About us – Middle East

بليك كلوف الشرق الأوسط هي شركة استشارية متخصصة في مجال الطاقة تركز على شبكات الكهرباء.

نحن نغطي مجموعة من المجالات مع التركيز بشكل خاص على دراسات أنظمة الطاقة والتصميم الكهربائي وتنظيم الكهرباء ، مع تركيز قوي على علاقات عملائنا. يمكن أن يقدم مستشارونا مجموعة من دراسات تحليل أنظمة الطاقة ، باستخدام برامج متوافقة مع معايير الصناعة مثل DIgSILENT و PSSe و IPSA و PSCAD.

نحن متحمسون لإزالة الكربون من نظام الطاقة والانتقال إلى  “Net Zero” ونهدف إلى دعم عملائنا لتسريع هذا التغيير بأكبر قدرممكن من الفعالية ، سواء كانت شركات شبكات كبيرة أو مزودي اتصال مستقلين أو مطورين من القطاع الخاص وما إلى ذلك.

يتراوح عملاؤنا من مشغلي شبكات الكهرباء والهيئات التنظيمية ومؤسسات القطاع العام إلى المطورين من القطاع الخاص ، سواء في الداخل أو في الخارج ، ويتطلعون إلى تطوير مشاريع متصلة بشبكات الكهرباء.

لدينا علاقات قوية مع مجموعة واسعة من الشركاء والمنتسبين ، تم تطويرها على مدى سنوات عديدة من العمل في الصناعة ، مما يضمن أنه يمكننا تقديم أعلى مستويات الجودة وأنسب القدرات ، المصممة لتلبية متطلبات كل مشروع وعميل.

يعتمد عملنا على تحليل ونمذجة قوية ، بما في ذلك التقييم التقني الاقتصادي ، وتحليل التكلفة والمنفعة ، وتحليل أنظمة الطاقة ، ونمذجة الشبكة.

Blake Clough Middle East is a specialist energy consultancy with a focus on the electricity networks.

We cover a range of areas with a specific focus on power systems studies, electrical design and electricity regulation, with a strong focus on our customer relationships.  Our consultants can provide a range of power systems analysis studies, using industry-standard software such as DIgSILENT, PSSe, IPSA and PSCAD.

We are passionate about the decarbonisation of the energy system and the transition to “Net Zero” and aim to support our clients to accelerate this change as effectively as possible, whether that be large network companies, independent connection providers, private developers etc.

Our clients range from electricity network operators, regulators and public sector organisations through to private developers, both onshore and offshore, looking to develop projects connecting into the electricity networks.

We have strong relationships with a wide range of partners and associates, developed over many years of working in the industry, which ensures that we can offer the highest quality and most appropriate capabilities, tailored to meet the requirements of each project and client.

Our work is underpinned by solid analysis and modelling, including techno-economic assessment, cost benefit analysis, power systems analysis and network modelling.

Working with you to accelerate your journey to Net Zero.

Meet the team

Ricardo Echeverri Martinez

Senior Power Systems Consultant

PhD (Hons), MSc EE, Bach EE

Previously Project Engineer and Ricardo holds a PhD and MSc in Electrical Engineering. He is a self-motivated professional with over 10 years of experience in electrical transmission, distribution systems and R&D. During his Doctoral degree, Ricardo proposed a methodology to support decision making in the planning, design and operation of Smart Grid Projects. Also, he has researched a number of high-profile projects with different technologies (Solar PV, BESS, Wind and Synchronous machines) both on grid and off-grid with The Valley University (Colombia), University of Sevilla (Spain) and with the National Institute of Electricity and Clean Energies (México).

Prior to joining Blake Clough, Ricardo was an Electrical Engineer HV Design at GERS LLC (Colombia and USA). Some of his activities include AIS/GIS HV-LV substation design, overhead transmission line, (HV/LV) cable sizing, protection VT/CT calculation, insulation coordination, underground cable ducting design, earthing study and design, switchgear building technical specification, overall schematics, trenching layouts, lightning protection systems design for complex hybrid and utility scale projects.

He has also worked as a Power System Engineer at DNV Australia-Power Grids. Carry out Protection Coordination Studies, Short Circuit Study, Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis and Load Flow Studies.

Sohail Mian

Power Systems Director

BEng, MSc, PhD, MIET

Sohail Mian has a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Petroleum Engineering and PhD in Control and Power investigating converter topologies and the subsequent design of their control systems for integrating energy storage systems to the grid.

Since joining Blake Clough, he has worked with a number of clients on grid connection studies including preparation of grid connection applications, grid compliance studies, protection coordination and arc flash studies.

He is also currently a contributing member of the CIGRE working group for the Feasibility study and application of electric energy storage systems embedded in HVDC systems.

Andrés Calvache

Senior Power Systems Consultant

BSc, MSc

Holding a BSc and MSc in electrical engineering, Andrés is a dynamic, self-motivated and well-organised professional. He has had experience in electrical transmission and distribution projects planning and construction, power equipment testing, and design and analysis studies for power systems.

From 2011 to 2013, he was a project engineer for Sucroal, a chemical and biotechnological company; he led the construction and commissioning of the electrical facilities for a new water waste treatment plant. From 2013 to 2018, he worked with the Universidad del Valle as a research assistant and technical consultant for projects related to short-circuit withstand capability in distribution transformers, feasibility and basic engineering specifications for high-voltage and high-power test laboratories.  From 2018 to 2020, he was responsible for the technical department of IMP Ingeniería; He was in charge of power quality studies, earth and grounding resistance measurement, thermographic survey for electrical installations, LV and MV electrical design, load flow, arc flash hazard and short-circuit studies. From 2020 to 2023, he was an engineer in the technical office department for Compañia Energetica de Occidente (CEO), one of the biggest Colombian DNOs.

Andrés research interests include power systems design and analysis, asset management, reliability-centered maintenance, predictive maintenance techniques, and optimising Distributed Energy Resources.

Hussain Shiraz

Power Systems Engineer

BE

Hussain Shiraz is a Power Systems Engineer within Blake Clough, with a strong academic background, having achieved a high score in his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. During his degree program, he led his group for the project of designing and feasibility analysis of a 236kW PV system installed at a garments factory in Pakistan. With 1 year of experience in power systems and energy, he has worked on different commercial and industrial projects in which he has performed multiple power system studies including protection coordination, short circuit and arc flash analysis in the US.

He was also associated with a Photovoltaic Consultancy in which he has worked on technical design and scrutiny of bidders of different solar projects in Pakistan.

Shahzaib Anjum

Power Systems Engineer

BSC,MSc

Shahzaib Anjum holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering.  He has had experience in electrical transmission, operation, and planning sector.

Prior to his current position at Blake Clough Consulting, he worked for Pakistan’s EHV transmission system company, NTDC. Initially he started as Grid Operations Engineer with NTDC and later moved to the power system studies team. He also has experience with Powersoft19, a consultancy firm, where he worked as an embedded system engineer on firmware development of a FACT device called Power Line Guardian.

Shahzaib has experience in PSSe, DIgSILENT PowerFactor and Matlab, as well as Python scripting and C++.  He has carried out load flow, contingency analysis and transient stability studies for the HV transmission network of Pakistan, as well as performing compliance studies for renewable generation plants.

Waqas Ahmed

Power Systems Engineer

BEng, MEM

Waqas Ahmed holds a BEng in Electrical Engineering and a MEM in Energy Management.  His background is in PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Electrical Design with a track track record spanning over five years within the industry. His areas of specialisation encompass the design and commissioning of Solar PV + Battery energy storage systems, intelligent power management, control system applications and conducting comprehensive power system studies.

Before joining Blake Clough, he worked as an Assistant Manager of Applications at one of Pakistan’s largest EPC companies. During his tenure, he was involved in multiple BESS projects, overseeing both design and feasibility studies. He led his team to the successful completion of the largest BESS project in Pakistan.

Paras Khayyam Ahmed

Power Systems Engineer

M.Eng (Ongoing), B.Eng

Paras Khayyam Ahmed is an Electrical Engineer currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Power Systems. With a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Paras gained professional experience as a Power Systems Engineer at AllumiaX LLC before joining Blake Clough.

In his previous role, he conducted comprehensive Power System Studies, including Load Flow, Short Circuit, Protection Coordination and Arc Flash Studies. Paras implemented these studies based on industry standards such as IEEE/ANSI, NFPA, and other state-specific codes, covering facilities such as Hospitals, Data Centres and Pump Stations. Additionally, Paras has a background as a Management Trainee in a textile factory, providing exposure to maintenance activities, electronics, instrumentation, and adherence to Health and Safety Standards in a manufacturing setting.

Paras is proficient in software tools such as ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, and programming languages such as MATLAB and C++.

Karim El Shafie

Business Development Executive

BSc

Karim El Shafie holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration specialising in Accounting.

He is a seasoned Business Development and Relationship Manager with 20 years of experience in the sector. Karim has a strong background in different business fields and has successfully identified and capitalised on numerous business opportunities, driving revenue growth and cost efficiencies. His expertise lies in building and nurturing client relationships and developing different strategies for business improvements.

Throughout his career, Karmin has demonstrated a passion for continuous learning, allowing him to adapt quickly to evolving market dynamics. His collaborative approach and ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels have earned him a reputation as a trusted consultant and reliable partner in driving business success.

Outside of work, Karim enjoys swimming and spending time with his family.

Sophia Syed

Power Systems Engineer

BS, MSc

Sophia holds a first-class Master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of Aberdeen and is recognized as a “British Council Women in STEM” scholarship awardee. Her academic journey focused on advancing sustainable practices, culminating in a thesis project evaluating energy islands for offshore energy integration.

With a solid foundation in Mechanical Engineering, Sophia gained three years of valuable experience in a public sector organization in Pakistan. She worked on various R&D projects, gaining expertise in data analysis, algorithm design and mathematical modelling. Proficient in programing languages such as MATLAB and python, she leverages technology for effective problem-solving. Sophia is passionate about spearheading the decarbonization of the energy sector through innovative solutions.

Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds solace and inspiration in the outdoors, often participating in activities such as hiking, and channels her creativity through the expressive medium of painting.

Blake Clough Staff - Rizwan

Rizwan Shahid

Junior Power Systems Engineer

BE

Rizwan graduated as a proud gold medalist from DHA Suffa University in August 2023. This was a top academic award for his B. E. in Electrical Engineering.  Since then, he has been working as a Power System Engineer, gaining experience in load flow, short circuit, protection coordination and arc flash analysis for various projects in the US and UK. 

He has experience in a range of software tools including ETAP, DIgSILENT Power Factory, AutoCAD, SKM Power Tools, and MATLAB/Simulink.

Blake Clough Staff - Sherif

Sherif Khairy

Power Systems Engineer

BSC (Hons), MSc

Sherif is a Power Systems Engineer with a strong academic background. He worked as an electrical power systems teaching assistant at the German International University in Cairo, Egypt. 

He holds a Batchelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Cairo University and is currently pursuing his MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, specifically around grid code requirements and the impact of grid-connection inverter-based renewable energy sources on the power network, using PSCAD/ EMTDA and MATLAB/SIMULINK. 

He is experienced in electrical design and studies for MV and LV distribution networks, substations and renewable energy projects.

Faiq Hayat

Power Systems Engineer

B.E.

Faiq Hayat is a Power Systems Engineer with Blake Clough Consulting.  Previously, he worked as a Power Systems Design Engineer at Siemens, where he focussed on modeling and analysing HV, MV, and LV electrical networks. He has experience in short circuit studies, equipment evaluations, and coordinating protective devices for various projects across Europe. Faiq has also performed Arc Flash analysis and mitigation, ensuring compliance with key industry standards such IEEE 1584, IEC 60909, and NFPA 70E. Faiq is well used to engaging directly with clients, preparing technical reports and contributing to R&D efforts within the industrial and commercial sectors.

Faiq also has experience in Control, Protection, and Automation. He was involved in the testing and commissioning of a 350MW grid at Scatec Solar in Sukkur, Pakistan, where he managed Factory and Site Acceptance Tests, relay programming, and the implementation of SCADA systems in line with IEC 61850 protocols.

Faiq holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, with a CGPA equivalent of a first class degree.  Outside of work, he enjoys playing football and exploring the world.

Victor Mulimakwenda

Power Systems Consultant

MSc,BEng (Hons)

Victor holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and an MSc in Finance and Investment from Sheffield Hallam University. During the MSc course, Victor received the Hentons Prize awarded for the highest overall mark on the course as well as a nomination for Inspirational Student Award.

He is a dynamic and motivated professional with a proven track record of delivering strategic solutions and driving business growth for a diverse client base within the Great Britain renewable energy sector.

Victor has 3 years of experience working on a range of grid connection projects, regularly advising developers on grid connection strategies, project construction timescales and costs for both distribution and transmission connections for onshore wind, solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and hybrid systems. Additionally, he has participated in, and led meetings with Distribution Network Operations (DNOs), National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO), and Transmission Network Owners (TOs) on behalf of developers at various project stages to discuss grid connection options and strategies to find the least-cost, technically acceptable connection designs. Recently, Victor has been focusing on helping developers understand the various grid reforms and how these may affect project deliverability.

At Blake Clough Consulting, Victor is involved in diverse projects within grid consulting and integration of renewable energy into the networks and leverages his experience delivering high quality work and fostering relationships with clients.

Outside of work, Victor enjoys listening to music, going to the gym, and playing basketball, football and badminton.