Tanwa Iwayemi, chief operating officer of AtneSystems Energy, is carving her name as one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in renewable energy, blending deep technical expertise with an unwavering passion for social impact and sustainability.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, she has consistently championed the integration of clean energy solutions that reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and transform communities.
Iwayemi recently delivered a scalable 250-kilowatt-hour solar photovoltaic/battery system to power the Lagos State Multipurpose Agent Complex (LSMAC).
The newly installed system supports multiple functions of the complex, ensuring seamless operation of security, communication, and networking infrastructure.
“This project marks a major step toward the Lagos State government’s goal of achieving smarter, sustainable infrastructure. The PV/Battery solution provided clean, stable power for our critical security and communication systems, helping us maintain high service standards,” said Iwayemi, who served as the project lead.
Tanwa’s journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Ado Ekiti, followed by an MBA from the University of the People, California, and a Master’s in Energy Engineering from the University of North Dakota, where she is currently pursuing her PhD in Energy Engineering.
Her academic achievements, combined with advanced training in business management and leadership, uniquely equip her to navigate both the technical and strategic challenges of Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
Professionally, she has held pivotal roles in the renewable energy sector, most notably at AtneSystems Energy in Lagos.
Under her leadership, the company has executed high-profile Solar PV/Battery storage projects for residential, commercial, and government clients, while also building strong international partnerships with manufacturers and specialists in India, China, and the UAE.
These collaborations have fueled operational growth, expanded client reach, and enhanced energy access across Nigeria.
Her impressive portfolio also includes a 22kW/100kWh battery storage system for the GIS Studio in Osun State (2013), 40kW/168kWh systems for Polaris Digitech (2011), and large-scale university integrations such as a 60kW/240kWh solution for the University of Lagos (2010–2015).
She has also led deployments for organisations like Greenwich Trust, SO & U Saatchi & Saatchi, and other corporate clients.
Beyond her professional achievements, Tanwa Iwayemi is a pioneer in hybrid energy storage research, focusing on the integration of lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and flywheels for both grid-tied and off-grid applications.
Her collaborative research at the University of North Dakota achieved an impressive 93% round-trip efficiency, showcasing the potential of scalable, cost-effective solutions to address renewable intermittency.
Iwayemi, a passionate advocate for clean energy access, is an Africa Innovation Fellowship 2023 cohort fellow, a COREN SPVI-certified engineer, and an active member of the Association of Energy Engineers, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, and the Women in Renewable Energy Association (WIRE-A), where she supports initiatives like One Solar Reading Lamp per Child to promote education and poverty alleviation.
Internationally, she engages with networks such as Women in Engineering and the Climate Change Lobby in North Dakota, USA.
Her thought leadership extends to academic contributions, including published research on IoT, Big Data optimisation for renewable systems, and hybrid energy storage integration, featured in the International Journal of Novel Research and Development.
On July 3, 2025, Tanwa Iwayemi was honoured with the Award of Excellence by WIRE-A, recognising her outstanding contributions to energy innovation, renewable integration, and green technology research.
“Driven by a vision of a cleaner, more equitable energy future for Africa, every project I lead is more than just technology; it is about creating lasting social and environmental impact,” said Iwayemi.
AtneSystems Energy is a Lagos-based renewable energy company delivering advanced solar and battery storage solutions to residential, commercial, and government clients.
With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and impact, the company is at the forefront of Africa’s transition to clean energy.
