The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) announced another keynote speaker for the 27th annual Energy Fair, to be held in June in Custer. Ngalula Sandrine Mubenga is a professional engineer, master electrical engineer and CEO of SMIN Power Group.

Mubenga also developed a fuel cell system for an electric vehicle and a solar-powered hydrogen generating station. Through SMIN Power Group, she implements renewable energy solutions in Africa, particularly solar.

Hear Mubenga’s story and how she is making access to electricity a reality for people with renewable energy power at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 18.

Mubenga was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). When she was 17 years old, she got very sick and needed emergency surgery. Unfortunately, there was no fuel to start the power generator at the hospital. It was three days later that Mumbega was able to have the procedure she desperately needed to survive. It was then that Mubenga said she realized electricity saves lives and dedicated her life to science and finding solutions to the lack of access to electricity many people face in Africa.

“Sandrine’s story and contributions to the advancements of renewable energy is beyond inspiring. She’s got the heart, brains and determination to make renewable energy solutions a reality,” said Kaitlyn Kohl, MREA communications coordinator.

Mubenga’s genius mixed with her passion for finding sustainable energy solutions for people so they can better their lives brought her to study electrical engineering at the University of Toledo in the United States. It was there she developed a fuel-cell system for an electric vehicle and a solar-powered hydrogen generating station that earned her many awards.

Mubenga founded the SMIN Power Group in 2011, which specializes in providing affordable electricity to communities using renewable energy. In an effort to aid the energy crisis in her home of Africa, SMIN Power Group expanded its presence in Africa in 2013 with an office located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshas/Gombe.

Additionally, Mubenga works as the electrical engineering manager at the University of Toledo where she manages the building automation team, assisting in the management of the yearly $15 million utility budget.