Vinay Shekar

Dr Vinay Shekar is a Project Researcher at the University of Oulu, currently serving as a senior researcher on the Geoenergy Leap project. His work focuses on advancing renewable energy solutions and education, specifically through the development of comprehensive teaching modules on geothermal energy. Dr Shekar is also actively involved in the technical development of a digital twin for a geothermal borehole, which is being integrated into the university's hybrid laboratory digital twin.

Dr Shekar's academic background is rooted in the optimisation of renewable energy systems for extreme environments. In December 2025, he earned a PhD with distinction from the University of Oulu. The doctoral research, Harnessing Solar Energy in the Arctic, explored the technical and economic feasibility of solar generation in northern climates. By identifying optimal tilt and azimuth and exploring Arctic Energy Communities, this work provides critical data to de-risk investments and boost the upscaling of renewable energy in the region.

Prior to this current role, Dr Shekar contributed to several impactful projects at the University of Oulu, including the APP4SEA (Arctic Preparedness Platform for Oil Spill and other Environmental Accidents), Modern Villages (Sinnit kylät), CESRIC (Perovskites Endurance), and the Heat Battery project. Dr Shekar holds an MSc in Environmental Engineering from the University of Oulu and a Bachelor of Engineering from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering in Mysore, India.