People

Distinguished Professor Chandima Gomes is the Principal Investigator of the Wits ENERGISE Centre and Chair of the Centre of Excellence in High Voltage Engineering in the School of Electrical & Information Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand.

His expertise spans high voltage engineering, renewable energy, the Just Energy Transition and energy diplomacy in Africa. Through ENERGISE, he brings this engineering perspective into a broader interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary platform connecting renewable power systems with energy governance and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Areas of expertise: High Voltage Engineering | Renewable Energy | Just Energy Transition | Energy Diplomacy in Africa

Dr Yu-Chieh (Jessie) Yen is the Project Manager of the Wits ENERGISE Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand. She leads the coordination and implementation of the Centre’s research, education, Living Lab, mobility and stakeholder engagement activities.

Her expertise includes smart grids, demand-side management, energy system modelling and energy access. Within ENERGISE, she contributes to the Centre’s interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, connecting research, innovation and implementation in support of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.

Areas of expertise: Smart Grids | Demand-Side Management | Energy Systems | Energy Access | Project Management