Welcome back to the Student Energy Club’s newsletter! We’re happy to have you. This month’s edition includes an interview with Jenni Mangala an fascinating Electrical Engineering NCSU alumni involved in a Solar Panel project in Rwanda. News highlights from our officers, and a compilation of energy-related jobs. If you enjoy the read, please consider subscribing to our Substack. If you subscribe below, just select “No Pledge” for free access. We don’t want any payment, the Substack platform just offers the option.
An interview with Jenni Mangala
This month, we had the opportunity to speak with Jenni Mangala, who recently started a Master’s degree at NC State University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, concentrating in Renewable Electric Energy Systems, and a minor in Business Administration. She is driven by her commitment to making clean, reliable electricity accessible worldwide, emphasizing a balance of social, environmental, and economic benefits. Jenni’s academic journey has been marked by numerous achievements, including international solar energy projects in Nepal, Nicaragua, and Rwanda, leadership roles in the National Society of Black Engineers, and entrepreneurial success at the 2023 eGames. She continues her passion for renewables as she embarks on her graduate studies this fall.
The interview is available as an audio recording, and you can listen to it whenever you like—whether at the gym, walking, cleaning, or doing your skincare routine. I guarantee you’ll enjoy and feel inspired by Jenni and her commitment to something she truly believes in. It's a great way to keep the semester going with a bit of extra motivation.
We’ve also highlighted some key moments of the interview below. Enjoy!
Interview highlights
What is the main goal of the solar panel installation project at Birwa Primary School in Rwanda?
The primary goal is to provide reliable electricity to the school to enable access to technology, such as computers, enhancing STEM education and better preparing students for secondary and post-secondary education opportunities.
Why is this project particularly important for the community at Birwa Primary School?
This project is vital because it provides technology access, which is essential for modern education. It helps the community stay connected to global developments and enhances the quality of education for the students.
What motivated you to start this project?
The motivation came from my passion for energy access, influenced by my family background in the Congo, where electrification is less than 20%. I believe that electricity is crucial for industrialization and improving the quality of life, especially in the Global South.
What challenges did you face while managing this project from the U.S.?
The main challenges included the significant time zone difference, managing the project remotely, and limited control over the timeline. Fundraising was also a challenge since it was my first time raising such a large amount of money.
How did your background in electrical engineering help in the project?
My electrical engineering background helped me understand the technical aspects, such as knowing the value of a kilowatt-hour and making informed decisions about system sizing and design, which saved money and ensured the project met its goals efficiently.
What advice do you have for students interested in launching their own community-focused projects?
Don’t be afraid to take risks, even if the project seems daunting. You don’t need to be an expert; instead, focus on finding the right people who can help you and be dedicated to achieving your goal.
Energy News Updates
AI demand could strain electrical grid in coming decade
With the advancing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our daily lives, the consequences of the technology are being realized by utilities around the country. By 2030, U.S. data centers could require more electricity than some industrialized economies, scaling to upwards of 400 terawatt hours of electricity. Meeting this demand, and maintaining clean energy transition goals, has been a challenge for utilities, such as PJM. They identified that the imbalance of meeting the new demand, coal power plant retirements, and slow renewable energy capacity installation, could put a strain on the grid. So, while utilities make plans for supporting data center’s power needs with renewable energy investments, the idea of utilizing nuclear power has grown in popularity. Rather than connecting to the grid, data centers could have a direct connection to utility owned nuclear power plants, or invest in the development of their own private facilities. In conclusion, the rise of AI is desired in today’s society and requires a lot of electricity, where utilities are figuring out how to meet the demand, maybe with nuclear power, while progressing in their clean energy goals.
Energy Week
Join NC State's Energy Week from September 30 to October 6 for a week full of events focused on shaping a clean energy future! Highlights include tours of the PULSTAR Nuclear Reactor, a solar array, and the Centennial Campus Utility Plant, plus an Electric Vehicle Showcase and interactive sessions like Energy Research Spark Talks and a Solar Brunch. This week offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and engage in the latest energy innovations. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to be part of NC State's energy journey, share your insights and network!
The Student Energy Club, in collaboration with the FREEDM Systems Center, is hosting the Energy Research Spark Talks on October 1st from 4-5:30 p.m. at Talley Student Union, room 4270. This event is a fantastic opportunity to present your research in just 3 minutes and compete for special prizes! You can register as a presenter, attendee and/or judge here.
For more details, visit Energy Week.
Jobs Opportunities in the Energy Field
Energy Storage Project Engineer
Sustainability Coordinator - City of Greenville, NC
That’s all we’ve got for this month! If you liked this newsletter, please let us know by giving it a like.
Thanks for reading, have a great week, and go pack!
- The Student Energy Club
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