Oluwole Eweje (Watt Renewable Corporation)
Overview
Oluwole "Wole" Eweje is a notable Nigerian engineer and entrepreneur, recognized primarily as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of WATT Renewable Corporation. His company, WATT, is a sustainable development firm focused on providing hybrid solar solutions with a significant social impact across Africa. Eweje has a rich background in the energy sector, spanning over 17 years, with expertise in areas such as engineering design, environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Under his leadership, WATT Renewable Corporation has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy projects, particularly in Nigeria, where it addresses the critical need for reliable and clean energy sources.
Recent Developments
Oluwole Eweje has made significant strides with WATT Renewable Corporation over the past two years, focusing on expanding the company's footprint in the clean energy sector across Africa. Recent developments include:
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October 2023: WATT Renewable secured $13 million in funding from Empower New Energy. This funding was earmarked for expanding the company's solar hybrid power plant capabilities, adding 8MW of installed capacity and 14.3MWh of storage within Nigeria. The move aims to significantly reduce diesel usage and carbon emissions in the region.
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November 2023: A strategic partnership was formed with Clear Blue Technologies, a leader in smart power solutions. The alliance involves deploying a planned 1000 solar hybrid-powered systems across Africa, starting with 250 systems.
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December 2023: WATT entered a USD 20 million deal with the AFRIGREEN Debt Impact Fund to finance additional solar hybrid power plants in Nigeria, further solidifying its role as a key player in Nigeria's energy transformation.
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2024: The company aims to raise $100 million to expand its solar-powered telecom infrastructure, with plans to solarize over 250 towers through its local affiliate, First WATT Renewable Limited. This expansion aligns with broader efforts to enhance the reliability of telecom services while reducing operational costs through sustainable energy solutions.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oluwole "Wole" Eweje |
| Born | Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | CEO of WATT Renewable Corporation |
| Known For | Founding WATT Renewable Corporation |
| Education | B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, B.A. in Economics and Business, M.Sc. in International Management |
Early Life and Education
Oluwole Eweje was born and raised in Nigeria, where he developed a keen interest in engineering and innovation. His early academic pursuits led him to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in Nigeria. Following this, Eweje pursued further education abroad, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from the University of Victoria, Canada. He later achieved a Master of Science in International Management from the University of London. This diverse educational background provided Eweje with a solid foundation in both the technical and managerial aspects of engineering, which has been instrumental in his professional journey.
Career and Notable Achievements
Wole Eweje began his career in the energy sector, holding various leadership roles across North America and Sub-Saharan Africa. He has extensive experience in managing energy projects, which positioned him well to establish WATT Renewable Corporation in 2018.
- Founding WATT Renewable Corporation: In 2018, Eweje founded WATT, focusing on delivering hybrid solar solutions.
- Leadership Excellence: As CEO, he leads over 100 employees and manages a growing portfolio of renewable energy projects totaling over 20 MW.
- Recognition: Eweje has been recognized as a nominee for Canada's Top 40 under 40 for his impactful work in sustainable energy.
- Innovation: He is a patent holder in renewable energy technologies and actively engages in research and development initiatives.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, as the CEO of WATT Renewable Corporation, Oluwole Eweje continues to drive the company towards achieving its mission of reducing energy poverty across Africa. The firm has been pivotal in implementing hybrid solar solutions that enhance connectivity and lower energy costs for telecom operators, financial institutions, and community infrastructures in Nigeria. Eweje's impact extends beyond business metrics; his projects significantly improve the quality of life by providing communities with access to reliable energy sources, reducing reliance on diesel generators, and contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.
Conclusion
Oluwole Eweje's contributions to the renewable energy sector are profound, particularly as Africa increasingly turns towards sustainable energy solutions to meet its developmental challenges. His leadership at WATT Renewable Corporation not only exemplifies the potential for business innovation to drive social impact but also sets a benchmark for future developments in the clean energy space. As WATT continues to grow and invest in cleaner technologies, Eweje’s influence is likely to remain a cornerstone in the transformation of Africa's energy landscape.