In this episode, I’m joined by Shaibu Ibrahim, an electrical engineer with a rich background in power generation and a current focus on the solar industry. Shaibu hails from Ghana, where he completed his bachelor’s in electrical and electronic engineering and began his career in the electricity sector. 

He shared his journey from working with the Electricity Company of Ghana (utility), Karpowership (offshore thermal power plant), and Aksa Energy (onshore thermal power plant) to his transition into the solar industry after pursuing graduate studies in the United States. Shaibu provides an in-depth look at the complexities of designing and operating power plants onshore and offshore. He highlights the differences in cooling systems and fuel types used in thermal power generation and discusses the importance of reactive power in maintaining grid stability. Shaibu also shares his current role, conducting various power system studies essential for designing large-scale solar projects.

Key highlights

[00:02:29] Shaibu's Background and Education

[00:03:30] Transition from Ghana to U.S. Graduate Studies

[00:05:37] Differences in Power Plant Operations

[00:07:01] Fuel Types for Power Plants

[00:08:26] Roles in Power Plant Operations

[00:10:39] Designing Electrical Power Plants

[00:15:08] Pursuing Graduate Studies in Sustainable Energy

[00:17:19] Transition to Working in the U.S. Solar Industry

[00:18:05] Current Position and Responsibilities

[00:20:02] Power Systems Studies and Design

[00:25:45] Reactive Power

[00:27:56] Importance of Power System Studies

[00:29:12] Influence of Environment on Reactive Power

[00:38:02] Site Selection for Solar Power Generation

[00:41:23] Timeline for Power Studies

[00:45:39] Pre-Study Site Selection Process

[00:47:01] Future of Renewable Energy

[00:50:02] Personal Interest in Electrical Engineering

[00:53:47] Career Aspirations in Engineering

[00:59:03] Advice for Students Interested in Renewable Energy

[01:03:07] Hobbies and Activities Outside of Work

[01:12:47] Strategies for PE Exam Preparation

Resources

To learn more about the Engineering Career Pathways Institute, access additional resources, get featured, or work with us, please visit us at engineeringcareerpathways.org.

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Connect with Shaibu on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaibuibrahim

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