Dr. Osita U Omeje

I am a Senior Lecturer and researcher in electrical engineering with focus in power quality, microgrid, renewable energy, and general electrical power networks. I have passion for engagement in research activities that bridge the gap between academia and industry and this has led me to several field works in power quality analysis, power plant engineering and renewable energy installations, feasibility studies for installation of electrical systems, equipment testing, installation of electrical equipment, etc. I am presently engaged in a team research project that aims to make electricity reachable and affordable for Africans through circular microgrids. The project is sponsored by UK Government’s Aytron Fund and has a total project value of £2,999,954. The project leverages the principles of circular economy to pioneer the development and deployment of cheaper and cleaner microgrids across Africa. It addresses these issues by tapping into the growing global stock of electronic wastes from the first-generation electric vehicles (EVs). By repurposing components such as lithium-ion batteries, power converters, and electrical motors, which are no longer suitable for transport but are suitable and functional for stationary applications, the project offers a novel solution to the challenges of energy generation, storage and distribution. The repurposed components can be integrated into the various subsystems in a microgrid thereby achieving a dual purpose of generating cheaper electricity and mitigating the environmental impacts of electronic wastes.