation of renewable sources. Solar and wind power, for instance, can be deployed relatively quickly and can provide decentralized energy solutions, reducing the strain on the national grid. The government should invest more in renewable energy infrastructures, exploring its options and maximizing its use to ensure a more stable and reliable power supply for both urban and rural centres in the country.
What challenges do engineers face when venturing into the renewable energy sector in Nigeria?
I believe that engineers regardless of the degree, can venture into various fields because of a central engineering background. However, venturing into the renewable energy sector, one has to learn its tenets and scope in their entirety; this process might involve engagement in paid courses and training, which is obviously expensive to acquire. Afterwards, one settles to practicalizing what one’s trained for. This involves embarking on personal projects, calling for more cost and expenses even if in recent times it reduces because of technological advancements. This notwithstanding, engineers should brave the hurdles and create a name for themselves in the niche as it beams brightly with prospects.
What steps can the government and private sector take to support engineers in this field?
The government should just support. They should support by providing incentives and subsidies for renewable energy projects, as well as by implementing supportive policies and regulations guiding the practice. As part of the solutions to a constant national electricity supply, free training and education should be established to give creative and intellectual engineers and enthusiasts to not only develop their technical skills but to bloom and proffer sustainable ideas. Engineers are also advised to form strategic and reasonable partnerships with government parastatals for their projects to go on smoothly and effectively.
You have been vocal about urging engineers to venture into the renewable energy niche. What message do you have for aspiring engineers?
The niche is somewhat new, although explored by many, I think there’s still space to accommodate as many as it could because of its rich potential. Nigerian engineers, especially the young ones are talented. Instead of waiting for a job that wouldn’t pay up to the stress endured in school, the renewable energy niche offers great opportunities for them to explore. I feel that there isn’t enough done by existing engineers and creatives in the sector, more innovative solutions could still be realized, driving the country’s development and providing sustainable energy solutions for future generations.
What future developments do you foresee in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape?
The future of renewable energy in Nigeria is bright. With the current investment in solar power, obtained by organizations and companies to reduce their fossil fuel budget, it’s obvious that more high-powered projects are underway. I anticipate growth in other areas as well, such as wind and biomass energy. If the Nigerian government deems the sector worthy of investment and collaboration alongside an increase in public awareness and engagement, renewable energy in the country and across Africa might just be the next big thing.
Oluwasegun ended the interview with high spirits that he’ll be organizing workshops for the grooming of young engineering graduates on advisory guidance towards towing the right path in their respective careers. He believes that renewable energy can transform the energy landscape in Nigeria, hence engineers should stay on the wake of the trend and contribute their creative and technical quota.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then