Lucy Amaran is an Energy Systems expert at a nationally recognized organization known for its leadership in developing standards and overseeing compliance for thermal systems, energy infrastructure, grid-connected technologies, and energy storage solutions. She underscores the vital role that standards play in bridging the gap between innovation and real-world application. With a strong background in regulatory frameworks and product evaluation, Amaran has collaborated with several energy firms in Nigeria. In this interview, she addresses the pressing challenges of carbon emissions and global warming, offering insight into regulatory strategies for advancing a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into clean energy?
Absolutely. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master’s degree in Energy Systems Engineering, where I focused on renewable energy technologies and low-carbon infrastructure. During my graduate studies, I completed research on building-integrated photovoltaic systems, conducted a decomposition analysis of electricity trading and its impact on global carbon emissions, and developed models for renewable energy hybrid systems all of which deepened my understanding of the technical and policy challenges in decarbonization.
After graduation, I worked with a traditional utility company, but my growing interest in sustainable energy solutions led me to shift toward the clean energy sector. The urgency of climate change and the potential for technology to drive large-scale emissions reduction solidified my decision. I currently work as a Product Safety and Certification Engineer at CSA Group . In this role, I focus on evaluating and certifying electric and thermal energy systems for compliance with U.S. federal energy efficiency and safety standards. My work plays a key role in advancing clean energy adoption by ensuring that only safe, efficient, low-emission, and compliant systems are introduced into the market, contributing to safer infrastructure and meaningful carbon reduction.
Can you educate us about Carbon Footprint and why we should care?
I will try to use simple terms. Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. It’s a parameter we use to track greenhouse gases. These gases such as methane, Carbon dioxide, hydrofluorocarbons etc. are dangerous to the environment because they trap heat in the atmosphere which results in an increase in the earth’s temperature. They increase the intensity of greenhouse effect and if the earth crust’s temperature keeps increasing, results of global warming such as rise in sea level occur. Imagine frozen places like Antarctica melting. The earth will be flooded. Carbon footprint helps us to track the emissions of the gases and helps us to identify regulatory measures needed to reduce emissions.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the clean energy sector today?
One of the biggest challenges is grid integration. As we add more intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind, ensuring grid stability and reliability becomes more complex. We need better storage solutions, smarter grid systems, and clearer regulatory frameworks to manage this transition efficiently. Another challenge is fewer policies for clean energy adoption. Policy is absolutely critical. Whether it’s federal tax credits, state-level renewable portfolio standards, or local permitting reforms, these policies create the foundation for investment and innovation. We’ve seen dramatic growth in clean energy where there’s policy certainty. The Inflation Reduction Act, for example, has had a massive positive impact.
What recent trends in clean energy are driving your current work?
One major trend is the rapid growth of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as rooftop solar, EV chargers, and home battery systems and the increasing need to integrate these technologies with existing grid infrastructure. We are also prioritizing emerging areas like hydrogen safety, microgrids, and interoperability between clean energy systems. As clean energy technologies evolve at a fast pace, our focus is on ensuring that standards development keeps up—supporting innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety, performance, and reliability. We work closely with manufacturers, utilities, policymakers, and researchers to strike that critical balance. Ultimately, our work contributes to advancing climate goals and promoting energy equity across the U.S., Canada, and globally.
You were recently recognized for your impactful work in raising awareness about global warming in Nigeria. Can you share more about that experience?
Thank you. It was very rewarding and I’m truly honored to have received this recognition. I’m passionate about raising awareness of the dangers of global warming and its impact on both local and global communities. As part of a national awareness campaign, I had the opportunity to facilitate a professional workshop for a group of engineers in Nigeria. I also conducted environmental workshops at several colleges, where we discussed the causes and consequences of pollution and the practical steps individuals can take to combat it.
I believe that the fight against global warming begins with education. When people understand the impact of their actions, they’re more empowered to make sustainable choices. Simple steps like carpooling to reduce vehicle emissions or reducing and reusing materials to limit waste can have a meaningful impact. I also strongly believe that Nigerians in the diaspora have a responsibility to contribute to national development through our fields of expertise.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the clean energy space?
I’m particularly excited about the scaling of green hydrogen and offshore wind. These are technologies that can complement solar and wind and offer powerful solutions to decarbonize sectors that have been difficult to address. The pace of innovation is incredible and it’s inspiring to contribute to such a transformative time in our industry.
