Gopalakrishnan Sivakumar
London,United Kingdom
Summary
A highly skilled professional with expertise in programming and modelling, complemented by a strong background in energy systems optimisation, including microgrid optimisation and economic modelling. Proficient in utilising advanced software tools such as Python, Power BI, and SQL to drive market analysis and enhance decision-making processes. Multilingual capabilities include proficiency in English and Tamil, with additional knowledge of French, Swedish, Dutch and German. Committed to leveraging technical skills to contribute to innovative solutions in the energy sector.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Research and Development Engineer
EDF Energy UK (R&D)
London, UK
09.2022 - 11.2025
- Expert modeller in the team: experienced with Python-based optimisation and industry solvers including CPLEX, Gurobi, GAMS and XPRESS; develop new optimisation models based on stakeholder needs, maintain two core models (trading-focused model and UK-wide system model including inertia, SCL and frequency dynamics), and apply them for revenue potential, feasibility and operational optimisation assessments.
- Key contributor to securing external and internal funding: co‑created pitches for government‑funded projects, developed innovative concepts for internal seed‑funding, supported bid submissions, and acted as project coordinator and main point of contact representing team.
- Built academic–industry collaboration channels: organised exchange sessions between Chalmers University and EDF, leading to ongoing joint work on a Horizon Europe project.
- Broad expertise across renewables and system topics including solar, wind, batteries, pumped hydro, nuclear, CHP, grid operations, and European energy markets (UK, Nordics, Central Europe). Delivered analysis for projects such as community batteries, long‑duration storage, pumped hydro concepts, community solar, and offshore/onshore wind.
- Additionally provide onboarding support to new joiners and mentor several research engineers within the team to accelerate their technical and analytical development.
Sustainable Energy Systems Engineer (R&D)
Yara Marine Technologies
Gothenburg
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Led scenario analysis for battery energy storage integration in large-scale marine applications.
- Conducted economic feasibility assessments of carbon reduction strategies.
Master Thesis Student
BatteryLoop
Gothenburg
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Developed techno-economic models for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within microgrids.
- Evaluated capacity build-out strategies and revenue potential from energy arbitrage & ancillary services.
Associate Research Fellow
Chalmers University of Technology
Gothenburg
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Assess feasibility and benefits of combining biogas upgrading with thermochemical energy storage using calcium looping technology; set up and analyse carbonation and calcination processes in the Chalmers Chemistry lab.
Education
Masters - Sustainable Energy Systems
Chalmers University
Gothenburg, Sweden 08.2020 - 08.2022
Bachelors - Mechanical Engineering
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chennai, India 07.2015 - 05.2019
Skills
- Programming & Modelling: Python (PuLP, XPRESS, CPLEX, GAMS), MATLAB, Simulink
- Energy Systems & Optimization: Microgrid optimisation, BESS, V2G, Economic modelling, Market analysis
- Software & Tools: Open LCA, Pro_Pi, Power World, Epsilon, BV2, ACON, HOMER Grid, Power BI, SQL
Certification
- PASS LEVEL-1 Project Management Course, Université Groupe du Management d'EDF
- Business model and Value proposition Training, EDF Energy
PUBLICATIONS
Journals:
- S.Gopalakrishnan, R.Surya, R.Rahul, & K.Ajith. (2019). Experimental analysis of stress distribution over a hybrid composite with a central hole. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 10, 232–241.
- S.Gopalakrishnan, P.Lokesh, & S.D.Kumar.(2018). Design of hybrid vehicle using wind energy. International Journal of Engineering Science and Computing, 8, 19475–19478.
Conferences:
- Gopalakrishnan S., Cecile G., Alexander A., & Roberto M. IEEE PES ISGT Europe 2024, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- Jimmy, E., Mubeen, S., Gopalakrishnan, S., Rishabh, V., Paolo, C., & Liam, H. (2021). Short and long term smart grid contribution to the sustainable development goals, ieee annual southern power electronics conference.
- S.Gopalakrishnan, S.Jaffar, & S.Shanmugam. (2016). Self healing carbon reinforced glass fiber, presented in national conference.
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Tamil
Proficient (C2)
French
Elementary (A2)
Swedish
Elementary (A2)
Dutch
Beginner
German
Beginner (A1)
Telugu
Intermediate
Odiya
Intermediate
Affiliations
- Travel
- GYM
- Cycling
Leadership & Volunteer experience
- EDF R&D UK, Social Committee Member, Organizing networking events
- European Union Commission, European Climate Pact Ambassador
- Mentor, Global Vaccine Distribution Challenge
GEOGRAPHICAL FLEXIBILITY
Open for Relocation
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Research and Development Engineer
EDF Energy UK (R&D)
09.2022 - 11.2025
Sustainable Energy Systems Engineer (R&D)
Yara Marine Technologies
06.2022 - 09.2022
Master Thesis Student
BatteryLoop
01.2022 - 06.2022
Associate Research Fellow
Chalmers University of Technology
06.2021 - 08.2021
Masters - Sustainable Energy Systems
Chalmers University
08.2020 - 08.2022
Bachelors - Mechanical Engineering
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
07.2015 - 05.2019