Rajesh Sreekumar
Dubai
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven leader with 30 years in the energy sector, focused on power distribution, transmission, and generation at leading utilities including Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) and Reliance Power, India. Demonstrated expertise in leading advanced technology implementations, enhancing operational efficiency, and managing high-impact projects that incorporate smart grid and AI-driven innovations. Renowned for modernizing legacy systems, employing predictive analytics, and utilizing cutting-edge tools to enhance network performance within rapidly evolving energy environments.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Distribution System & Network Applications
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
01.2019 - Current
- Directed transformation of legacy SCADA/ADMS system to implement state-of-the-art smart grid solution, enhancing operational efficiency and grid reliability.
- Led 'Smart Grid Distribution Analytics' initiative, using AI and RPA to automate distribution network use cases, achieving a major technological breakthrough in the Middle East's power utility sector.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute proof-of-concept projects, evaluating emerging technologies for future operational integration.
- Led project planning, development, and deployment, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery, while making strategic decisions, managing scope changes, and aligning with stakeholder expectations.
- Identified process improvement opportunities and introduced new procedures to boost project efficiency.
Manager, System Studies
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
01.2015 - 12.2018
- Performed system studies to identify and resolve network inefficiencies, enhancing reliability and optimizing performance in line with strategic objectives.
- Conducted detailed studies on integrating distributed energy resources (DER), contributing to the development of the regulatory DRRG framework, and used predictive analytics to address network challenges, improving grid reliability and performance.
- Led the upgrade of an aging network from 33kV to 132/11kV and collaborated with Siemens to implement 'Automatic Smart Grid Restoration' for the 11kV network.
- Partnered with DEWA's R&D Centre on operational studies, benchmarking against leading global utilities to future-proof DEWA's distribution network.
Assistant Manager, System Studies
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
01.2007 - 12.2014
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance network resilience through simulation studies, expanded distribution automation, established strategic KPIs, and contributed to the Distribution Master Plan outlining future network expansion.
Senior Engineer, Transmission Planning & System Studies
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
08.2004 - 12.2006
- Enabled critical enhancements to transmission system, ensuring grid infrastructure met growing demand and reliability standards.
Senior Engineer- Operations
Reliance Energy Ltd
02.2001 - 07.2004
- Managed control room operations for a 165MW combined cycle power plant, ensuring peak performance of GE LM6000 gas turbines, HRSGs, and EA&I equipment
Senior Engineer, Project Management
Reliance Energy Ltd, India
08.1996 - 08.2004
- Led large-scale power plant construction projects from planning to commissioning, consistently completing them on time and within budget in high-pressure environments.
Education
MBA -
02.2003
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical & Electronics Engineering
04.1992
Completed advanced courses in Negotiation Skills, Business Analytics, and Leadership, with an emphasis on coaching, mentoring, and influencing.
Skills
- Operations Management
- Agile Project & Program Management
- System Studies and Network Insights
- Strategic Planning & Budgeting
- Change Management & Innovation
- Benchmarking
- Adaptability
- Key Performance Indicators
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Decision-Making
- Complex Problem-Solving
Languages
English
Malayalam
Hindi
Tamil
Voluntary leadership roles
- Climate Change Ambassador - DEWA : Selected as part of a 5-member expedition team to South America through a competitive process to study the impact of climate change on biodiversity, ecosystems, and indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon and Andean cloud forests.
- COVID-19 Response - DEWA : Led efforts to segregate the Distribution Control Centre, including SCADA systems, to safeguard operational personnel and maintain safety protocols during the pandemic.
- Creator & Host - Distribution Operations Digital Day (2022-Present) : Developed and lead this initiative to advance digital transformation in distribution operations.
- Presenter - 8th Annual Best Practices Conference on Quality, Health & Environment : Delivered a presentation on industry best practices in quality, health, and environmental management.
Professional Recognition
- Award of Excellence - DEWA
- Climate Change Ambassador - DEWA
Timeline
Manager, Distribution System & Network Applications - Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
01.2019 - Current
Manager, System Studies - Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
01.2015 - 12.2018
Assistant Manager, System Studies - Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
01.2007 - 12.2014
Senior Engineer, Transmission Planning & System Studies - Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
08.2004 - 12.2006
Senior Engineer- Operations - Reliance Energy Ltd
02.2001 - 07.2004
Senior Engineer, Project Management - Reliance Energy Ltd, India
08.1996 - 08.2004
Cochin University of Science & Technology - MBA,
PSG College of Technology - Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering
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