REI Alumnus Spotlight – Tony Tiyou

GMC Certificate Achievers & REI Alumni Spotlight – Renewables in Africa, Tony Tiyou

The Renewable Energy Institute (REI) is pleased to focus on the achievements of those who have attended REI courses and attained the internationally recognised Galileo Master Certificate to further their careers in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency sectors. The REI, which works with the United Nations Environment Programme and major universities to promote best practice in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, this month is delighted to speak with Tony Tiyou, who has attended multiple courses with the REI and has gone on to work in and set up his own company in the Renewable Energy sector.

1. Why did you choose to train with the Renewable Energy Institute to achieve the Galileo Master Certificate (GMC)?  I developed a special interest in Renewable Energy about 8 years ago after I attended a conference on electrification of Africa. I realised how important and crucial this topic is and wanted to educate myself in order to make a positive contribution in the sector. Through further reading and courses I expanded my knowledge; however, I knew I still needed to learn the foundations of the subject. Additionally, I wanted to acquire a recognised qualification to help build my professional credibility. Having done some research I came across the Renewable Energy Institute and the Galileo Master Certificate (GMC) and it perfectly ticked the boxes.

2. What are the skills that you gained with the Renewable Energy Institute?  I have acquired and strengthened a number of skills with the REI. I studied a course on Solar PV and gained a good knowledge of the subject; I learned about electrical circuits for Renewable technologies through theoretical and practical exercises conducted in the classroom; and completed a specialist course on Renewable Energy Solutions. This has allowed me to be awarded the Renewable Energy Expert and Galileo Master Certificate. I later studied additional courses on Renewable Energy Management and Finance. I found all these courses extremely interesting and useful and I would strongly recommend them to any professional in the industry who is looking to bolster his or her knowledge.

3. How did you apply these skills to your career? Developing these skills has given me more confidence and definitely helped my career profile. Having graduated from a different engineering field, these courses have given me the background knowledge I needed to move into the Renewable Energy industry. Following the training, I was able to secure a role in Renewable Energy; specifically in business development, engaging clients and working not only on Solar PV projects but also tidal energy projects. Having worked in the industry, I have now set up my own clean energy company and have used some of the contacts I developed to build solid partnerships. I am still attending webinars organised by the Renewable Energy Institute and am learning on a regular basis, keeping up to date with new products, techniques and processes. I strongly believe Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency should go hand in hand and I have taken further training in Energy Management and Energy Efficiency and gained extra qualifications too.

4. What is your current expertise and how does this relate to the renewable energy field? I am a Clean Energy Consultant and I founded my own consultancy, O’wango & TT Smart (O&TT), that is working with partners to deliver clean energy solutions to businesses in UK & Africa. The services we cover are split into the following categories: Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Project Management. On the Renewable Energy side, we specifically provide services to customers who are looking for green solutions to solve their power supply challenges, especially in Africa. On the Energy Efficiency side, we are helping clients to mitigate the impacts of rising energy costs. On the project management side, we are helping clients to plan and deliver projects. We have also launched a blog, Renewables in Africa, to promote green energy.

5. What would you say is your biggest achievement since you obtained the Galileo Master Certificate and why? My biggest achievement is, without a shadow a doubt, the launch of my blog, Renewables in Africa, which is aiming to raise technical awareness about Renewable Energy in Africa. It simply would not have been possible without my courses. I am aware of the global threat of Climate Change and the devastating impacts for our planet and Africa in particular. I want to be an agent for change and my biggest drive has always been to make a contribution to address these challenges. With the blog, I feel I am making a step in the right direction.

6. Do you have any advice or words for other alumni? I would simply say, make the most of what you have learned and be a proud Ambassador of the Renewable Energy Institute.