Lighting Up the North: Reflections on the Launch of Energyz Black Scotland

Last Thursday in Glasgow, something truly powerful happened.

The launch of Energyz Black Scotland wasn’t just another industry event, it was a landmark moment in the ongoing mission to build an energy sector that is not only sustainable but also inclusive and representative. It was a joy and a real honour to speak on the panel alongside such brilliant minds Doğa Şatır, Jesusoorefunmi Olaoye, Joshua Mutisya and our excellent moderator Cynthia Bassey, people who are not only doing important work in the energy space but are also deeply committed to making the sector more equitable and accessible. Our moderator set the tone perfectly, steering the conversation with thoughtfulness and insight.

The room was electric, full of energy (pun intended), bold questions, genuine curiosity, and people from different backgrounds and career stages who were all there for the same reason: to build something better. It was a reminder that progress happens when people gather with purpose.

From Idea to Impact

I've had the privilege of watching Energyz Black grow from an idea discussed among friends in early 2024 into a thriving platform that now boasts over 600 members and counting. Seeing the official Scotland launch felt like both a culmination and a new beginning. It was a proud, full-circle moment.

What began as a vision, championed by the brilliant Edwin Ehiorobo and Jesusoorefunmi (Soore) Olaoye, is now a fully-fledged movement. Their drive, focus, and unwavering commitment to uplifting Black voices in the energy and sustainability space have carried this initiative from sketchbooks and late-night conversations into boardrooms, networking spaces, and mentoring schemes that are actively changing lives.

That kind of consistency and intentionality is rare. And it's exactly what’s needed.

Why Energyz Black Matters

The energy transition, towards renewables, towards sustainability, towards a fairer economy, needs all voices at the table. It needs the creativity, talent, and leadership of people from all walks of life. And yet, the industry remains under-represented when it comes to Black professionals and leaders.

Energyz Black exists to change that, not just by talking about diversity, but by creating real opportunities for Black professionals to thrive. Through mentorship programs, skills workshops, career support schemes, and community events, it’s helping to build a pipeline of talent that will help shape the future of energy in the UK and beyond.

In launching in Scotland, Energyz Black is sending a clear message: that this movement is growing, that the community is expanding, and that there is room for you, whether you're a student looking to break into the industry, a professional seeking peers and mentors, or a leader who wants to give back.

Looking Ahead

What’s most exciting is that the launch in Glasgow isn’t the finish line, it’s just the beginning. Scotland has long been a hub of innovation in the energy space, from renewables to infrastructure, and now there's an intentional effort to ensure that Black professionals are part of that story, shaping solutions, leading change, and building legacies.

As the platform continues to grow, I’m looking forward to seeing more partnerships, more visibility, and more opportunities being created. I’m excited about the events, the conversations, and most importantly the impact still to come.

To Edwin, Soore, and the entire Energyz Black team: this is a huge achievement. Thank you for letting me be part of such a special moment. What you've built is not only timely, it’s necessary. And this is only the beginning.

Let’s keep building. Let’s keep energizing.