Good practices
Good practices

rgi secretariat

meet the minds

powering our mission

The Secretariat manages and coordinates all RGI activities, develops and implements strategies and action plans, administers approved budgets, publicly represents the Renewables Grid Initiative, networks and conducts background briefings.

All work dimensions

Select a filter

organisational enablers

We ensure strategic leadership, comprehensive financial management, and the essential resources needed to sustain the organisation’s growth and mission.

Antonella Battaglini

Chief Executive Officer

Antonella Battaglini

Chief Executive Officer

t: +49 30 2332 11011 m: +49 170 5849229
Antonella Battaglini is the CEO of the Renewables Grid Initiative-RGI, which she founded in 2009. RGI is a unique collaboration of NGOs and TSOs from across Europe, promoting transparent, environmentally sensitive grid development to enable steady growth of renewable energy and the energy transition. In addition, Antonella has been an expert member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Clean Electrification and of the European Commission Interconnection Target Group. For many years, Antonella has also held the position of senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

Sylvia Kessler

Office manager

Sylvia Kessler

Office manager

t: +49 30 2332 11000
Sylvia has been part of the RGI secretariat since September 2011 and is in charge of administrative works. Until December 2013 her position also included office management for the Smart Energy For Europe Platform (SEFEP). Sylvia spent several years in Johannesburg, South Africa, working as a secretary for the industrial department of Mannesmann Anlagenbau and the AEG Industrial Dept. During the last 7 years before joining RGI she was in charge of sales and general administration for a Spanish trading agency in Germany. Sylvia has the Spanish nationality and grew up in Germany. She speaks English, German and Spanish fluently.

Himakshi Gurnani

Manager – Finance

Himakshi Gurnani

Manager – Finance

t: +49 30 2332 11016
Himakshi joined RGI in June 2020 and is responsible for the financial management, reporting, and budgeting of RGI. She is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Himakshi has previously held several positions in the private sector within Accounting and Finance Management bringing experience of forecasting, financial statements preparation, and project financing. Her most recent position was as an External Auditor with a large auditing firm where she was solely responsible for the examination of Financial Statements as per the regulatory and statutory requirements.

Marie Delair

Manager – Fundraising

Marie Delair

Manager – Fundraising

t: +49 30 2332 11036
Marie Delair joined the Renewables Grid Initiative in December 2022 and is responsible for RGI fundraising strategy. Before joining the organisation, she worked as a researcher and project manager on European and German energy policy at the Jacques Delors Institute. She also trained in the section dedicated to Transport and Energy of the European Economic and Social Committee and at the European Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag. Marie Delair studied Social and Political sciences and graduated from Freie Universität Berlin and Science Po Strasbourg in European Studies.

Natali Machado Souza

Personal Assistant to the CEO

Natali Machado Souza

Personal Assistant to the CEO

t: +49 30 2332 11 025
Natali Machado Souza is a seasoned executive assistant with over 15 years of experience supporting senior leaders across nonprofit, education, and travel sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Executive Secretarial Studies from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, and is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Before joining the RGI team, she provided virtual assistance and translation services to a diverse range of clients.

Sabrina Rahman

Finance Assistant

Sabrina Rahman

Finance Assistant

Sabrina joined RGI in March 2023 as Finance Assistant and is responsible for supporting the Finance Manager with financial management and reporting activities related to the RGI business plan. She has a BBA and MBA in Finance & Banking, both obtained from Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Following her studies, she joined an international NGO as a Young Professional-Finance. In 2020, Sabrina moved to Germany and completed a master’s degree in International and Development Economics from Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (HTW Berlin). During her time in Berlin, she worked as a student assistant in an international firm and also received professional training in business finance.

Tolga Dizer

Finance Assistant

Tolga Dizer

Finance Assistant

t: +49 30 2332 11 000 m: +49 170 5849229
Tolga joined RGI in November 2024 as a Finance Assistant. He previously worked for a multinational company headquartered in Amsterdam, where he most recently reported directly to the CFO. Tolga holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business – Economics from Istanbul Bilgi University. After relocating to Germany in 2023, he completed an extensive finance program at Harvard Business School Online. He has experience in financial management, strategic analysis and operational finance, supporting business growth and efficiency through margin optimisation and decision support.

Abida Mohammadi

Finance Intern

Abida Mohammadi

Finance Intern

Abida joined RGI in February 2025 as Finance Intern. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and experience in the nonprofit sector, having worked as an Administrative and Finance Assistant with two different NGOs and as an Internal Control Officer with GIZ Afghanistan until 2022. Since moving to Germany, she continued her commitment to social work as a Volunteer with Mittelhof Organization in Berlin. She is currently advancing her German Language skills at the C1 level and is eager to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully. She is passionate about continues collaboration and embraces new challenges with enthusiasm and a growth mindset.

Trouble

Senior Director – Networking and Wellbeing

Trouble

Senior Director – Networking and Wellbeing

Although he may sound like a lot of trouble, quite the opposite is true. Trouble is the well-behaved, friendly and compassionate office dog that knows how to put a smile on every person’s face. Trouble often hangs around the coffee machine and entices anyone to stay that is trying to grab a quick beverage or just simply walking by. Before you know it, Trouble has brought together people in discussion on various topics ranging from climate change to the de-stressing effects on humans brought on by canine interaction. Due to his long experience, Trouble also has direct responsibility for the recruitment of staff into RGI’s expanding team.

Antonella Battaglini

Chief Executive Officer

Antonella Battaglini

Chief Executive Officer

t: +49 30 2332 11011 m: +49 170 5849229
Antonella Battaglini is the CEO of the Renewables Grid Initiative-RGI, which she founded in 2009. RGI is a unique collaboration of NGOs and TSOs from across Europe, promoting transparent, environmentally sensitive grid development to enable steady growth of renewable energy and the energy transition. In addition, Antonella has been an expert member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Clean Electrification and of the European Commission Interconnection Target Group. For many years, Antonella has also held the position of senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

Sylvia Kessler

Office manager

Sylvia Kessler

Office manager

t: +49 30 2332 11000
Sylvia has been part of the RGI secretariat since September 2011 and is in charge of administrative works. Until December 2013 her position also included office management for the Smart Energy For Europe Platform (SEFEP). Sylvia spent several years in Johannesburg, South Africa, working as a secretary for the industrial department of Mannesmann Anlagenbau and the AEG Industrial Dept. During the last 7 years before joining RGI she was in charge of sales and general administration for a Spanish trading agency in Germany. Sylvia has the Spanish nationality and grew up in Germany. She speaks English, German and Spanish fluently.

Himakshi Gurnani

Manager – Finance

Himakshi Gurnani

Manager – Finance

t: +49 30 2332 11016
Himakshi joined RGI in June 2020 and is responsible for the financial management, reporting, and budgeting of RGI. She is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Himakshi has previously held several positions in the private sector within Accounting and Finance Management bringing experience of forecasting, financial statements preparation, and project financing. Her most recent position was as an External Auditor with a large auditing firm where she was solely responsible for the examination of Financial Statements as per the regulatory and statutory requirements.

Marie Delair

Manager – Fundraising

Marie Delair

Manager – Fundraising

t: +49 30 2332 11036
Marie Delair joined the Renewables Grid Initiative in December 2022 and is responsible for RGI fundraising strategy. Before joining the organisation, she worked as a researcher and project manager on European and German energy policy at the Jacques Delors Institute. She also trained in the section dedicated to Transport and Energy of the European Economic and Social Committee and at the European Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag. Marie Delair studied Social and Political sciences and graduated from Freie Universität Berlin and Science Po Strasbourg in European Studies.

Natali Machado Souza

Personal Assistant to the CEO

Natali Machado Souza

Personal Assistant to the CEO

t: +49 30 2332 11 025
Natali Machado Souza is a seasoned executive assistant with over 15 years of experience supporting senior leaders across nonprofit, education, and travel sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Executive Secretarial Studies from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, and is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Before joining the RGI team, she provided virtual assistance and translation services to a diverse range of clients.

Sabrina Rahman

Finance Assistant

Sabrina Rahman

Finance Assistant

Sabrina joined RGI in March 2023 as Finance Assistant and is responsible for supporting the Finance Manager with financial management and reporting activities related to the RGI business plan. She has a BBA and MBA in Finance & Banking, both obtained from Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Following her studies, she joined an international NGO as a Young Professional-Finance. In 2020, Sabrina moved to Germany and completed a master’s degree in International and Development Economics from Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (HTW Berlin). During her time in Berlin, she worked as a student assistant in an international firm and also received professional training in business finance.

Tolga Dizer

Finance Assistant

Tolga Dizer

Finance Assistant

t: +49 30 2332 11 000 m: +49 170 5849229
Tolga joined RGI in November 2024 as a Finance Assistant. He previously worked for a multinational company headquartered in Amsterdam, where he most recently reported directly to the CFO. Tolga holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business – Economics from Istanbul Bilgi University. After relocating to Germany in 2023, he completed an extensive finance program at Harvard Business School Online. He has experience in financial management, strategic analysis and operational finance, supporting business growth and efficiency through margin optimisation and decision support.

Abida Mohammadi

Finance Intern

Abida Mohammadi

Finance Intern

Abida joined RGI in February 2025 as Finance Intern. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and experience in the nonprofit sector, having worked as an Administrative and Finance Assistant with two different NGOs and as an Internal Control Officer with GIZ Afghanistan until 2022. Since moving to Germany, she continued her commitment to social work as a Volunteer with Mittelhof Organization in Berlin. She is currently advancing her German Language skills at the C1 level and is eager to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully. She is passionate about continues collaboration and embraces new challenges with enthusiasm and a growth mindset.

Trouble

Senior Director – Networking and Wellbeing

Trouble

Senior Director – Networking and Wellbeing

Although he may sound like a lot of trouble, quite the opposite is true. Trouble is the well-behaved, friendly and compassionate office dog that knows how to put a smile on every person’s face. Trouble often hangs around the coffee machine and entices anyone to stay that is trying to grab a quick beverage or just simply walking by. Before you know it, Trouble has brought together people in discussion on various topics ranging from climate change to the de-stressing effects on humans brought on by canine interaction. Due to his long experience, Trouble also has direct responsibility for the recruitment of staff into RGI’s expanding team.

energy & nature

We ensure energy systems both onshore and offshore are developed in coherence with nature and biodiversity, promoting mitigation, enhancement and restoration measures.

Cristina Simioli

Director – Offshore Energy and Nature

Cristina Simioli

Director – Offshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11023
Cristina Simioli is responsible for RGI’s portfolio of offshore activities, which have the objective of finding solutions to reconcile energy and nature in renewable and grid infrastructure development. She has extensive experience in the instigation and coordination of national, regional and European cross-sectoral collaborations and in participatory and stakeholder engagement techniques. Before joining RGI, she worked on climate and nature protection for an environmental NGO, a UN agency and an engineering consultancy.

Gus Schellekens

gus[at]renewables-grid.eu

Director – GINGR

Gus Schellekens

Director – GINGR

m: +49 30 2332 11062
Gus joined the Renewables Grid Initiative in September 2025 as a Director leading the GINGR work. Before joining RGI he was a Partner at EY and PwC leading teams across Europe and the Middle East that delivered sustainability and climate change consulting services to public and private sector clients.  Gus has also set up and led a number of startups in the sustainability area. Gus has a BSc in Oceanography from Southampton University, and an MBA from Imperial College, London in the UK.

Dení Aguilar Bellamy

Coordinator – Offshore Energy and Nature

Dení Aguilar Bellamy

Coordinator – Offshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11029
Dení joined the Renewables Grid Initiative in 2018. She is currently coordinating the work of the ‘Offshore Energy and Nature’ team, and previously was responsible for RGI’s Business Plan and fundraising strategies. Prior to RGI, Deni worked as a consultant, managing and implementing international projects between the EU, Asia-Pacific and Latin-America in diverse sectors. She studied Sociology and Political Sciences at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and La Trobe University in Australia, and she holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Xiamen University in China.

Annika Lilliestam

Coordinator – GINGR

Annika Lilliestam

Coordinator – GINGR

t: +49 30 2332 11032
Annika Lilliestam joined RGI in April 2024 as the Coordinator for the Global Initiative for Nature, Grids and Renewables (GINGR). She has more than 15 years of professional experience and has worked in various institutions, whereby her focus has always been on sustainability topics and stakeholder management. Before joining RGI, among others, she worked for WWF Germany, Swiss Church Aid HEKS/EPER, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). Annika holds a Master degree in International Economics from the Berlin School of Economics and Law.

Adrián Maté

Environmental Coordinator

Adrián Maté

Environmental Coordinator

t: +49 30 2332 11000
Adrian Mate joined RGI in November 2024 as Environmental Coordinator for the Global Initiative for Nature, Grids and Renewables (GINGR). Adrian has more than 20 years of professional experience in the solar energy sector, and has worked for solar developers, contractors and investors. With a strong technical background in project development, construction and financial structuring, recently he has been involved in agrivoltaics, conservoltaics and in the development of nature-integrated solar projects using Nature-based Solutions as an adaptation to climate change risk. Before joining RGI, among others, he worked for Sunco Capital, Global Solar Fund, Grupo Gransolar and Romag Holdings. Adrian holds a Master degree in Renewable Energy by EUREC Agency and a Bachelor Science in Ecological Science by Edinburgh University.

Matilde Doni

Manager – Offshore Energy and Nature

Matilde Doni

Manager – Offshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11000
Matilde Doni joined RGI in July 2024 as a manager working on the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature. Previously, Matilde worked at RGI as Personal Assistant to the CEO from 2017 to 2020. Following this role, she gained experience in various organizations in the cultural sector in Berlin, focusing on communication and coordination roles. Matilde holds a Master’s degree in International Economics from the Berlin School of Economics and Law and a Bachelor’s degree in International Economy from the University of Trieste, Italy.

Manon Thiel (Quetstroey)

Manager – Energy and Nature

Manon Thiel (Quetstroey)

Manager – Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11034
Manon joined RGI in 2022. She is currently working as a Manager in the Energy and Nature team and is in charge of the SafeLines4Birds project. Prior to RGI, Manon worked as an ecologist in a consulting office in Berlin, engaged in the protection of bat populations in Europe in the context of onshore wind energy projects. She also worked on diverse projects in Africa, particularly in the protection and conservation of African mammals. Manon holds a Master’s degree in Biodiversity conservation from Université de Perpignan in France and completed her Master’s thesis in South Africa.

Anna Barbanti

Marine Manager – Offshore Energy and Nature

Anna Barbanti

Marine Manager – Offshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 233211055
Anna joined RGI in February 2025 as Marine Manager. She is working as an internal consultant in the Offshore Energy and Nature team. Prior to RGI, Anna was working at WWF Mediterranean managing multiple international projects across the Med. She has a strong scientific background in environmental and biodiversity conservation, especially in the marine ecosystem. She studied Natural Sciences at the University of Bologna, holds two Master’s degrees in applied Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of Exeter and the University of Barcelona respectively, and a PhD in Conservation Genetics from the University of Barcelona.

Oyeshi Ganguly

Junior Manager – Onshore Energy and Nature

Oyeshi Ganguly

Junior Manager – Onshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11057
Oyeshi joined RGI in April 2025. She is currently working as a Junior Manager in the Energy and Nature team. Prior to joining RGI, she worked as a policy and regulations consultant at the Berlin office of THEMA Consulting Group. Her previous experiences include working as a research assistant in the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategies Team at Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), Potsdam and as a core intern at Greenpeace. She has completed her master’s in International Affairs with a specialization in climate and energy policy from the Hertie School, Berlin. She is also a recipient of the Indo-German Young Leader’s Forum Scholarship. She holds a BA in Political Science from Jadavpur University, India.

Achille Pedespan

Junior Manager – Onshore Energy and Nature

Achille Pedespan

Achille Pedespan

Junior Manager – Onshore Energy and Nature

Achille Pedespan
t: +49 30 2332 11508
Achille joined RGI in May 2025 as a Junior Manager in the Onshore Energy and Nature team. Before joining RGI, he worked at RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité) in Paris, where he held roles in environmental project management and biodiversity research. His responsibilities included coordinating the company’s national Avifauna Policy, managing the EU-funded SafeLines4Birds project, and working closely with both regional coordinators and international stakeholders to enhance biodiversity outcomes in grid infrastructure. He also contributed to academic collaborations with institutions including CNRS and the Natural History Museum. Achille holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Geography with a specialisation in Biodiversity from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and an MLitt in International Relations – International Political Theory from the University of St Andrews, with a focus on ecology, globalisation, and activism.

Maya

Junior Manager | Happiness Distribution

Maya

Junior Manager | Happiness Distribution

Maya joined RGI in 2022 and quickly became an essential part of the team. A graduate of the renowned University of Canine Cheerfulness, she holds a degree in Tail Wagging with a focus on Belly Rub Diplomacy. Known for her enthusiastic and almost melodic greetings, Maya ensures every visitor to the office feels welcomed and joyful. When not on duty, she dedicates herself to the fine art of napping, recharging her energy for her vital happiness distribution role.

Cristina Simioli

Director – Offshore Energy and Nature

Cristina Simioli

Director – Offshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11023
Cristina Simioli is responsible for RGI’s portfolio of offshore activities, which have the objective of finding solutions to reconcile energy and nature in renewable and grid infrastructure development. She has extensive experience in the instigation and coordination of national, regional and European cross-sectoral collaborations and in participatory and stakeholder engagement techniques. Before joining RGI, she worked on climate and nature protection for an environmental NGO, a UN agency and an engineering consultancy.

Gus Schellekens

gus[at]renewables-grid.eu

Director – GINGR

Gus Schellekens

Director – GINGR

m: +49 30 2332 11062
Gus joined the Renewables Grid Initiative in September 2025 as a Director leading the GINGR work. Before joining RGI he was a Partner at EY and PwC leading teams across Europe and the Middle East that delivered sustainability and climate change consulting services to public and private sector clients.  Gus has also set up and led a number of startups in the sustainability area. Gus has a BSc in Oceanography from Southampton University, and an MBA from Imperial College, London in the UK.

Dení Aguilar Bellamy

Coordinator – Offshore Energy and Nature

Dení Aguilar Bellamy

Coordinator – Offshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11029
Dení joined the Renewables Grid Initiative in 2018. She is currently coordinating the work of the ‘Offshore Energy and Nature’ team, and previously was responsible for RGI’s Business Plan and fundraising strategies. Prior to RGI, Deni worked as a consultant, managing and implementing international projects between the EU, Asia-Pacific and Latin-America in diverse sectors. She studied Sociology and Political Sciences at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and La Trobe University in Australia, and she holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Xiamen University in China.

Annika Lilliestam

Coordinator – GINGR

Annika Lilliestam

Coordinator – GINGR

t: +49 30 2332 11032
Annika Lilliestam joined RGI in April 2024 as the Coordinator for the Global Initiative for Nature, Grids and Renewables (GINGR). She has more than 15 years of professional experience and has worked in various institutions, whereby her focus has always been on sustainability topics and stakeholder management. Before joining RGI, among others, she worked for WWF Germany, Swiss Church Aid HEKS/EPER, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). Annika holds a Master degree in International Economics from the Berlin School of Economics and Law.

Adrián Maté

Environmental Coordinator

Adrián Maté

Environmental Coordinator

t: +49 30 2332 11000
Adrian Mate joined RGI in November 2024 as Environmental Coordinator for the Global Initiative for Nature, Grids and Renewables (GINGR). Adrian has more than 20 years of professional experience in the solar energy sector, and has worked for solar developers, contractors and investors. With a strong technical background in project development, construction and financial structuring, recently he has been involved in agrivoltaics, conservoltaics and in the development of nature-integrated solar projects using Nature-based Solutions as an adaptation to climate change risk. Before joining RGI, among others, he worked for Sunco Capital, Global Solar Fund, Grupo Gransolar and Romag Holdings. Adrian holds a Master degree in Renewable Energy by EUREC Agency and a Bachelor Science in Ecological Science by Edinburgh University.

Matilde Doni

Manager – Offshore Energy and Nature

Matilde Doni

Manager – Offshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11000
Matilde Doni joined RGI in July 2024 as a manager working on the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature. Previously, Matilde worked at RGI as Personal Assistant to the CEO from 2017 to 2020. Following this role, she gained experience in various organizations in the cultural sector in Berlin, focusing on communication and coordination roles. Matilde holds a Master’s degree in International Economics from the Berlin School of Economics and Law and a Bachelor’s degree in International Economy from the University of Trieste, Italy.

Manon Thiel (Quetstroey)

Manager – Energy and Nature

Manon Thiel (Quetstroey)

Manager – Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11034
Manon joined RGI in 2022. She is currently working as a Manager in the Energy and Nature team and is in charge of the SafeLines4Birds project. Prior to RGI, Manon worked as an ecologist in a consulting office in Berlin, engaged in the protection of bat populations in Europe in the context of onshore wind energy projects. She also worked on diverse projects in Africa, particularly in the protection and conservation of African mammals. Manon holds a Master’s degree in Biodiversity conservation from Université de Perpignan in France and completed her Master’s thesis in South Africa.

Anna Barbanti

Marine Manager – Offshore Energy and Nature

Anna Barbanti

Marine Manager – Offshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 233211055
Anna joined RGI in February 2025 as Marine Manager. She is working as an internal consultant in the Offshore Energy and Nature team. Prior to RGI, Anna was working at WWF Mediterranean managing multiple international projects across the Med. She has a strong scientific background in environmental and biodiversity conservation, especially in the marine ecosystem. She studied Natural Sciences at the University of Bologna, holds two Master’s degrees in applied Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of Exeter and the University of Barcelona respectively, and a PhD in Conservation Genetics from the University of Barcelona.

Oyeshi Ganguly

Junior Manager – Onshore Energy and Nature

Oyeshi Ganguly

Junior Manager – Onshore Energy and Nature

t: +49 30 2332 11057
Oyeshi joined RGI in April 2025. She is currently working as a Junior Manager in the Energy and Nature team. Prior to joining RGI, she worked as a policy and regulations consultant at the Berlin office of THEMA Consulting Group. Her previous experiences include working as a research assistant in the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategies Team at Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), Potsdam and as a core intern at Greenpeace. She has completed her master’s in International Affairs with a specialization in climate and energy policy from the Hertie School, Berlin. She is also a recipient of the Indo-German Young Leader’s Forum Scholarship. She holds a BA in Political Science from Jadavpur University, India.

Achille Pedespan

Junior Manager – Onshore Energy and Nature

Achille Pedespan

Achille Pedespan

Junior Manager – Onshore Energy and Nature

Achille Pedespan
t: +49 30 2332 11508
Achille joined RGI in May 2025 as a Junior Manager in the Onshore Energy and Nature team. Before joining RGI, he worked at RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité) in Paris, where he held roles in environmental project management and biodiversity research. His responsibilities included coordinating the company’s national Avifauna Policy, managing the EU-funded SafeLines4Birds project, and working closely with both regional coordinators and international stakeholders to enhance biodiversity outcomes in grid infrastructure. He also contributed to academic collaborations with institutions including CNRS and the Natural History Museum. Achille holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Geography with a specialisation in Biodiversity from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and an MLitt in International Relations – International Political Theory from the University of St Andrews, with a focus on ecology, globalisation, and activism.

Maya

Junior Manager | Happiness Distribution

Maya

Junior Manager | Happiness Distribution

Maya joined RGI in 2022 and quickly became an essential part of the team. A graduate of the renowned University of Canine Cheerfulness, she holds a degree in Tail Wagging with a focus on Belly Rub Diplomacy. Known for her enthusiastic and almost melodic greetings, Maya ensures every visitor to the office feels welcomed and joyful. When not on duty, she dedicates herself to the fine art of napping, recharging her energy for her vital happiness distribution role.

grids & energy systems

We enable discussions on how to model, plan and implement decarbonised and optimised clean energy systems, including different voices in the process

Dr. Andrzej Ceglarz

Director – Energy Systems

Dr. Andrzej Ceglarz

Director – Energy Systems

t: +49 30 233211014
Andrzej has been working at RGI since May 2017, having previously cooperated with RGI as researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). Currently, he works as a Director for Energy Systems, being responsible for projects and activities under the RGI’s Technical Dimension addressing the questions how to plan, design and implement a carbon-free and optimised energy system. He holds a Master Degree in International Relations from the Wrocław University and completed his PhD at the School of Social Sciences and Technology at the Technical University of Munich.

Amanda Schibline

Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

Amanda Schibline

Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11022
Amanda joined RGI in October 2020 and is a Manager – Socio-energy systems. Her work on several Horizon Europe projects focuses on stakeholder engagement in energy system modelling and the just transition. She brings expertise in energy efficiency and energy justice, along with additional past experience in teaching, advocacy, and research. Amanda has an MBA in Building Sustainability from Technische Universität Berlin, a BA in Political Science and Environmental Policy from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire in the United States and spent time studying environmental governance at Linnaeus University in Växjo, Sweden.

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris

Senior Manager – Energy and Policy Systems

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris

Senior Manager – Energy and Policy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11021
Alexandros joined RGI in March 2021 to support its Advocacy team. He is a fully qualified lawyer in Greece and prior to RGI worked as legal counsel in law firms and corporate environments in Greece and Germany. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and he is currently pursuing a Master of Business Law (MBL) with a focus on European and International Energy Law at the Technical University of Berlin.

Morjana Moreira dos Anjos

On leave, please contact techno[at]renewables-grid.eu

Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

Morjana Moreira dos Anjos

Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

Morjana joined RGI in 2023 as a Manager – Socio-Energy Systems. She is a seasoned energy engineer with a master’s degree in Energy Systems Analysis and Planning and an MBA in Project Management, backed by various certifications. She has extensive professional experience in the energy, climate change, and sustainability domains, excelling in designing, coordinating, and implementing projects to foster sustainable energy systems and address the climate crisis. Moreover, she has a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, fostering robust collaborations and partnerships to drive meaningful progress.

Dr. Ira Shefer

Manager – Energy Systems

Dr. Ira Shefer

Manager – Energy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11000
Ira joined the Technical Team at RGI in July 2023. Previously he worked in the BMBF-funded research project Ariadne on local acceptance of wind energy in Germany. Ira holds a Ph.d. from the Technical University of Munich, researching transnational collaborations and their impacts on local climate governance and policy making. He has a MA of Environmental Studies at Nagoya University (Japan) and has a joint Bachelor of Law (LLB) and Asian Studies from Haifa University (Israel. Ira was engaged in several research initiatives that addressed, among others, urban climate governance (at RIFS, Germany) and green building (ILGBC, Israel). He was also a reporter and sections editor at an Israeli magazine for seven years, covering environmental and development issues.

Anaïs Picart

Junior Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

Anaïs Picart

Junior Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 211053
Anaïs joined RGI in January 2025 as Junior Manager – Socio-Energy Systems. She previously gained professional experience as an intern in a Spanish environmental NGO, eco-union and in a Paris-based think-tank, Iddri, researching on energy transition. In Berlin, and prior to joining RGI, she worked at the French-German Forum for the Future. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Environmental Policy from Sciences Po Paris University.

Sara Gaçe

Junior Consultant

Sara Gaçe

Junior Consultant

t: +49 30 2332 059
Sara Gaçe is a multidisciplinary project and research professional with a background in economic engineering and over five years of experience across administration, development aid, environmental policy, and community engagement. She has worked with institutions such as the Peace Corps, the OSCE, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ). With a growing interest in both the technical and social aspects of the energy transition and renewable energy, she is committed to supporting the advancement of sustainable, inclusive, and system-friendly grid development across Europe.

Dr. Andrzej Ceglarz

Director – Energy Systems

Dr. Andrzej Ceglarz

Director – Energy Systems

t: +49 30 233211014
Andrzej has been working at RGI since May 2017, having previously cooperated with RGI as researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). Currently, he works as a Director for Energy Systems, being responsible for projects and activities under the RGI’s Technical Dimension addressing the questions how to plan, design and implement a carbon-free and optimised energy system. He holds a Master Degree in International Relations from the Wrocław University and completed his PhD at the School of Social Sciences and Technology at the Technical University of Munich.

Amanda Schibline

Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

Amanda Schibline

Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11022
Amanda joined RGI in October 2020 and is a Manager – Socio-energy systems. Her work on several Horizon Europe projects focuses on stakeholder engagement in energy system modelling and the just transition. She brings expertise in energy efficiency and energy justice, along with additional past experience in teaching, advocacy, and research. Amanda has an MBA in Building Sustainability from Technische Universität Berlin, a BA in Political Science and Environmental Policy from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire in the United States and spent time studying environmental governance at Linnaeus University in Växjo, Sweden.

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris

Senior Manager – Energy and Policy Systems

Alexandros Fakas Kakouris

Senior Manager – Energy and Policy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11021
Alexandros joined RGI in March 2021 to support its Advocacy team. He is a fully qualified lawyer in Greece and prior to RGI worked as legal counsel in law firms and corporate environments in Greece and Germany. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and he is currently pursuing a Master of Business Law (MBL) with a focus on European and International Energy Law at the Technical University of Berlin.

Morjana Moreira dos Anjos

On leave, please contact techno[at]renewables-grid.eu

Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

Morjana Moreira dos Anjos

Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

Morjana joined RGI in 2023 as a Manager – Socio-Energy Systems. She is a seasoned energy engineer with a master’s degree in Energy Systems Analysis and Planning and an MBA in Project Management, backed by various certifications. She has extensive professional experience in the energy, climate change, and sustainability domains, excelling in designing, coordinating, and implementing projects to foster sustainable energy systems and address the climate crisis. Moreover, she has a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, fostering robust collaborations and partnerships to drive meaningful progress.

Dr. Ira Shefer

Manager – Energy Systems

Dr. Ira Shefer

Manager – Energy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11000
Ira joined the Technical Team at RGI in July 2023. Previously he worked in the BMBF-funded research project Ariadne on local acceptance of wind energy in Germany. Ira holds a Ph.d. from the Technical University of Munich, researching transnational collaborations and their impacts on local climate governance and policy making. He has a MA of Environmental Studies at Nagoya University (Japan) and has a joint Bachelor of Law (LLB) and Asian Studies from Haifa University (Israel. Ira was engaged in several research initiatives that addressed, among others, urban climate governance (at RIFS, Germany) and green building (ILGBC, Israel). He was also a reporter and sections editor at an Israeli magazine for seven years, covering environmental and development issues.

Anaïs Picart

Junior Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

Anaïs Picart

Junior Manager – Socio-Energy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 211053
Anaïs joined RGI in January 2025 as Junior Manager – Socio-Energy Systems. She previously gained professional experience as an intern in a Spanish environmental NGO, eco-union and in a Paris-based think-tank, Iddri, researching on energy transition. In Berlin, and prior to joining RGI, she worked at the French-German Forum for the Future. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Environmental Policy from Sciences Po Paris University.

Sara Gaçe

Junior Consultant

Sara Gaçe

Junior Consultant

t: +49 30 2332 059
Sara Gaçe is a multidisciplinary project and research professional with a background in economic engineering and over five years of experience across administration, development aid, environmental policy, and community engagement. She has worked with institutions such as the Peace Corps, the OSCE, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ). With a growing interest in both the technical and social aspects of the energy transition and renewable energy, she is committed to supporting the advancement of sustainable, inclusive, and system-friendly grid development across Europe.

energy & society

We include and engage citizens, civil society and policy makers on strategies towards full decarbonisation, building capacity on the role of grids within the energy transition.

Stephanie Bätjer

Director – Communication

Stephanie Bätjer

Director – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11017
Stephanie Bätjer is leading the Renewables Grid Initiative’s communication and event activities as Programme Manager – Communication. She is also heavily involved in RGI’s policy work and all activities that look at social engagement around grids. She previously worked in the communications team of the European Climate Foundation. Stephanie has studied at the Universities of Marburg and Hamburg, Germany, and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She holds degrees in political science and journalism.

Mara Zainea

Manager – Communication

Mara Zainea

Manager – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11031
Mara joined the Renewables Grid Initiative in 2021. Her main responsibilities at RGI encompass communications and media work as well as event management. She previously worked as a training coordinator at the Center for International Peace Operations in Berlin and at the Florence School of Regulation (FSR) within the European University Institute. At the FSR she was also responsible for donor relations and policy events. Mara studied in Sibiu (Romania), Salzburg (Austria) and Berlin (Germany) and holds degrees in German and English Philology (BA) and Arts and Media Administration (MA).

Eston McKeague

Manager – Communication

Eston McKeague

Manager – Communication

t: +49 157 3461 9264
Eston joined RGI in April 2022 as a Junior Manager – Communication. His primary responsibilities are strategic communications and design. Previously, he worked as a freelancer helping NGOs and social enterprises design communications and public affairs strategies. Eston has a BA in Global Affairs with minors in Economics and Religion & Culture from Western Washington University. Additionally, he has an MSc in Political Science: Public Policy and Governance from the University of Amsterdam. He loves photography, travel, museums, and history.

Charlotte Mueller

Manager – Communication

Charlotte Mueller

Manager – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11026
Charlotte joined RGI in April 2022 as a Junior Manager with the communications team. Prior to joining RGI, Charlotte completed internships with the GIZ and Canadian agricultural ministry working on topics including energy, agriculture and water security, trade policy and climate communication. Charlotte studied History and Economics at Carleton University in Canada and she holds a Master’s degree in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Konstanz in Germany.

Nathália Pimentel

Manager – Communication & Energy Systems

Nathália Pimentel

Manager – Communication & Energy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11035
Nathália joined RGI in November 2022 as Junior Manager within the communication team. Currently, she works as Manager – Communication & Energy Systems. She is responsible for communication-related tasks, while also co-leading different activities within the Grids & Energy Systems Dimension in RGI. Her main work topics are circularity and stakeholder engagement, as well as permitting and acceleration of renewables and grid infrastructure. Previously, she worked for the private sector, as well as GIZ Brazil and the European Union’s International Urban Cooperation Program in Latin America and the Caribbeans (IUC-LAC). Nathália studied at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) in Brazil, and the University of Pécs (PTE) in Hungary. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations.

Marc Hall

Manager – Communication

Marc Hall

Manager – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11610
Marc joined RGI in October 2025 as Manager – Communication. His main responsibilities are communications and media strategy. He started his career as a journalist and has worked in communications for several organisations in Brussels and Berlin, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Climate Analytics, Agora Energiewende and Wetlands International. He has a degree in the humanities from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s in international law from the University of Nottingham.

Wilm Lindenblatt

Junior Manager – Communication

Wilm Lindenblatt

Junior Manager – Communication

t: +49 30 7677194 55
Wilm joined RGI in October 2024 as Junior Manager in the Communication team where he works as a graphic designer part time. If he isn’t working at RGI, he is creating children’s books and working as a freelance illustrator. Wilm studied graphic design and illustration at the FH Design in Münster.

Noodle

Junior Manager – Cuddles and Wellbeing

Noodle

Junior Manager – Cuddles and Wellbeing

Noodle became an integral part of our team in September 2023 bringing enthusiasm and a keen sense of companionship. A proud graduate of the esteemed School of Good Boys, he specialises in team engagement, stress reduction, and expert-level fetch retrieval. When he’s not boosting office morale, you’ll find him perfecting his signature greeting—enthusiastic tail wags paired with an unexpected (but endearing) foot-lick. Noodle’s dedication to workplace happiness makes him a valued member of our team.

Stephanie Bätjer

Director – Communication

Stephanie Bätjer

Director – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11017
Stephanie Bätjer is leading the Renewables Grid Initiative’s communication and event activities as Programme Manager – Communication. She is also heavily involved in RGI’s policy work and all activities that look at social engagement around grids. She previously worked in the communications team of the European Climate Foundation. Stephanie has studied at the Universities of Marburg and Hamburg, Germany, and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She holds degrees in political science and journalism.

Mara Zainea

Manager – Communication

Mara Zainea

Manager – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11031
Mara joined the Renewables Grid Initiative in 2021. Her main responsibilities at RGI encompass communications and media work as well as event management. She previously worked as a training coordinator at the Center for International Peace Operations in Berlin and at the Florence School of Regulation (FSR) within the European University Institute. At the FSR she was also responsible for donor relations and policy events. Mara studied in Sibiu (Romania), Salzburg (Austria) and Berlin (Germany) and holds degrees in German and English Philology (BA) and Arts and Media Administration (MA).

Eston McKeague

Manager – Communication

Eston McKeague

Manager – Communication

t: +49 157 3461 9264
Eston joined RGI in April 2022 as a Junior Manager – Communication. His primary responsibilities are strategic communications and design. Previously, he worked as a freelancer helping NGOs and social enterprises design communications and public affairs strategies. Eston has a BA in Global Affairs with minors in Economics and Religion & Culture from Western Washington University. Additionally, he has an MSc in Political Science: Public Policy and Governance from the University of Amsterdam. He loves photography, travel, museums, and history.

Charlotte Mueller

Manager – Communication

Charlotte Mueller

Manager – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11026
Charlotte joined RGI in April 2022 as a Junior Manager with the communications team. Prior to joining RGI, Charlotte completed internships with the GIZ and Canadian agricultural ministry working on topics including energy, agriculture and water security, trade policy and climate communication. Charlotte studied History and Economics at Carleton University in Canada and she holds a Master’s degree in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Konstanz in Germany.

Nathália Pimentel

Manager – Communication & Energy Systems

Nathália Pimentel

Manager – Communication & Energy Systems

t: +49 30 2332 11035
Nathália joined RGI in November 2022 as Junior Manager within the communication team. Currently, she works as Manager – Communication & Energy Systems. She is responsible for communication-related tasks, while also co-leading different activities within the Grids & Energy Systems Dimension in RGI. Her main work topics are circularity and stakeholder engagement, as well as permitting and acceleration of renewables and grid infrastructure. Previously, she worked for the private sector, as well as GIZ Brazil and the European Union’s International Urban Cooperation Program in Latin America and the Caribbeans (IUC-LAC). Nathália studied at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) in Brazil, and the University of Pécs (PTE) in Hungary. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations.

Marc Hall

Manager – Communication

Marc Hall

Manager – Communication

t: +49 30 2332 11610
Marc joined RGI in October 2025 as Manager – Communication. His main responsibilities are communications and media strategy. He started his career as a journalist and has worked in communications for several organisations in Brussels and Berlin, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Climate Analytics, Agora Energiewende and Wetlands International. He has a degree in the humanities from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s in international law from the University of Nottingham.

Wilm Lindenblatt

Junior Manager – Communication

Wilm Lindenblatt

Junior Manager – Communication

t: +49 30 7677194 55
Wilm joined RGI in October 2024 as Junior Manager in the Communication team where he works as a graphic designer part time. If he isn’t working at RGI, he is creating children’s books and working as a freelance illustrator. Wilm studied graphic design and illustration at the FH Design in Münster.

Noodle

Junior Manager – Cuddles and Wellbeing

Noodle

Junior Manager – Cuddles and Wellbeing

Noodle became an integral part of our team in September 2023 bringing enthusiasm and a keen sense of companionship. A proud graduate of the esteemed School of Good Boys, he specialises in team engagement, stress reduction, and expert-level fetch retrieval. When he’s not boosting office morale, you’ll find him perfecting his signature greeting—enthusiastic tail wags paired with an unexpected (but endearing) foot-lick. Noodle’s dedication to workplace happiness makes him a valued member of our team.