Welcome to the 46th episode of the #MyEnergyLife series, a weekly LinkedIn feature designed to highlight, engage with, and empower emerging energy professionals across Africa. Through a series of articles, we will explore the many career paths that exist in the energy industry. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and counsel to support the career aspirations of young professionals in the energy industry.

In this episode, we meet Fauzia Chevonne Okediji , a Manager, Utility Innovation and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) at The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). Fauzia Chevonne Okediji shares her story of how she got started in the energy industry, detailing her challenges and offering invaluable advice to fellow young professionals seeking their path in this dynamic industry.

Full Name

Fauzia Chevonne Okediji

Current Company Name

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)

Current Job Title

Manager, Utility Innovation and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE)

Specialization

Energy access and transition, clean and low-carbon technologies, DRE systems and business model innovation, climate action strategies and renewables, philanthropy and international development.

Country of Origin

Nigeria

Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.

My professional journey in the energy sector began within the upstream conventional power generation industry, where I actively contributed to the implementation and management of gas-fired power projects. As an Operations and Maintenance Engineer at Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), I supported the management and operation of over 2,000 MW of power generation capacity through the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) and its subsidiary Generation Companies (GenCos). In my role as a field engineer, I provided support to the commercial operations of two major power plants, Geregu and Ihovbor, each exceeding 400 MW in capacity. From working morning and night shifts running gas turbines and supporting field operations in safety boots and hard hats, I transitioned to a supervisory role at the headquarters, supporting the oversight, monitoring, and optimization of the NIPP power plant portfolio. While my previous work contributed to enhancing national grid power by expanding available generation capacity by over 2,000 MW, I recognized the need for a more holistic approach to energy access, particularly in addressing the grassroots realities of energy poverty.

This realization led me to transition into a role as a Sustainable Energy Access Advisor with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, implementing the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), co-funded by the European Union and the German Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power. I provided strategic guidance and technical assistance to both public and private entities and collaborated with international development institutions to create an environment conducive to private sector investment in sustainable energy. My work was multifaceted, encompassing energy policy and framework development, market risk mitigation, and technology and business model innovation to accelerate Nigeria’s energy access through the strategic deployment of low-carbon and renewable energy technologies for unserved and underserved communities. My efforts focused on both off-grid and on-grid solutions to diversify the country’s energy mix and promote sustainable development.

Subsequently, I took on my current role with The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) , an organization on a mission to unlock green energy access in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean to accelerate an equitable energy transition for people and the planet. This role has exposed me to the exciting world of philanthropic capital deployment, with a focus on scaling distributed renewable energy (DRE) to provide access to reliable, clean power, reduce carbon emissions, and create jobs to drive inclusive economic growth in developing regions.

To sum it up, my career evolution has provided me with a comprehensive and integrated view of the energy sector, from its technical underpinnings to its broader economic, environmental, and social implications.

What do you do in your current role at your company?

My work focuses on designing, developing, testing, and scaling the deployment of transformative and innovative solutions that accelerate the adoption of distributed renewable energy (DRE) in Africa. I also support coordination between GEAPP, its investment alliance partners, and a wider network of stakeholders, including development finance partners, to help accelerate and unlock commitments to energy infrastructure projects.

Could you describe your typical day at work?

My work reflects the ever-evolving nature of the energy sector. It’s a blend of technical and non-technical engagements, including strategic thinking and planning, project and program management, managing and nurturing relationships and partnerships, site visits to inspect ongoing projects and resolve roadblocks, team meetings to discuss current programs, data gathering and intelligence on technology and business model deployments, brainstorming and strategizing, speaking engagements and networking at industry events, and ultimately exploring ways to advance our work and mission in an efficient and effective manner, with a daily focus on prioritizing results and outcomes.

What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?

I have always been drawn to challenges—they’ve shaped who I am and continue to fuel my growth. Besides, I relish the thrill of overcoming them—there’s a certain satisfaction in conquering hurdles and emerging stronger on the other side! My journey in the energy sector has been no exception. Beyond the gender-specific challenges that come with being a woman in a historically male-dominated field, the sector itself presents a host of complexities due to its ever-evolving nature. Throughout my career, I have been involved in pioneering new markets, introducing innovative concepts, business models, and frameworks, and launching pilot programs to demonstrate viability. This work has often required extensive stakeholder engagement and influence, while navigating shifting global and local policies, regulatory landscapes, technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and fluctuating macroeconomic conditions. All of these market dynamics significantly impact strategies, investments, and project delivery, amplifying the challenges. It’s been a rollercoaster of strategizing, re-strategizing, pivoting, course corrections, and detours—a true case of staying on your toes, staying abreast of changes, and anticipating their implications!

What is the most fun thing you love about your work?

Learning! It sometimes feels like one big community of professionals undergoing an endless on-the-job training in the sector. It’s exciting to learn, navigate challenges, and create solutions on the go, as one team, appreciating that a win for one is a win for all!

How do you balance work and life?

Practically speaking, what does balancing work and life truly entail? While I may have once thought I grasped the concept of work-life balance, I’m realizing that living it out is somewhat elusive. So, now I’m embracing work-life “integration” in a manner that is sustainable and keeps me on the path to being whole—for myself, my family, friends, and community. Essentially, I aim to preserve my overall well-being to allow me to contribute meaningfully to my personal relationships alongside my professional commitments.

What are the core hard skills someone in your field should have?

I’d say it’s important to understand the fundamentals and then build on that. The sector is multidimensional and requires diverse skills depending on the area of focus. I studied engineering in school, and my first major role in the sector was core technical and engineering-related. However, I cannot categorically say I was taught or mentored on how to run gas turbines and manage the Balance of Plants in school—I honed this skill mostly through hands-on experience. As I evolved through the value chain, I learned and gained more skills in policy and regulations, project management, data, renewable energy technologies, procurement, tenders, and more. What’s important is a willingness to learn and to keep learning.

What soft skills should someone in your field have?

Have strong interpersonal skills, including communication, maintaining a positive attitude, and teamwork. Additionally, I possess critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, along with being agile, flexible, and adaptable and resilient. What’s crucial is that you’re able to navigate the environment, work well with others, and enhance your performance.

What is the best thing about your work?

Energy is an enabler. Energy is empowering. The ripple effect of providing access to energy and improving electricity supply to a community is transformational for lives and livelihoods, as well as the economic development and prosperity of nations. It’s a privilege for me to contribute to this work and see firsthand the impact on communities. As my colleagues and I at GEAPP say, our customer is the citizen of the country!

I have the opportunity to work at the intersection of energy, climate, technology, business, and innovation for humanity. To personalize it further, I believe my work is one of the opportunities God has graciously given me to serve humanity. This is both a privilege and a blessing!

What would you consider a highlight of your career?

My career in energy and international development has been incredibly rewarding, marked by numerous achievements. However, if I were to highlight one, it would be my work driving the adoption of distributed renewable energy (DRE) among Nigerian utilities.

One of the most significant impacts of my work has been fostering a paradigm shift within the sector, evidenced by a greater willingness and participation from traditional players, particularly utilities, in the renewable energy sector. Through my leadership in pioneering various initiatives and projects, I’ve facilitated collaborations between utilities and private developers. This has led to the development of integrated DRE and solar hybrid solutions, such as interconnected mini-grids (IMGs), across Nigeria, improving energy access and supply reliability.

For instance, several years ago, I spearheaded the design and implementation of the groundbreaking Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), the first-ever PPP platform championed by the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA) and the Federal Ministry of Power (FMP), supported by the European Union and the German Government/GIZ, to unlock collaboration between utilities and developers. IMAS resulted in the development of a set of solar grid-connected mini-grids, totaling approximately 5 MW in capacity to serve over 130,000 people reliably.

I am privileged to continue driving and expanding this work in my current role at GEAPP, managing a collaborative effort with RMI to demonstrate the viability of the model. We’ve achieved significant milestones, including the completion and commissioning of several IMG projects. In collaboration with DisCos, we developed a Utility DRE roadmap and toolkit to guide utilities in scaling DRE adoption, aiming for up to 20 GW of DRE capacity in the coming years. The adoption of the IMG business model by the World Bank under its recently launched $750 million DARES program is a testament to its success and indicates promising future developments. I am excited about the outlook and the potential for further expansion of the DRE market in Nigeria and across Africa.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I had a chat with my husband the other day, and I asked him what his response would be if he were asked about my passions outside of work. The first thing he said was, “God.” So there you have it! I’m a big fan of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, and I strive to do what pleases and glorifies Him, by the grace of God.

Other things I’m passionate about include learning and growth, inspiring women, and traveling to explore the world through different lenses. I’m also a big fan of dance—specifically, watching others dance, not me. Haha! I’ll also add that spending time with loved ones and laughing is important to me. I love a good laugh!

Lastly, I’m a self-proclaimed “why-ologist” and a bit of a detective at heart, always seeking to unravel the “why” and extract the details of everything, hunting for answers and explanations. I have a knack for dissecting even the most mundane details, seeking to uncover the deeper meaning behind everything. So, if you’re looking for someone to challenge your thinking, dissect, analyze, and delve into the intricacies of your ideas, decisions, and whatnot, I’m your girl!

How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?

Over 80% of the world’s unelectrified population, totaling more than 600 million people, resides in Africa. My work contributes to addressing this energy access gap while simultaneously advancing climate action. By accelerating the adoption and deployment of distributed renewable energy (DRE) solutions, my team and I ensure that electricity and electrons positively impact livelihoods.

Increased access to energy is a critical driver of development, which in turn facilitates climate adaptation. Addressing the interconnectedness of energy, development, and climate change requires a more collaborative and systemic approach. This involves partnering with a diverse alliance of changemakers to explore innovative business models, test and scale transformative solutions, foster a robust ecosystem to enable growth, and develop innovative financing mechanisms.

My current work employs this systemic approach and ensures that philanthropic capital can be leveraged as a catalyst to unlock other forms of financing and investment to drive market shifts and make significant difference in this space.

What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?

Do not feel too anxious about not knowing everything right away. Believe me when I say that even the people who have been in this space for years are still figuring it out. If we had all the answers, we would have solved SDG 7, SDG 13, and every other global problem by now. Just dive in, ask loads of questions, network, be open to learning, go the extra mile, give your best, and seek to add value while making an impact wherever you find yourself. In the words of Bishop David Oyedepo, “Relevance is not a function of position, but contribution.”

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See you in the next article!