Oluwaseun Fetuata’s impact on clean energy and sustainable engineering

The global energy sector is at a critical juncture, where the need for sustainability, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction is more urgent than ever. With climate change, environmental pollution, and energy security challenges threatening economies worldwide, pioneers in clean energy innovation are leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. At the forefront of this transformation is Oluwaseun Rilwan Fetuata, an internationally recognized mechanical and nuclear engineer whose groundbreaking research and technological advancements are redefining clean energy solutions.

Oluwaseun’s work is particularly notable for its contributions to nuclear energy optimization, emissions reduction, and advanced clean energy technologies. His expertise lies in utilizing SCALE software, a sophisticated computational tool developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to optimize nuclear fuel behavior and reactor operation. One of the long-standing challenges in nuclear engineering is the manual adjustment of burnable poison positions in nuclear fuel lattices, a process that has historically required time-consuming calculations to ensure reactor efficiency and safety. To revolutionize this approach, Oluwaseun developed an automated optimization algorithm that determines the optimal placement of burnable poisons without compromising reactor safety and performance.

This pioneering work, conducted during his master’s research at Texas A&M University, was presented at the prestigious American Nuclear Society (ANS) Conference in Washington, D.C., in October 2023. His algorithm-driven approach enhances fuel utilization, reduces inefficiencies, and contributes to the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) a next-generation nuclear technology that is set to revolutionize global energy production by providing highly efficient, scalable, and low-carbon energy solutions.

Oluwaseun’s journey into engineering excellence began with his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, in 2013. His early research focused on the flowability of Isasa River sand as a molding material for industrial metal casting an essential process in manufacturing precision-engineered metal components used in various industries, including energy, automotive, and aerospace.

In 2015, he transitioned into the energy sector by joining a leading vehicle assembly company as a mechanical trainee engineer. During this period, he worked on the assembly of KIA automobiles while also testing and validating emissions compliance for newly assembled vehicles. His exposure to vehicle emissions and their environmental impact fueled his passion for clean energy research and sustainable emissions control technologies.

This passion led him to conduct cutting-edge research on sustainable energy alternatives, culminating in his landmark thesis, “Design and Simulation of a Pyrolysis Reactor,” which was published in the Journal for Energy Research and Review in March 2024. His research focused on converting organic waste into usable energy, reinforcing his commitment to green technology and sustainable energy solutions.

Beyond nuclear energy, Oluwaseun’s expertise extends to testing and refining aftertreatment systems in diesel and natural gas engines. As a Mechanical Test Engineer at Cummins Inc., a global leader in power technology, he plays a crucial role in validating emissions compliance for next-generation heavy-duty engines. His work ensures that modern engines meet stringent environmental standards, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint and comply with evolving global emissions regulations.

His research on aftertreatment systems is particularly significant in tackling one of the most pressing environmental concerns—harmful emissions from transportation and industrial engines. By enhancing emissions control technologies, Oluwaseun’s work is contributing to the development of cleaner, more efficient transportation and energy systems worldwide.

Industry experts interviewed have widely recognized the significance of his work. According to Dr. Hamid Dalir, a distinguished researcher in mechanical engineering, “Oluwaseun’s work bridges a crucial gap in clean energy optimization and emissions compliance. His advancements in nuclear engineering and aftertreatment systems are invaluable to any ongoing energy transition. His research is a model for nations seeking innovative solutions in sustainable energy and industrial emissions control.”

The impact of Oluwaseun’s research is undeniable. By enhancing nuclear reactor efficiency and optimizing fuel utilization, his work is shaping the future of small modular reactors (SMRs), a next-generation technology with the potential to revolutionize energy generation across the world. His contributions to engine testing and emissions compliance are ensuring that diesel and natural gas engines meet the highest environmental and efficiency standards, helping industries transition toward sustainable and clean energy solutions.