Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Work Availability
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Timeline
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Stan Akembula

Stan Akembula

Accra

Summary

A sustainability and climate solutions enthusiast with a specialty in renewable energy (RE) business and project development and climate change adaptation and resilience modeling. Over 13 years of experience, knowledge, and expertise in RE systems/ technologies, energy efficiency advisory, RE projects development, climate change adaptation strategies and resilience, projects, and operations management.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

FOUNDER AND LEAD CONSULTANT

Limelight Energy Systems
01.2022 - Current
  • Limelight Energy Systems is an energy efficiency consulting start-up based in Ghana
  • Limelight supplies energy saving emergency inverter bulbs to institutions and households across the country
  • Supply and sale of efficient and reliable lighting systems to institutions and households
  • Offer energy audit and efficiency advisory services to households and institutions
  • Exploring the potential of supplying solar home systems (SHS) and installation of solar rooftop systems to households and institutions
  • As a climate adaptation and mitigation strategy, an initiative is underway to plant over 500 climate resilient Baobab trees in the climate stressed semi-desert communities of Sirigu in the Upper East of Ghana
  • The initiative would help to retain the ever-decreasing tree population in the area, curb the effects of climate change, provide shade and clean air, ensure food security and nutritional balance for people and livestock, etc.
  • Develop custom solutions based upon clients' strict requirements.
  • Prioritize projects and project tasks depending upon key milestones and deadline dates.

BUSINESS DEVELOPER, NEW MARKETS

Mainstream Renewable Power
11.2018 - 04.2023
  • Led company’s market entry strategy and managed business development in new markets in Africa including West, North, East, and Southern Africa.
  • Identified business opportunities, conducted due diligence on potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A) opportunities, identified and responded to RFPs, identified green-field project sites, and developed sites through all development stages with reference to Mainstream's Global Development Standards.
  • Engaged with state utilities, governmental agencies, regulatory institutions, and private sector players to projects to reality.
  • Prospected for RE business opportunities in emerging markets and made recommendations for market entry.
  • Analyzed political and economic risks of potential markets, business prospects, ease of doing business, renewable energy policies, and readiness to roll out RE developments.
  • Through these engagements, I established networks and relationships in energy sectors of countries being explored.
  • Conducted market research and investigated RE market conditions in new markets to identify opportunities for entry.
  • Identified and pursued partnership and bilateral opportunities.
  • Analyzed and outlined off-taker expectations and requirements including technology, demand profiles, PPA terms, security requirements, commercial requirements, etc.
  • Produced and continually updated "Country Papers" for new markets, monitored Africa's energy market movement, changing trends, and outlined market opportunities and risks.
  • Studied, monitored and advised on changes as they relate to regulatory frameworks, energy policies, utilities, energy banking, grid infrastructure, compliance requirements, and any other energy-related interface in Africa.
  • Developed 225 MW wind and solar PV hybrid project in Ghana to potentially supply power to private off-takers in mining sector and other large energy user industries
  • Identified, investigated and initiated development of 200MW greenfield wind project in Keetmanshoop in Namibia, with the aim of trading power on the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) energy trading platform, and/or wheeling same to bilateral off-takers in the SADC region.
  • Extensively investigated the Namibian renewable energy market for potential in-country market participation and hydrogen project development.
  • Established solid networks and connections with state agencies, regulatory bodies, private players and environmental consultants in Namibia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Algeria, Tunisia and Ghana.
  • Investigated and drafted a green hydrogen strategy document for South Africa, with the aim of developing green hydrogen projects in that country.
  • Assisted the South African development team with greenfield project development, bid preparation for the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) bid windows and auxiliary works in all project development stages.
  • Identified and assessed potential project sites, land acquisition negotiation, environmental authorization and permitting processes, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and grid interconnection negotiation, licensing and permit hunting.
  • Regulatory compliance and permitting obligations, participation in RE industry in Ghana and rest of Africa.
  • Reached out to potential partners and off-takers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
  • Created and maintained database containing information on business proposals and contacts.
  • Pitched ideas for business development to executive team and gave in-depth presentations to potential partnership and/or off-takers using effective public speaking skills.
  • Prospected for new business opportunities via cold calling, using lead generation lists and networking.
  • Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.

GRADUATE RESEARCH CONSULTANT

University of Ghana
01.2018 - 12.2018
  • Contributing researcher in a climate change project at the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) named "Cities and Climate Change Project"
  • Collected and analyzed data on flood-prone areas in urban Accra to understand and make recommendations on the management and mitigation of urban flooding
  • Provided literature review and database on the enablers and barriers to climate change adaptation, gender perspectives and climate change vulnerability issues
  • Undertook study on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in urban poor communities in Accra, as part of a team. The project consisted of a group of elderly people with various NCDs which we put into a health club, James Town Health Club (JTHC), and undertook a monthly routine monitoring and sensitization on their health status and healthy eating habits that helped to manage their conditions
  • Mapped various foods cooked and sold on the streets of Ga Mashie in Accra in order to produce a "Cook Book" map of foods consumed in the study area
  • Research consultant on Women's Reproductive Health project jointly undertaken by Harvard University and Willows International (NGO) and implemented by RIPS, University of Ghana. It was a retrospective study on an already implemented women's reproductive health support project in selected communities in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ashanti region.

PROJECTS MANAGER

IDC Energy Ltd
11.2012 - 08.2018
  • Led a team to develop 20MW grid scale solar PV power plant in Tilli in the Upper East region of Ghana, in partnership with Windiga Energy Inc of Canada.
  • Identified green field sites, engaged and negotiated with landowners and local government authorities, and signed land lease for 200 hectares of land for Solar PV projects in Ghana.
  • Ensured the acquisition of license, regulatory compliance, permits hunting and environmental authorization.
  • Participated in the review and negotiation of a competitive Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the off-taker (Electricity Company of Ghana) for a 20MW solar PV project.
  • Participated in the conduct of baseline studies on the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) programme by the Ministry of Energy, aimed at providing sustainable clean energy for people in remote (hard to reach) communities. The programme was supported by Power Africa's Beyond the Grid initiative.
  • As a private sector participant, I was part of a team of industry players that undertook a reconnaissance study of selected island and lakeside communities in the Afram Plains of Eastern region and Pediatokope in Greater Accra on the possibility of providing mini-grid and off-grid electricity solutions to remote communities.
  • Participated in field studies, baseline surveys, seminars and workshops on how to promote the Productive Use of Energy (PUE) and identified productive areas for electricity use is remote communities organized by the Energy Commission and supported by UNDP, aimed at stimulating the use of electricity in rural areas for generating income rather than for domestic lighting only.
  • Successfully coordinated, in partnership with Wellhead Electric Inc. of California USA, the implementation of a dual fuel conversion project for 80MW Mines Reserve Thermal Power Plant, under contract from the Volta River Authority (VRA) in Tema. The project goal was to convert the existing source of fuel of the 80MW MRP from diesel to LNG/diesel engine. The project was successfully completed in 15 months.
  • In a programme organized by Power Africa and the Ministry of Energy of Ghana, with support from USAID, I participated in conducting field studies on the willingness and ability of remote lakeside and island communities with little likelihood of grid connection, to pay for mini grid/off grid electricity from renewable sources.
  • Identified the potential SMEs likely to develop with the availability of electricity in these communities.
  • Prepared responses to RFPs, EOIs and RFQs mainly in the areas of electricity power development, energy efficiency consultancy, procurement of essential parts for power producers, pre/feasibility studies and so on.
  • Met project deadlines without sacrificing quality or workplace safety.
  • Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
  • Developed and implemented strategic project plans to meet business objectives.
  • Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
  • Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
  • Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
  • Prepared and submitted project invoices for review and approval.
  • Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
  • Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
  • Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
  • Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
  • Drafted project reports to identify successful outcomes, insights and future recommendations.
  • Achieved project deadlines by coordinating with contractors to manage performance.
  • Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
  • Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
  • Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Sedan-IDC JV Ltd
08.2014 - 07.2015
  • Provided oversight role on the management of 4 road tolls in the Greater region and Brong Ahafo region.
  • Point of contact and liaison with the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), the contracting institution, on a daily and weekly basis and periodic review meetings on the operations of the road tolls
  • We also provided innovative ways, including digitization of toll operations and provision of electronic equipment and sensors
  • Prepared responses to RFPs and RFQs and participated in the contract negotiation between Sedan-IDC and GHA.
  • Provided direction and guidance to internal teams in order to achieve targets.
  • Implemented troubleshooting, root cause analysis and issue resolution.
  • Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
  • Reviewed operations reports to understand numbers and trends.

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT

University of Ghana Business School
08.2013 - 05.2014
  • Organized tutorials in Management Science and Economics for Business courses for MPhil students
  • Assisted the course lecturer in supervising and marking of exam scripts and providing guidance to students.
  • Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
  • Mentored students through office hours and one-on-one communication.
  • Documented attendance and completed assignments to maintain full class and student records.
  • Worked with my supervisor in evaluating student progress, needs and gains.
  • Offered office hours and one-on-one meetings with students to provide additional support and guidance to students.
  • Advised and mentored students on navigating academic and professional goals with support and guidance.
  • Planned and delivered lectures and course materials to communicate course content and provide students with subject matter knowledge.
  • Kept accurate records of student performance to track student progress and provide feedback on performance.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Pavetech Ltd
07.2007 - 10.2012
  • Supervised Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), and air conditioning maintenance and service technicians in nine regions of Ghana.
  • Managed the company's logistics and assets in regions of operations including offices, vehicles, spare parts, and over 30 field engineers and technicians and over 300 contract staff on sites.
  • Engaged with and established network and excellent working relations with our clients (telecom companies).
  • Engaged in daily, weekly and month reviews of operations and mapped strategies to improve system performance in over 300 telecom sites across the country.
  • Procured, supplied and managed the delivery of diesel to over 300 telecom sites across the regions of operation.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to maximize client satisfaction.
  • Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
  • Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Interacted well with clients to build connections and nurture relationships.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CDH Life Insurance
06.2009 - 03.2011
  • Supervised field sales executives for life insurance policies in the Tamale metropolis and across selected districts in the Northern region
  • Undertook direct sales of life insurance policies to potential clients in the Tamale metropolis.
  • Trained and mentored new sales representatives.
  • Managed customer accounts to secure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Developed and implemented sales strategies to increase profits.
  • Met with existing customers and prospects to discuss business needs and recommend optimal solutions.
  • Developed and delivered engaging sales presentations to convey product benefits.

Education

Master of Science - Energy And Sustainable Management

KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Kumasi
02.2021

Master of Arts - Demography And Population Studies

RIPS, UNIVERSITY OF GHANA
Accra
07.2017

Master of Philosophy - Operations Management

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA BUSINESS SCHOOL
Accra

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology With Geography & Resource Development

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA
Accra
2007

SSSCE - General Arts

SANDEMA SENIOR HIGH TECHNICAL SCHOOL
Sandema
08.2002

Skills

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint)
  • Project Portfolio Management (PPM) basics
  • Microsoft Projects
  • Strong research capabilities with knowledge of data analysis software such as IBM SPSS, STATA, R, DEAFrontier and MS Excel
  • Practical community development work, community-based activities and programmes, and community entry facilitation skills
  • Excellent negotiation skills (effective verbal and written communication, good listening, problem solving and decision-making abilities)
  • Logistics Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Market Research
  • Reporting Capabilities and Constructive Feedback
  • Project Analysis
  • Strategic Consulting

Accomplishments

  • Initiator and Sponsor, Baobab Tree Planting Project in Sirigu in the KNW District, Upper East: To plant 500 Baobab trees to help retain tree population, curb the effects of climate change, provide shade and clean air, ensure food security and nutritional balance for people and livestock, etc.
  • Organiser, Friends of the Earth, University of Ghana Chapter: Environmental sustainability advocacy campaigns; Planting of trees at designated public spaces; Protection of the environment through sensitization, publications, notices, etc
  • Founder and Lead Advocate, Corpore Sano Wellness Club: A wellness advocacy group aimed at encouraging both people to "keep walking" and keep fit; Activities include organizing weekly workout sessions in open parks and encouraging its members to keep active all week round by having personal daily workouts; providing wellness and health tips to its members on social media on how to live a healthy life

Additional Information

  • ACADEMIC AWARDS , Best Graduating Student, 2017 Union for African Population Studies (UAPS) Award, Master of Arts (MA) in Population Studies, Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana, Legon

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote

Almost everything worthwhile carries with it some sort of risk, whether it’s starting a new business, whether it’s leaving home, whether it’s getting married, or whether it’s flying into space.
Chris Hadfield

Timeline

FOUNDER AND LEAD CONSULTANT

Limelight Energy Systems
01.2022 - Current

BUSINESS DEVELOPER, NEW MARKETS

Mainstream Renewable Power
11.2018 - 04.2023

GRADUATE RESEARCH CONSULTANT

University of Ghana
01.2018 - 12.2018

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Sedan-IDC JV Ltd
08.2014 - 07.2015

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT

University of Ghana Business School
08.2013 - 05.2014

PROJECTS MANAGER

IDC Energy Ltd
11.2012 - 08.2018

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CDH Life Insurance
06.2009 - 03.2011

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Pavetech Ltd
07.2007 - 10.2012

Master of Science - Energy And Sustainable Management

KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Master of Arts - Demography And Population Studies

RIPS, UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

Master of Philosophy - Operations Management

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA BUSINESS SCHOOL

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology With Geography & Resource Development

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

SSSCE - General Arts

SANDEMA SENIOR HIGH TECHNICAL SCHOOL

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