Our authors
Dr.-Ing. Simon Koopmann
Co-Founder und CEO
Simon Koopmann co-founded envelio in 2019 because his research had shown him that the challenges of the energy transition could no longer be met with manual processes and outdated planning approaches.

"Distribution grids are the foundation of the energy transition—and they will only remain sustainable if we consistently digitize and automate them."
As co-founder and CEO of envelio , Dr. Simon Koopmann writes on envelio.com about automated grid planning, digital operations management , and the regulatory developments that are fundamentally transforming distribution grid operations today . His articles combine scientific depth with a focus on what worksin practice .
Simon Koopmann co-founded envelio in 2017 because his research had shown him that the challenges of the energy transition can no longer be metwith manual processes and outdated planning approaches .
Academic Degree
Simon's Career
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RWTH Aachen University (2006–2011)
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Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg (2009)
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(2009–2010)
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Thesis title: “Planning Distribution Networks with Flexibility Options” – a thesis that lays the methodological foundations for automated, flexibility-oriented network planning and is now directly incorporated into product development at envelio. (2012–2016)
Academic Focus
Automated Network Planning for Low- and Medium-Voltage Networks
Integration of Decentralized Energy Resources (PV, Heat Pumps, E-Mobility) into Grid Planning
Modeling and Optimization of Smart Grid Systems
Use of Storage Systems as a Planning Option
Techno-economic Assessment of Grid Expansion Strategies
Congestion Management and Flexibility Markets in Active Distribution Networks
Regulatory Classification: Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), Section 53 of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG), Redispatch 2.0
Methodological Approach
Simon's Approach
Decisions in grid planning are based on complex interactions—between grid load, generation behavior, regulatory requirements, and investment objectives.
Simon’s approach: Rather than simplifying this complexity, he aims to make it manageable through mathematically sound models. Automation creates real added value only when the underlying models accurately reflect the reality of the grid.

Role at envelio
At envelio, Simon Koopmann is responsible for:
- the company’s strategic direction
- the product vision for the Intelligent Grid Platform
- international expansion in Europe and the U.S.
- envelio’s public positioning as a thought leader in grid digitalization
He serves as the primary point of contact for distribution system operators seeking to transition to digital, automated grid planning and operations management.
Practical Implications
His expertise is particularly relevant to decision-makers at distribution system operators in three areas:
- Head of Grid Planning / Grid Operations: a point of contact who understands the operational realities of the distribution grid—based on his own research and daily work with grid operators
- Digital Transformation Leader: A Founder Who Has Personally Traversed the Path from the Scientific Method to a Production-Ready Software Solution
- Asset Manager: an expert who can quantify the technical and economic trade-offs between grid expansion and smart grid usage
Publications & Technical Background
14
Years of Research and Practical Experience in Distribution Grid Digitalization
14
Scientific Publications
180
Scientific Citations According to ResearchGate
Simon Koopmann is the author and co-author of 14 scientific publications with a total of over 180 citations, published in, among others:
Journal of Energy Storage
CIRED Open Access Proceedings Journal
Energy Procedia
Selected topics of his research include:
- Automated smart grid planning that takes flexibility options into account
- Evaluation of flexibility markets in distribution grids
- Techno-economic analysis of storage and load management options
- Multimodal energy system modeling
You can find a complete list of publications on ResearchGate.

