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Engineering has always shaped how people live, from roads and bridges to satellites and power grids. Today, as the world shifts toward clean energy, engineers are doing more than building systems; they are helping communities gain reliable power and creating a more sustainable future.
One example is Oladipo Jegede, a utility-scale solar engineer whose career spans from local projects in Nigeria to leading some of the largest solar and battery storage systems in the United States.
Jegede grew up in Nigeria, where power outages were a common occurrence. He saw how the lack of steady electricity limited growth and opportunity. That inspired him to study Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, where he designed solar streetlights that lit up hundreds of kilometers of roadway. The project showed how simple engineering solutions could make daily life safer and more reliable.
Jegede later moved to the U.S. for a master’s degree in Materials Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. Adjusting to a new country and a highly regulated energy market wasn’t easy. Still, his focus stayed the same: using engineering to create systems that serve people.
In the U.S., Jegede moved from small-scale projects to some of the nation’s largest solar and battery storage systems (BESS). As a senior project engineer, he has worked on more than 2 gigawatts of solar power and 1.5 gigawatt-hours of storage.
He has led the development of multiple large-scale renewable energy initiatives for different industries , including photovoltaic systems ranging from approximately 115 MW to 300 MW, some paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS) up to 400 MWh. His portfolio spans both hybrid and standalone PV and BESS projects, totaling over 580 MW of solar capacity and 620 MWh of energy storage. Each project not only added renewable energy capacity but also delivered cleaner and more reliable power to communities.
His work encompasses everything from substation design to coordinating with utilities and ISOs, such as ERCOT, CAISO, PJM, ISO-NE,NYISO and MISO. Success, he believes, depends as much on adaptability and teamwork as on technical skill.
Jegede views engineering as a means to enhance lives, not just to solve technical problems. His projects in the U.S. are part of the global shift toward clean energy infrastructure, and he views renewable power as both an environmental and social resource.
He also mentors students and young engineers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Through his work, he aims to expand access to STEM fields and help shape the next generation of leaders in clean energy.
While Jegede’s work in the U.S. has already impacted millions, he has a larger vision. He plans to start an engineering firm focused on advancing global energy access, particularly by bridging the energy gap in Africa through large-scale solar projects. He also hopes to play a role in shaping clean energy policy and continuing to grow as a clean energy thought leader.
From designing solar streetlights in Nigeria to leading gigawatt-scale projects in the U.S., Jegede’s journey shows how resilience and purpose can create global impact. His story proves that engineering is not only about technology, it is about people, communities, and the future. By applying his skills across continents, he is helping drive the clean energy transition while showing that power can also mean empowerment.
