RenewableTechNigeria Partners Hold POLARSTORE Training in Lagos
The 5-day POLARSTORE training program, organized by RenewableTechNigeria a public-private renewable energy initiative in partnership with Nigerian renewable energy companies and their Dutch counterparts, concluded successfully in Lagos on Tuesday.
The training, held at the Lagos Energy Academy, Ikeja, hosted 20 engineers and technicians. These participants were selected from a pool of over 50 applicants who registered through a dedicated portal created for the training. The final list ensured representation across all regions of Nigeria, with both male and female professionals taking part.
Funded mainly by the Dutch Government, the program is designed to support businesses in critical sectors to meet their cold storage needs amid Nigeria’s volatile energy market.
The goal of the POLARSTORE training is to bridge the gap in cold chain infrastructure by integrating renewable energy-powered storage solutions, thereby ensuring efficiency and sustainability in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.
The program was implemented in collaboration with Rubitec Nigeria Limited, a COREN-certified training institute, and other RenewableTechNigeria partners. It aimed to advance technical skills and build capacity in renewable energy solutions, with a specific focus on cold storage systems.
As the Managing Director of Rubitec Nigeria Limited said,
“This training program was designed to equip engineers and technicians with hands-on expertise in the design, implementation, and maintenance of solar-powered cold storage systems.”
The training curriculum was developed with input from Han University of Applied Sciences, Independent Energy, The Dawson Group, and Larive International, all based in the Netherlands. It was carefully tailored to suit the unique energy challenges faced in the Nigerian context.
Key Trainers and Topics Covered
- Professor Ayodeji Ogunjuyigbe, Department of Engineering, University of Ibadan And Engr. Ernest Nwaokike, Both Training Consultant with Rubitec Nigeria Limited
- Topics covered: PV Fundamentals, Battery Characteristics, Power Electronics, Operation & Control, Project Life Cycle, Resource & Load Characterization, and Design & Sizing
- Mr. Peter Zwol, Managing Director, Independent Energy
- Covered: PolarStore system power design, generation, and full integration
- Mr. Jan De Waard, Operations Manager, The Dawson Group
- Covered: Cold storage components, system maintenance, and operational cycles of the PolarStore system
The program included interactive workshops and hands-on sessions, providing participants with real-world exposure to renewable energy systems. The practical focus allowed attendees to apply concepts immediately in lab simulations and design challenges.
Participants’ Feedback
Mr. Akolo Emeka Francis remarked:
“The trainers are highly knowledgeable and provided real insights into renewable energy implementation.”
Mr. Kenneth Teacher added:
“The practical sessions allowed us to directly apply the concepts learned, which significantly enhanced our understanding.”
By empowering engineers and technicians with specialized knowledge, The RenewableTechNigeria program partners are making significant contributions to renewable energy growth and sustainability efforts in Nigeria.
At the end of the program, certificates were issued to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the training.
