Mehdi Ganji

Dr. Mehdi Ganji serves as the Vice President of New Business Development at Willdan Energy Solutions, where he leads initiatives focused on smart city technologies and microgrid developments. He is also the Chair of the Smart City R&D Committee at IEEE, emphasizing advancements in power system resilience, reliability, and decarbonization.

Professional Background

• Education: Dr. Ganji holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he specialized in resilient and reliable energy supply systems.
• Experience: He has over 17 years of global experience in smart city transformation, focusing on energy decarbonization, digitalization, and decentralization. His work includes leading numerous microgrid projects across various states in the U.S., including New York and California, and he has been involved in developing innovative energy solutions for tribal communities and local governments.12

Key Contributions

• Microgrid Projects: Dr. Ganji has been the principal investigator for several microgrid initiatives, such as the Southern California Edison Red-Cross Shelter microgrid and the Smart Campus project in Ankara, Turkey. He has also worked on developing smart reservation solutions for federally recognized tribes.12
• Industry Engagement: He actively collaborates with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to advance policies supporting innovative energy solutions. His expertise extends to various technical working groups related to smart grid standards.12

Areas of Focus

Dr. Ganji's interests include:

• Microgrid applications and business models
• Data analytics in smart city applications
• Electric vehicle integration
• Transactive energy systems

Through his leadership at Willdan Energy Solutions, he aims to develop sustainable energy strategies that enhance community resilience and support environmental justice initiatives.12