A Nigerian energy professional and Chevening Scholar has been awarded this year’s Gneiss Energy Prize for Renewable Transition at the University of Dundee’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Uchechukwu Okoro received the prestigious prize in recognition of his MSc dissertation, which examined the techno-economic viability of hybrid mini-grid systems across diverse regions of Nigeria.
The annual award recognises the best student thesis from the MSc Sustainability and Renewables programme, delivered by the university’s Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP).
Uche’s work stood out for its depth of analysis, technical sophistication and policy relevance to sustainability challenges in the global south. His studies in Dundee were supported by The Chevening Scholarship, an annual scholarship for students from emerging nations, supported by the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office.
Uche’s research compared three hybrid mini-grid configurations across six geographically and economically distinct locations, to provides a robust, standardised framework for evaluating renewable energy projects and improving the bankability of off-grid investments in emerging markets.
By developing a standardised methodology for assessing projects across varied regions, the study addresses one of the key challenges facing developers: how to evaluate and scale portfolios with differing risk profiles.
Commenting on the award, Uche said:
“This research reflects both my professional experience and my commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria. I hope the framework developed in this work can support developers and policymakers in scaling clean energy projects more effectively, particularly in underserved communities.”
Dr Xiaoyi (Shawn) Mu, Professor of Energy Economics and Director, Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) said:
“Uche’s work exemplifies the ethos of CEPMLP: seeking practical ways to balance energy security, affordability, and the urgent need to address the climate crisis. We are grateful to Gneiss Energy for their support in recognising outstanding work in this important area.”
The Gneiss Energy Prize is awarded annually to the student who demonstrates outstanding academic excellence and practical relevance in their final dissertation.
The prize was established in 2022 by CEPMLP and Law School alumnus Jon Fitzpatrick in recognition of the pivotal role the university has played in his own career. Its name comes from the energy advisory firm Gneiss Energy which Jon founded in 2016.
Jon Fitzpatrick, Executive Chairman of Gneiss Energy said:
“Uche has been a standout student, and this award highlights his valuable work in developing practical energy solutions in his home county. He is a very worthy winner of this year’s prize.”
Uche is a renewable energy professional with more than six years of experience in Nigeria’s power sector. He has worked as an off-grid energy advisor on the Power Africa-Nigeria Power Sector Program and at Nextier Power, where he led and supported projects for international development partners including the FCDO, GIZ, Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank.
He holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Nigeria and is an avid runner and hiker.
