Roland Muwanga is an engineer who thrives on solving big problems. In his current role as vice-president of energy transition technical and operations strategy at TC Energy, he leads a team that provides strategic decarbonization and growth solutions.
“TC Energy moves a lot of natural gas across Canada and North America,” he says, adding that the company aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. “Decarbonization efforts are quite critical to our operations.”
From carbon capture to hydrogen fuel, Muwanga is developing the energy infrastructure of tomorrow by looking at both existing opportunities and low-carbon technologies still in their infancy.
Reflections on his role as a leader
“I’m here to steer my fantastic team in new and exciting areas for the company and the industry. Not only do I get to take a peek into what the future potentially has in store, I also drive and define a bit of it.”
Career challenge
“There are a lot of uncertainties when it comes to emerging technologies, including the way policies will play out and how consumers will react.”
The Concordia factor
“As a young individual, I was responsible and accountable for my research work because it was the first of its kind anywhere in the world. The accountability developed through that experience taught me how to lead others and see them thrive in their careers.”
Most memorable experience at university
“The graduate team I worked with had folks from around the world, including Egypt, India, China and Iran. Such an eclectic bunch brought all sorts of different perspectives, not just to engineering work but societal challenges as well. As we think through the energy transition, that ability to listen to different perspectives and find common ground is critical.”
Outside of work
“Throughout my university studies I taught piano — I still play the piano and enjoy it very much. What’s been most enjoyable is watching my three kids take a liking to music. It’s a bond we share.”