Member News: My Energy Future Announces First Global Cohort of ‘My Energy Future Champions’ 2026

March 4, 2026
Member News: My Energy Future Announces First Global Cohort of ‘My Energy Future Champions’ 2026

My Energy Future powered by OPITO, has announced its first global cohort of My Energy Future Champions – a diverse group of young professionals and emerging talent representing the future of the energy workforce across multiple regions and disciplines.

The Champions come from across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, North America, and the UK & Europe, reflecting the global nature of today’s energy industry and the wide range of skills, backgrounds, and career pathways needed to support a safe, skilled, and sustainable energy future.

The My Energy Future Champions programme was created to challenge outdated perceptions of the energy sector by amplifying authentic, real-world stories from people already working, studying and building careers across the energy mix – from oil and gas and renewables to hydrogen, digital innovation and workforce development.

The inaugural cohort includes professionals and students working in roles spanning engineering, research, workforce development, project management, operations, training and academia. Together, they represent countries including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Nigeria, Germany and the United Kingdom, offering perspectives shaped by local energy realities, global transition challenges and community-level impact.

Among the Champions are: 

  • Adina Nikmawati, an Admin and Document Controller supporting training and safety systems in Indonesia’s oil and gas sector
  • Khuzama AlMohaimeed, working in workforce development in Saudi Arabia while studying energy transition and sustainability
  • Natalia Carrera, leading energy project monitoring in Mexico across oil and gas, renewables and hydrogen.

The UK and Europe are represented by Champions including: 

  • Jennifer Ugwu, a petroleum data management graduate and digital communicator 
  • Cynthia Bassey, a project engineer delivering net-zero technology projects
  • Scott Harper, a subsea commissioning leader
  • Aaron Naismith, an apprentice transitioning into the energy sector
  • Reinel Echavez, a doctoral researcher in petroleum engineering based in Germany.

The Middle East & Africa cohort also includes: 

  • Israel Ajayi, an electrical engineering student delivering solar-hybrid systems in Nigeria
  • Ibrahim Bolajoko Ibrahim, an engineer trainee at Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery

Together, the Champions will act as ambassadors for the My Energy Future platform, sharing their career journeys, insights and experiences through digital content, events and engagement activity throughout 2026.

Hazel Lince, VP of Strategic Partnerships for OPITO in UK and Europe, says,

“The My Energy Future Champions programme is about visibility, authenticity and connection. This first cohort represents the breadth of talent shaping the global energy industry today – from apprentices and students to researchers and engineers. By sharing their real experiences, they will help inspire the next generation, challenge misconceptions and show that there is no single route into a meaningful career in energy.”

The My Energy Future Champions will begin their roles in Q1 of 2026, supporting My Energy Future’s mission to inspire young people, promote diverse career pathways and empower the workforce needed to deliver the energy transition.

Applications are still open, to register your interest as an individual, or to find out more about supporting the programme as an employer, visit: https://www.myenergyfuture.global/my-energy-future-champions/

Get in touch

AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise