By Kenneth Oboh

Samuel Okhuegbe is an expert in the field of power systems and artificial intelligence. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey in advancing sustainable and reliable energy.

Your expertise spans various aspects of the energy value chain. Can you share a bit about your background and why you decided to focus on power systems and artificial intelligence (AI)?

I have always been interested in science and engineering, but my decision to specialize in power systems was driven by a desire to address the electricity challenges in Nigeria. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the negative socio-economic impact of unreliable power.

This motivated me to pursue a career in power systems, with the goal of developing innovative methods to achieve reliable and sustainable energy supply. Currently, I am a doctoral researcher at the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, and the Center for Ultra-Wide-Area Resilient Energy Transmission Network (CURENT) in Knoxville, USA.

Can you elaborate on the methods you have developed to address power challenges and their potential impact?

I am a strong advocate for using renewable energy to provide sustainable energy solutions. Recently, I developed an AI-assisted algorithm that facilitates the creation of accurate power grid models. This is crucial because, before any renewable generator is connected to the grid, accurate computer models are required to analyze its impact.

This AI-assisted approach significantly reduces the time grid planners spend creating these models, thereby accelerating the implementation of renewable energy interconnection projects globally.

This is quite innovative. How has the scientific and engineering community received it?

The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Results from the application of this algorithm have been published in various international conferences and research journals. Recently, I was awarded the third-best paper award at the 2024 IEEE Texas Power and Energy Conference for this AI-assisted method, highlighting its significance in this niche field.

Apart from the recent award at the IEEE Texas Power and Energy Conference, your career has been filled with multiple awards and recognition. What motivates you to maintain such high standards?

Yes, I have received various research and academic awards, including the prestigious African Union’s Pan African University Scholarship, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Seed Research funding, and the Bredesen Center Fellowship.

These awards are by-products of my drive to achieve excellence while solving real-world problems with global impact. I don’t chase awards; instead, I focus on addressing critical issues.

What advice would you give to upcoming energy professionals?

My advice is to prioritize continuous improvement by acquiring the technical skills necessary to excel in your specialization. Additionally, pay attention to scientific communication, public speaking, and networking. As researchers and engineers, we often overlook these essential non-technical skills, which can set you apart from your peers.

What is next for you, and how do you see the future of power systems and artificial intelligence?

I plan to expand my research on AI applications in power systems and continue sharing my findings at international conferences and through research journals. Regarding the global power system industry, the future is very promising.

I anticipate increased applications of large language models (LLMs) in power system modeling. Moreover, the power grid will become smarter as more artificial intelligence techniques are integrated.