Insights from the WISIONS Capacity Building Practicum:Empowering Tomorrow’s Energy Leaders

*Desmond Dogara and Ifeoma Malo

Clean Technology Hub in collaboration with the Reiner Lemoine Institute, Wuppertal Institute and Wisions of Sustainability recently organized a practicum for 10 exceptional early career energy professionals in Nigeria.

This comes after an intensive 6 week training session for 50 early career energy professionals. The training afforded the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deploy Decentralised Renewable Energy systems in the country. The training was organized to address the gaps in DRE deployment in Nigeria.

The practicum aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of People-Centered and Holistic Approaches to Off-Grid Electrification in Nigeria. Through a combination of field visits and collaborative workshops, they explored the intricacies of solar hybrid mini-grids and their impact on communities.

Study Tour: Petti Community, Kwali, Abuja

The first stop of the practicum was the study tour which took the team to Petti Community in Kwali LGA, Abuja. They visited a 6okW solar hybrid mini-grid installed by Nayo Tropical Technology. The mini grid powers about 500+ households in the community. The participants were:

1. Allowed to apply their online training knowledge to practical problems. Working in project development teams, they were able to tackle real-world challenges.
2. Able to connect with fellow trainees, foster a supportive community and work in groups.
3. Able to learn how to effectively present their DRE project ideas. Pitching skills are crucial for securing funding and community buy-in.

Hackathon-Style Workshop: Designing Inclusive DRE Projects

The two-day co-design workshop in Abuja was a hub of creativity and collaboration. The objectives were clear:

1. The trainees were allowed to apply their online training knowledge to practical problems. Working in project development teams, they were able to tackle real-world challenges.
2. Participants were able to connect with fellow trainees, foster a supportive community and work in groups.
3. Trainees learned how to effectively present their DRE project ideas. Pitching skills are crucial for securing funding and community buy-in

Key Highlights

Hands-On Learning: Participants explored mini-grid sites, gaining practical insights into renewable energy systems. Solar panels, battery storage, and distribution networks came to life.

Interactive Sessions: Engaging discussions with industry experts enriched our understanding of off-grid electrification. We debated tariff structures, community engagement, and sustainability.

Collaboration: Networking opportunities allowed us to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. The energy sector thrives on collaboration.

Conclusion

While the WISIONS Capacity Building Practicum wraps up the first cohort of the capacity building program, it also sets the pace for more organizations to help bridge the knowledge gap when it comes to DRE deployment in Nigeria

We also want to celebrate the impact stories from the Petti community, the trainees witnessed first hand how energy access uplifts lives, fuels businesses and foster reliance.

The participants did not only gain more knowledge, they also gained new partnerships and we can’t wait to see the fruits of the seeds of innovation that have been sown.

As stakeholders in the Nigerian energy sector, Clean Technology Hub would continue to bridge the knowledge gap of energy professionals to help them fully utilize the opportunities and prospects that DRE brings to achieving Nigeria’s energy transition goals.

Social Media Handles

LinkedIn:

@WISIONS of sustainability

@Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie gGmbH

@Clean Tech Hub Nigeria

Facebook:

@WISIONS of sustainability

@Clean Tech Hub- Energy Innovation Centre

Twitter / X:

@wisions

@Wupperinst

@cleantechhubng

Instagram:

@wupperinst

@cleantechnologyhub