From Intern to Innovator: Ambitions to Transform Electrical Engineering with Renewable Energy
Ain Shams University senior, Omar Abdo, was selected for the Summer 2024 Internship Program by the USAID-funded Center of Excellence for Energy, led by Arizona State University. His internship placement was at his top-choice organization, Infinity Power, a leader in Egypt’s renewable energy sector.
Currently a trainee at ABB and enrolled in Eduvate’s Professional Distribution Diploma program, Abdo is passionate about integrating solar power systems into the field of electrical engineering.
“I intend to graduate with high grades,” says Abdo, who will integrate PV systems with electrical power distribution networks for his graduation project. By leveraging solar energy, he hopes to improve the efficiency and sustainability of power distribution. As an electrical engineer, Abdo is also committed to contributing innovative solutions to the field and sees this work as crucial in paving the way for clean energy production.
According to Abdo, Egypt faces significant energy challenges, including the dependency on fossil fuels, rising energy demand, and the integration of renewables into the grid. “I wish to help solve these issues by developing PV systems, working on innovative projects, and advocating for supportive policies and investments in renewable energy,” he states. In addition to technological advancements, his vision includes influencing policy and investment landscapes to support sustainable energy growth.
After completing the internship program at the Center of Excellence for Energy, Abdo describes his positive experience. As he recalls, he found the process of applying and selecting his top three internship preferences straightforward. The program’s support, from communication to transportation and other logistical preparations, was exceptional, providing a seamless experience for participants.
During his internship at Infinity Power, Abdo’s knowledge of PV systems expanded significantly.” The trainers provided so much information about PV systems and components, helped us learn software such as PVSyst and SketchUp, and guided us through the design of a one-megawatt solar station,” he says. This hands-on experience, culminating in a site visit to a real solar station, provided Abdo with invaluable insights into large-scale project efficiency.
“Designing a 1MW solar system from scratch has given me invaluable insights into large-scale project efficiency,” he notes. The practical exposure helped him understand the market needs and the intricacies of solar PV components and software design. Abdo highlights the importance of making real projects come to life and learning from errors and shortcomings as his most unforgettable experience.
Abdo encourages his fellow engineering students to apply for the COE/E Internship Program and learn from industry leaders. “Infinity is one of the top renewable energy companies in Africa and the Middle East, with excellent trainers who are very friendly and make an effort to help us fully understand,” he advises. The experience, he believes, is instrumental for any aspiring engineer in the renewable energy sector.
While Abdo praises the internship program, he suggests extending its duration to provide more comprehensive exposure. “I’d like to see the Center of Excellence for Energy support more activities such as student graduation projects,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of such applications created by top-performing students.
Post-graduation, Abdo plans to focus on innovation in renewable energy and electrical engineering projects. “I want to contribute to sustainable energy solutions, particularly through the application and advancement of photovoltaic systems,” he explains. By dedicating his efforts to this area, Abdo wishes to make a meaningful impact on Egypt’s clean energy future.