Nigerian Engineer Simon Utsu-Ingwu Proposes AI and Nanotechnology to Solve National Power Crisis

UK-based Engr. Simon Utsu-Ingwu proposes using AI and triboelectric nanogenerators to create a decentralized energy future for Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 4:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP.

A Technical Shift in Energy Strategy

In a major presentation to the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lekki Peninsula Branch, Engr. Simon Utsu-Ingwu has introduced a high-tech roadmap to address Nigeria’s chronic electricity deficit. The presentation, titled "Powering Nigeria: Triboelectric Nanogenerators, Vibro-Impact Dynamics and Artificial Intelligence as the Panacea to Nigeria’s Electricity Crisis," argues that conventional power generation models are no longer sufficient. Utsu-Ingwu, a scholar based in the United Kingdom, delivered his insights via a virtual session to a large audience of industry stakeholders and seasoned professionals on April 11, 2026.

Harnessing Ambient Mechanical Motion

The cornerstone of Utsu-Ingwu’s proposal is the implementation of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs). These devices are designed to harvest energy from everyday mechanical sources—such as human movement, vibrations, and mechanical interactions—and convert them into usable electrical power. By focusing on these largely untapped energy sources, the engineer suggests that Nigeria can build a decentralized energy solution that functions independently of the struggling national grid, providing relief to millions of citizens currently facing high energy costs.

Integration of AI and Smart Systems

The proposed framework goes beyond hardware, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize power management. Utsu-Ingwu highlighted how AI can be utilized for energy forecasting, smart grid development, and distribution efficiency. By combining AI with vibro-impact dynamics—the study of generating energy from motion and mechanical interactions—the system can theoretically create a more resilient and self-sustaining power infrastructure tailored to the specific environmental and social conditions of Nigeria.