About

My background is in engineering and economics, and I enjoy working at the intersection of both fields. My doctoral research involved using applied optimisation technologies to find optimal solutions to complex policy design and resource allocation problems.

I combine mathematical programming with modern software development practices and cloud computing to build scalable decision support tools. I currently work at Amber Electric, where I develop algorithms to optimise thousands of distributed energy assets.

Skills

Languages

Python, Typescript, GAMS, Matlab

Cloud

AWS, GCP, Google Colab

Data

Snowflake, DBT

Web

Django, Django REST Framework

Tools

Git, Docker Compose, Apache Airflow, Gurobi, CPLEX

Keywords

Mathematical programming, applied optimisation, API development, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), energy systems, data pipelines, distributed energy resources (DER), virtual power plants (VPP)

Software

In 2021 I started a software company, Envector. The applications I've developed use cloud computing and AI to derive insights into energy market operations.

During the course of my doctoral studies I developed mathematical frameworks that can assist with the calibration of emissions pricing policies. Here's a selection of GitHub repositories which complement publications produced during my PhD.

I also develop tools that make it easier to use optimisation technologies. Here are a few open-source projects demonstrating my work.

Education

University of Hong Kong

PhD, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Sep 2016 - Oct 2020

Coursework

• Advanced topics in power system engineering
• Mathematical tools for modern power system analysis
• Polynomial optimization via linear matrix inequalities
• Smart Grid
• Advanced topics in power electronics and drives

Teaching assistant

• Smart Grid
• Electric vehicle technologies

Thesis

• Policy calibration frameworks to reduce power sector emissions while mitigating impacts to wholesale electricity prices

Publications

• Xenophon, A.K., & Hill, D.J. "Open grid model of Australia’s National Electricity Market allowing backtesting against historic data." Scientific Data 5, 180203 (2018)

• Xenophon, A.K., & Zhong, J. "Low-cost greenhouse gas abatement via emission intensities." Journal of International Council on Electrical Engineering 8, no. 1 (2018): 207-214.

• Xenophon, A.K., & Hill, D.J. "Emissions reduction and wholesale electricity price targeting using an output-based mechanism." Applied energy, 242, 1050-1063. (2019)

• Xenophon, A.K., & Hill, D.J. "Adaptive mechanisms to refund emissions payments." Applied Energy 278 (2020): 115689.

Conferences & Workshops

• MIT: A+B, Applied Energy Symposium, Boston, 22-24 May 2019
• IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting, Chicago, 16-20 July 2017
• The International Conference on Electrical Engineering, Weihai, China, 4-7 July 2017
• The 9th Seminar for the Next Generation of Researchers in Power Systems, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 20-22 April 2017

University of Adelaide

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Economics (1st Class)

Feb 2015 - Dec 2015

Coursework

• Econometrics IV
• Macroeconomics IV
• Microeconomic Theory IV
• Public Economics IV
• Economic Development IV

GPA

• 6.875 (out of 7)

Thesis

• Electricity consumption and economic growth in China: assessing Granger causality at provincial, electricity-market and national levels

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours, 1st Class) & Bachelor of Economics

Feb 2010 - Nov 2014

Double degree GPA

• 6.056 (out of 7)

Thesis

• Parameterisation of TLUD cookstoves to reduce emissions

Work

Amber Electric

Staff Machine Learning Engineer (January 2026 - Present)
Scaling Amber's DER optimisation platform, using ML and applied optimisation technologies to control thousands of distributed battery and solar assets. Building simulation frameworks and performance analytics to drive algorithmic improvements and operational reliability.

Senior Optimisation and Machine Learning Engineer (December 2022 - January 2026)
Developing optimisation models along with solar, load, and price forecasting capabilities to optimise thousands of household batteries.

Distributed Energy Optimisation Analyst (August 2021 - December 2022)
Responsible for developing energy management strategies and control algorithms for distributed energy resources.

Envector

Software Developer / Director (January 2021 - August 2021)
Developing decision support software for energy systems. Areas of specialisation include mathematical programming, network modelling, and API development.

University of Hong Kong

Senior Research Assistant (October 2020 - January 2021)
Continuation of energy system research following completion of doctoral programme.

University of Adelaide

Tutor (July 2015 - November 2015)
Tutor for an undergraduate economics course, East Asian Economies II. I was responsible for preparing tutorial content, guiding group discussions, and assisting with the marking of assignments.

Frontier Economics (Asia Pacific), Melbourne

Intern (February 2015 - March 2015)
Responsible for data collection and research tasks within a microeconomics consultancy.

Ove Arup & Partners, Hong Kong

Intern (January 2014 - March 2014)
Helped to check and amend drainage drawings in the Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health division of Arup's Hong Kong office.

Fassina Liquor Merchants, Adelaide

Shop Assistant (February 2011 - December 2013)
Experience in a busy retail environment. Was given increased responsibilities within a short period of time - including managing staff.

Awards

2023 — Innovation Champion, Finder Innovation Awards

2016–20 — Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Awardee

2017 — Second place, Student Poster Competition, IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting, Chicago

2016–17 — CLP Fellowship in Electrical Engineering, China Light and Power

2015 — AARES Undergraduate Award (SA recipient), Australasian Agricultural & Resource Economics Society

2012 — University Blue for Wing Chun Kung Fu, University of Adelaide

2012 — Dean's Merit Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, University of Adelaide

2011 — Principles of Macroeconomics I Excellence Award, University of Adelaide

Contact

Email: aleksis {at} akxen {dot} net