Welcome to the 55th episode of the #MyEnergyLife series, a weekly LinkedIn feature designed to highlight, engage with, and empower emerging energy professionals across Africa. Through a series of articles, we will explore the many career paths that exist in the energy industry. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and counsel to support the career aspirations of young professionals in the energy industry.
In this episode, we meet Noah Cherera, Pr. Eng. , a Senior Electrical Engineer at Harmattan Renewables . Noah Cherera, Pr. Eng. shares his story of how he got started in the energy industry, detailing the challenges and offering invaluable advice to professionals seeking their path in this dynamic industry.
Full Name
Current Company Name
Current Job Title
Senior Electrical Engineer
Specialization
Renewable Energy
Country of Origin
Zimbabwe
Tell us about your journey in the energy industry
I began my career as an Electrical Engineer, specializing in power system testing, commissioning, and maintenance, primarily in power stations, wind farms, and solar plants. Over time, I transitioned into the renewable energy sector, where I developed expertise in solar PV, wind energy, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). I have contributed to a variety of projects, including technical design, grid connection studies, and feasibility analyses. Currently, as the Head of the Owner’s Engineering Department at Harmattan Renewables, I lead multidisciplinary teams and oversee renewable energy projects from inception to commissioning. My professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions across Africa.
What do you do in your current role at your company?
As the Head of the Owner’s Engineering Department at Harmattan Renewables , I manage renewable energy projects, including solar PV, wind, and BESS. I oversee design reviews, feasibility studies, and project execution to ensure technical excellence and alignment with client objectives. My role involves stakeholder engagement, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and monitoring construction and commissioning activities. Additionally, I guide procurement processes and contract negotiations to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness. In this leadership role, I am able to drive impactful energy solutions while mentoring a talented team.
Could you describe your typical day at work?
A typical day involves overseeing project progress, conducting design reviews, and coordinating across engineering disciplines. I engage with clients and stakeholders, prepare technical reports, and resolve project challenges. Team leadership is a key focus, ensuring alignment with project goals while mentoring colleagues. My responsibilities often include reviewing tender evaluations, managing budgets, and monitoring construction or commissioning activities through updates and site visits. By balancing technical oversight with client collaboration, I ensure projects are delivered effectively.
“The best aspect of my role is contributing to sustainability through the delivery of impactful renewable energy projects.”
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?
In the renewable energy industry, I have faced numerous challenges that have tested my technical, managerial, and problem-solving skills. Some of the key challenges include:
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Grid connection and infrastructure issues
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Regulatory and policy uncertainty
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Technical complexity of projects
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Financial and budgetary constraints
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Client and stakeholder expectations
What is the most fun thing you love about your work?
The most enjoyable aspect of my work is optimizing design reviews to enhance project efficiency and performance. I thrive on solving complex problems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and witnessing designs evolve into functional renewable energy systems. Seeing the tangible impact of these projects, particularly in advancing sustainability, is deeply fulfilling.
How do you balance work and life?
I maintain a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing tasks, setting clear boundaries, and leveraging teamwork. Scheduling personal time for activities like playing football and tutoring mathematics helps me recharge. Staying physically active and disconnecting from work during downtime ensures that I remain productive and energized.
What hard skills should someone in your field have?
Key hard skills include expertise in electrical systems, proficiency in design software (e.g., PVsyst , Helioscope), and experience in commissioning and grid integration. Additionally, project management, regulatory knowledge, and procurement skills are essential, alongside data analysis and quality assurance capabilities.
What soft skills should someone in your field have?
Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are essential. Leadership, adaptability, and time management are critical for managing multidisciplinary projects effectively. Additionally, emotional intelligence and cultural awareness are vital for engaging diverse teams and stakeholders.
What is the best thing about your work?
The best aspect of my role is contributing to sustainability through the delivery of impactful renewable energy projects. The variety of work—ranging from design optimization and problem-solving to team collaboration—keeps my role dynamic and engaging. Seeing projects come to life and observing their tangible impact on the adoption of clean energy is incredibly rewarding.
What would you consider a highlight of your career?
One of the highlights of my career has been the opportunities I have had to contribute to the renewable energy industry through both technical achievements and thought leadership. Key highlights include:
Presenting at Renowned Industry Conferences: I was honored to present at the Renewable Energy Conference at Victoria Falls, where I spoke about Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) technologies in front of esteemed guests from around the world. This experience allowed me to share insights and connect with global leaders in the renewable energy sector. More recently, I participated in the ARIS Conference as part of a BESS panel discussion on the topic: Commercialising Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) in an African Context – Lessons from South Africa’s BESIPPPP. This was an engaging platform to exchange ideas and strategies for advancing BESS adoption across the continent.
Technical Leadership in Major Projects: I was part of the team that commissioned the 4×250 MW generating units at the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme, one of South Africa’s flagship renewable energy projects. This involved managing complex commissioning activities and ensuring the successful integration of these critical power generation units into the grid.
Innovative Grid and Renewable Energy Solutions: My contributions to large-scale projects, such as the grid connection solutions for the 1150 MW Spitskop Solar PV Cluster and cold commissioning at multiple wind and solar farms, have been pivotal in advancing renewable energy deployment.
Leadership and Mentorship: Heading the Owner’s Engineering Department at Harmattan Renewables has allowed me to drive high-impact projects while mentoring a talented team of professionals.
These moments reflect the blend of technical expertise, leadership, and industry engagement that define my career. They also highlight my commitment to driving renewable energy adoption and innovation, particularly in the African context.
“My work makes a difference in the energy sector by directly contributing to the deployment and integration of renewable energy solutions that drive sustainability and innovation.”
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy playing and watching football, which keeps me active and connected. I am also passionate about tutoring mathematics and sciences, as it allows me to share knowledge and inspire others to excel academically. These activities help me maintain a healthy balance between my professional and personal life.
How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?
My work makes a difference in the energy sector by directly contributing to the deployment and integration of renewable energy solutions that drive sustainability and innovation. By leading multidisciplinary teams and providing technical expertise, I help deliver projects such as solar PV systems, wind farms, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), which reduce carbon emissions and promote energy security. Additionally, through grid connection studies and feasibility analyses, I ensure that renewable energy projects are not only technically sound but also economically viable. By participating in industry discussions and mentoring others, I contribute to shaping the future of the energy sector, particularly in expanding renewable energy adoption across Africa. My efforts help bridge the gap between technical challenges and real-world implementation, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
For someone new to the renewable energy industry, my advice is to stay curious and proactive in learning, as this field is constantly evolving with new technologies and innovations. Focus on building a strong foundation in technical and analytical skills, while also honing soft skills such as communication and teamwork, since cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential. Seek out mentors, attend industry events, and stay updated on global trends and local policies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sector. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and remain passionate about contributing to the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
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