Since joining CES six years ago, Shivam Chauhan has become an essential guide for developers and investors seeking to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of North American energy markets. Based in Toronto, Shivam brings a unique global perspective to his role, having transitioned from CES’s India team to become a key consultant covering major U.S. ISOs such as CAISO and SPP.
From India to North America: A Global Energy Journey
Shivam’s path to CES began with a master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering and Management and hands-on experience through projects with the National Institute of Solar Energy and the Indian Army. What drew him to the energy sector was witnessing firsthand the rapid global transition from conventional energy sources to cleaner alternatives.
“The energy industry sits at the intersection of technical innovation and real-world impact,” Shivam explains. “It’s extraordinary to be part of this transformation.”
His decision to join CES came after attending an industry conference during his master’s program, where the CES team’s deep market knowledge and practical solutions left a lasting impression. “The way they shared their expertise and showed how they were helping clients accelerate their projects really drew me to the company,” he recalls.
Turning Complexity into Clarity
In his day-to-day role, Shivam transforms the intricate details of energy markets into clear, actionable strategies for clients. Whether analyzing interconnection processes for various projects, evaluating transmission planning, or dissecting market structures, his work directly impacts project viability and success.
“I help developers and investors understand not just what’s happening in markets like CAISO or SPP, but what it means for their specific projects,” Shivam says. “Every nuance matters when you’re planning infrastructure that will operate for decades.”
Pioneering Tomorrow’s Energy Solutions
Among his recent projects, Shivam is particularly proud of his work on economic analysis for hybrid projects and an innovative way of optimizing electrolyzer operation with dynamic energy pricing to achieve flexible hydrogen production.
“It’s a really interesting exercise we’re doing,” he notes. “We’re essentially developing strategies how hydrogen production can adapt to real-time market conditions; advancing the next generation of clean energy optimization.”
One of his most exciting accomplishments has been developing long term energy price forecasts, providing 10 to 20-year market outlooks that require analyzing every market nuance, from evolving rules to changing resource stacks and load patterns.
“There’s so much complexity that goes into creating these forecasts,” Shivam explains. “You have to understand not just where the market is today but anticipate how every element will evolve over the next two decades.”
A Culture of Collaboration
What Shivam values most about CES is the company’s open, collaborative culture. “The best thing about working at CES is the easy accessibility to everyone in the company,” he shares. “I can reach out to anyone across the organization when I need expertise or collaboration and everyone is open to sharing their knowledge.”
This accessibility has been crucial to his professional growth, as he’s expanded from covering a single ISO to analyzing multiple energy markets across North America. CES has supported this evolution through regular training, courses, and the freedom to pursue new challenges.
Living in Extraordinary Times
Shivam’s enthusiasm for the energy sector’s future is palpable. “We’re experiencing extraordinary times from an energy market perspective,” he says. “Markets are evolving rapidly with initiatives like Market Plus in SPP and EDAM from CAISO. The pace of change and innovation in clean energy solutions is unprecedented.”
To stay current with these rapid changes, Shivam emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. His tools of the trade include Python, Excel, Power BI, and production cost modeling software, but he stresses that analytical skills and market knowledge are paramount.
Beyond the Spreadsheets
Outside of work, Shivam recharges through sports and culinary adventures. An avid basketball and pool player, he also enjoys badminton and is always ready to try new sports with friends. His love for exploring different cuisines reflects his adventurous spirit, and colleagues might be surprised to learn about his playful side – he loves a good prank.
Advice for Aspiring Energy Professionals
For those considering a career in energy markets, Shivam’s advice is straightforward but essential: “Make connections and read as much as possible about the energy industry and current trends.”
He emphasizes that staying informed is crucial in this rapidly evolving field. “Markets are changing so quickly that you have to constantly update yourself. Reading and networking aren’t just helpful – they’re essential skills to stay on top of market developments.”
Shaping the Energy Transition
As energy markets continue their transformation, professionals like Shivam are essential in helping projects navigate the complexity of this new landscape. His combination of technical expertise, global perspective, and commitment to making complex markets accessible exemplifies CES’s approach to supporting the clean energy transition.
“Every project we help succeed is another step toward a cleaner energy future,” Shivam reflects. “That real-world impact is what makes this work so rewarding.”
