AMEA Power ignites the next generation of renewable energy professionals

AMEA Power has embarked on a mission to collaborate with tertiary institutions in the region, aiming to establish an apprenticeship platform that melds academic expertise with hands-on industry experience.

Transitioning from academia to the professional world is often a daunting challenge for fresh graduates, given the dissonance between classroom learning and practical realities.

AMEA Power, one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies with a focus on Africa, seeks to reverse this trend.

In a bid to nurture young, aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector, AMEA Power recently hosted a group of engineering students from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the United Arab Emirates.

The aim was to shed light on the flourishing opportunities within the renewable energy industry and guide students on how to leverage them.

“There has never been a better time for renewable energy than today,” said Hussain Jasim Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power. “The renewable energy sector today provides the best opportunities for future career growth than any other energy sub-sector. This is the right time for those with a passion in renewables to shine.”

The renewable energy sector has experienced exponential growth over the past few years, with global renewable generation capacity reaching 3,372 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2022, and renewables accounting for 83% of all power capacity added last year, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects global renewable capacity to soar by 107 GW, the largest absolute increase ever, to more than 440 GW by the end of this year.

AMEA Power is already making strides in this sector with 1.6 GW of solar and wind projects in operation or under/near construction across 19 African countries, with a project pipeline of 6.6 GW.

To achieve its goal of 5 GW operational renewable energy capacity in Africa by 2030, AMEA Power is raising $5 billion, consisting of $1 billion in equity and $4 billion through project finance.

Highlighted by a $1.1 billion close for 500MW PV solar and 500MW wind projects in Egypt, AMEA Power is committed to advancing renewable energy in Africa.

Despite the promising growth of renewable energy, the challenge lies in the scarcity of professional and skilled personnel required to assume key roles in this burgeoning discipline.

According to IRENA and IEA, the demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector has outpaced the current supply. Many emerging talents are enticed by modern, clean, and dynamic workplaces, often gravitating towards tech giants such as Google.

The looming skills gap within the renewable energy sector will be a topic of discussion at COP28 in Dubai as stakeholders seek strategies to address this pressing challenge that risks derailing achievements in energy transition.

AMEA Power has embarked on a mission to collaborate with tertiary institutions in the region, aiming to establish an apprenticeship platform that melds academic expertise with hands-on industry experience. The goal is to nurture a cadre of talent poised to lead and innovate in the clean energy sector.

“This presents a unique opportunity to foster entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership in the clean energy sector by working with the next generation of engineers,” said Hussein Matar, Senior Director for Business Development at AMEA Power.

The aim is to have students shadow experienced clean energy engineers working in often remote and challenging terrains. This experience is designed to cultivate their interest in the field and inspire them to pursue renewable energy careers by providing a first-hand understanding of the profession.

While many renewable energy companies have initiated similar programs, there is a collective need for strengthened collaboration between businesses and educational institutions.

By fostering these alliances, the renewable energy sector can effectively address its labour force requirements and create a more sustainable, greener future.