Eduardo Martínez Ceseña

Research Associate, Electrical Energy and Power Systems, University of Manchester

My work focuses on how to identify the best alternatives to invest in low carbon systems (e.g., power generation with renewable energies, distribution systems under the smart grid paradigm and so forth) that can have a long operational lifetime (e.g., 30 years) during which future changes in the power sector (e.g., new policies and technologies and changes in demand and energy prices, among others) may render the systems obsolete or unprofitable. In the face of this challenge, my work aims at identifying and exploiting flexibility embedded in the planning and design of the abovementioned systems, which may allow project planners to adjust the systems in response to changes in the future with the objective of maintaining their value.

On a typical day, my work may involve gathering information, interacting with other researchers, coding and publishing. Firstly, I try to maintain my knowledge up to date and define the particular issue to be addressed by my research by frequently gathering information concerning new research in the area and my different projects. Secondly, I interact with other researchers in my work groups by discussing ideas and exchanging knowledge and information and with some students that may need support with their research. Thirdly, I research different ideas brought about by literature surveys and interactions with other researchers, which typically involve coding a simulations and/or analysis platform. Finally, I share my methodologies and findings in reports and research articles.

I really like the dynamics of research, as there is always something new to explore and even similar projects may involve completely different challenges. On the one hand, it can be frightening to be uncertain about how to tackle the new challenges. On the other hand, facing he challenge and solving new issues is always very rewarding.

I work directly with several of my colleagues who are working on similar topics as mine and with researchers form other Universities and industry who are involved in the same project or research work stream. The outputs of the different research works have been showcased in different group meetings, seminars, and international conferences.