Meet Catalina Villaro - our new Energy Analyst in Melbourne!

I’m delighted to welcome Catalina Villaro to Gridcog’s Melbourne team!

As Gridcog continues to grow, we’re excited to have Catalina join the Melbourne team and bring her knowledge and expertise to our customers in Australia. With an MSc in Sustainability Science and Policy, and experience in a number of roles in residential, C&I and community battery sectors, Catalina brings a passion for climate change and the energy transition. She is already getting stuck into the Gridcog software and working with Gridcog customers.

Read on to learn more about Catalina!

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What were you doing before Gridcog, and what got you into the energy space?

After completing my MSc in Sustainability Science and Policy in the Netherlands, I moved to Australia and explored various areas of sustainability, including farming, advocacy, and clean tech. Working in the energy sector has been a natural fit for my optimistic outlook, as it is full of potential for climate action—there are hundreds of solutions ready to be scaled up!

Before joining Gridcog, I held energy advisory roles with community-focused organisations working across the residential, commercial & industrial (C&I), and community battery sectors. In these roles, I spoke with thousands of Australians looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint and save on energy costs, which motivates me to continue working towards the energy transition.

What is your role at Gridcog?

I am joining Gridcog as the new Energy Analyst in Australia, helping customers make the most of the software and supporting both the technical and commercial teams as we work to continually improve the user experience.

What attracted you to working with Gridcog?

I was drawn to Gridcog for its innovative approach to optimising energy data. Gridcog’s proposition aligns perfectly with my experience advising the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector on energy efficiency; it is a reliable one-stop solution for a wide range of projects. I have seen first-hand how the software’s accuracy, depth, and responsiveness to queries were invaluable in scoping the feasibility of battery energy storage systems (BESS) across multiple sites in Australia. As we continue working towards net zero by 2050, I believe that Gridcog’s software is the key to Australia deploying renewables faster, at scale, and innovatively. 

I am also excited to join a team of like-minded, energy-savvy individuals committed to helping customers have success with their projects on the platform. Everyone here is working with purpose and passion, and these things really make the difference for me. 

What interests and excites you most about the energy industry?

I am keeping a keen eye on developments in Virtual Energy Networks in Australia. This configuration holds incredible potential for transforming our energy system by enabling decentralised energy sharing, reducing grid congestion, and enhancing energy resilience, specifically in areas that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. With VENs, communities and businesses could produce, store, and share energy locally, creating a more flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable energy model.

Being originally from France, I have followed similar projects in Europe, where Virtual Energy Networks have been tested to fast-track the transition to renewable energy. I am excited to bring that inspiration and help customers model VENs and other innovative energy solutions at scale.

‍What do you like to do outside of work?

I am constantly looking for new things to try, and I find a new favourite activity every season. At the moment I am obsessed with snorkelling and scuba diving, while I also started running. This year I’ve also had a big Brazilian Jiu-jutsu and Renegade Pub Footy moment. When I’m not moving around I also enjoy fixing things (I can’t say I necessarily make them better), supervise a growing army of plants, and like camping around Melbourne.

‍What technology could you not live without?

The microwave. Invented by mistake in the late 40s it’s basically the pinnacle of human achievement! Think about all the time and effort this inconspicuous but proud white metal box is saving us. A one-step shortcut from a painful process that would have otherwise made re-heating leftovers a prohibitive process. And it also helps in reducing my gas usage. What a beauty! I haven’t yet met the airfryer though, so stay tuned. 

P.S. don’t tell the British team I sometimes reheat my tea in the microwave.