Behnam Zakeri

Dr. Behnam Zakeri joined the Energy (ENE) Program at IIASA in September 2017. He has a master's degree in Energy Technology (Modeling of Energy Systems) from Lappeenranta University of Technology, and a PhD in Energy Technology (Energy Systems Analysis) from Aalto University, Finland. Prior to joining IIASA, he was a postdoctoral researcher with the Power Plant Engineering and Energy Economics research group at Aalto University, Finland. He is also a Visiting Associate Professor with the Sustainable Energy Planning Research Group, Aalborg University, Denmark.

Dr. Zakeri's research revolves around the modeling and analysis of energy systems and markets. He investigates market mechanisms, systems integration possibilities, emerging energy technologies, and policies that enable a low-carbon energy system. In this respect, he is interested in the study of integration of renewable energy, the role of flexibility solutions such as energy storage, and market couplings in multi-region energy systems.

Together with his coauthors, Dr. Zakeri's research on the economic value of emerging energy solutions (focusing on energy storage) has led to two best paper awards; one from the IEEE 11th International Conference on European Energy Markets (2014) and another from the 9th International Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2014). His work on the economics of energy storage systems has been among the most cited articles in Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews (as of Sep 2019).

At IIASA, Dr. Zakeri is involved in the modeling and study of energy pathways in different regions of the world, including the role of renewable energy. He investigates the interface of energy systems with water, land use, and air pollution. His hope is that his research will contribute to a better understanding of the role of burden sharing and joint efforts in achieving regional and global energy targets.

Last update: 23-AUG-2019

Hunt J ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1840-7277, Zakeri B, Falchetta G, Nascimento A, Wada Y ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4770-2539, & Riahi K ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7193-3498 (2019). Mountain Gravity Energy Storage: A new solution for closing the gap between existing short- and long-term storage technologies. Energy: e116419. DOI:10.1016/j.energy.2019.116419. (In Press)