INTRODUCTION

Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim, Senior Electrical Engineer at Acciona Energia USA Global, led an insightful webinar titled “From Theory to Practice: Bridging the Gap Between Academic and Industry in Power & Energy.” The webinar was organized by the IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) Student Branch Chapter of the University of Jaffna and held via Zoom on Saturday, 24th May 2025. The session attracted a diverse and international audience, mainly consisting of Electrical and Electronic Engineering students and young professionals passionate about renewable and thermal energy systems.

OBJECTIVE

The primary goal of the session was to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry practices. The event aimed to inspire students and professionals by highlighting how theoretical concepts are applied in practical settings, especially in the renewable energy sector. Through personal experiences and project insights, the speaker emphasized the importance of aligning academic knowledge with modern energy industry demands.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER OF THE EVENT

Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim

Position: Senior Electrical Engineer, Acciona Energia USA Global
Credentials: EIT, PMP, NABCEP PVIP, LEED GA | Senior Member of IEEE | Contributor, CIGRE WG C3.25
Academic Background:

• BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

• MSc in Sustainable Energy

Experience:
Mr. Ibrahim has over a decade of experience in thermal and renewable energy systems, focusing on generation, transmission, and distribution. Currently, he works on large-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects across North America. He is also an active contributor in professional bodies such as IEEE and CIGRE and supports initiatives that promote clean energy and sustainable practices globally.

AUDIENCE

The webinar drew a total of 94 participants, including 57 students from the University of Jaffna and 37 international attendees from countries such as India, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and more. The diversity of the audience enriched the session, bringing together perspectives from across continents. The event was promoted via social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, and registration was conducted through Google Forms.

EVENT PROCEEDING

The webinar began at 7:00 PM SLST (GMT+5:30) and kicked off with a warm welcome from Vishwa Mahagamage, the event coordinator. Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim then took the stage and shared his journey from academic studies to real-world industry applications. He discussed practical challenges and opportunities in solar and thermal power systems, the importance of renewable energy integration, and essential software tools used in the field.

Attendees were particularly inspired by his insights on job search strategies, the role of networking, and real-life stories from his engineering career. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, followed by a vote of thanks by Mrs. S. Nithusiga, the advisor of IEEE PES SBC UoJ.

FEEDBACK SUMMARY

Participants praised the speaker’s approachable nature, clear communication, and depth of technical knowledge. Highlights from the feedback include:

• “The speaker shared real-world applications of what we learn in school.”

• “Great insights into solar and thermal power plants.”

• “Loved the discussion on networking and career guidance.”

Suggestions for future improvements included regular sessions with industry experts, more focus on software tools like MATLAB for solar PV design, improved internet quality, and sharing of session materials.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE & ROLES

• Host: Vishwa Mahagamage

• President: Himal Raveen

• Vice President: Nirmal

• Adviser: Mrs. S. Nithusiga

• Flyer Design: Kosala Nayanajith

• Google Form & Zoom Handling: Induwara Ayeshkantha

• Recording & Editing: Kavindu Kavishka

• Media Uploads: Nirmal

• Community Engagement: All committee members

CONCLUSION

The first webinar hosted by IEEE PES SBC UoJ was a great success, connecting students with industry expertise and encouraging a shift from theory to practice. The event not only provided valuable technical knowledge but also motivated attendees to pursue careers in power and energy with a strong foundation in sustainability and innovation.