Andrés González García

Andrés González García is a Visiting Research Professor at the Instituto de Investigación Tecnológica (IIT) of Universidad Pontificia Comillas, where he has been actively contributing since 2018. He is also an Affiliate Researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the MIT Energy Initiative and the Universal Energy Access Lab. His work bridges academic research and global policy, focusing on sustainable energy access in developing countries.

• Universidad Pontificia Comillas – Visiting Professor, IIT (2018–Present)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Affiliate Researcher (2012–Present)
• Waya Energy – Co-CEO and Co-Founder

Andrés holds a PhD from Universidad Pontificia Comillas (2024), Cum Laude and awarded the International Doctorate Prize for collaboration with MIT. His educational background includes an Industrial Engineering degree (ICAI, 1995), a Master in International Cooperation, an Executive MBA, and specialized training from Harvard Kennedy School and IESE Business School.

• PhD, Universidad Pontificia Comillas (2024)
• Industrial Engineer, ICAI-Comillas (1995)
• Executive MBA, ICADE Business School (2000)
• Master in International Cooperation, IUDC-UCM (1997)
• Master in Electrical Systems, ICAI-Comillas (2013)
• Specialist in Driving Government Performance, Harvard & IESE (2012)

His research centers on universal access to sustainable energy (SDG7), with a focus on techno-economic and geospatial planning, regulatory frameworks, and decentralized energy systems such as mini-grids. He has pioneered the development of the Reference Electrification Model (REM), a state-of-the-art tool for least-cost electrification planning. His work integrates optimization, digitalization, and innovative business models to enhance energy equity and resilience in low-income regions.

The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on integrated energy planning, combining grid and off-grid solutions, with strong applications in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. His research leverages geospatial modeling, optimization algorithms, and policy analysis to support decision-making for governments and multilateral agencies. The interdisciplinary nature of his work spans engineering, economics, and public policy.

Notable scientific contributions and recognitions include:

• Co-author of the Reference Electrification Model (REM)
• Director of multiple award-winning Master’s theses at Comillas
• International Doctorate Prize from MIT collaboration
• Extensive publication record in journals like Proceedings of the IEEE, Energies, and Sustainability

Andrés has advised PhD candidates and directed numerous Master’s and Final Degree Projects, many of which have received institutional awards. He has secured and led over 26 international research and consultancy projects funded by the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, IFC, European Commission, and private foundations like Shell and Endesa. His work has directly influenced national electrification strategies in countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, India, and Bolivia.

He leads the Universal Energy Access Lab initiatives at IIT-Comillas and MIT, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to design scalable energy access solutions. He is also a co-founder of Waya Energy, a spin-off company translating research into real-world impact. His leadership extends to advisory roles in public and private sectors, including the Rockefeller Foundation and TATA Power.