At Decade Energy, we’re reimagining what it takes to electrify logistics depots, and Ziqi Zhou is helping us build that future from the inside out. As a Project Development Engineer Intern, Ziqi is part of our Infrastructure team, where he supports feasibility studies, technical site layouts and battery energy storage system (BESS) behaviour analysis for upcoming deployments.

He also brings a unique edge: beyond his engineering internship, he’s working on a research project focused on round-trip efficiency in BESS, building thermal and electrical simulation models to identify new pathways for optimization.

From Battery Science to Real-World Impact

Ziqi’s journey to Decade Energy spans six years of deep technical education, starting with a bachelor's degree in renewable energy technologies in China, followed by a master’s program in Europe with a focus on battery engineering. Along the way, he’s developed hands-on skills in AutoCAD, 2D/3D modelling and technical simulation, tools he now uses daily to translate engineering theory into viable infrastructure solutions.

“I’m not a stranger to battery storage or EV charging,” he says. “These were key topics in my previous research, and I love that I now get to apply them in a real-world setting.”

With an eye for detail and a clear understanding of battery health and degradation, Ziqi supports the team in everything from the creation of precise technical drawings to the interpretation of BESS behavior under different operating conditions, with the goal to design systems that last longer, cost less and deliver better performance.

Smart Charging to Minimize Battery Ageing

One of the problems Ziqi is most eager to tackle is battery degradation, specifically the stress caused by fast-charging heavy-duty vehicles at large depots. He sees a promising opportunity to improve system longevity through smarter, data-informed charging strategies.

“Charging profiles that account for state of health and internal temperature could really help extend battery life,” he explains. “My research explores how we might use dynamic current profiles and optimized temperature setpoints to reduce wear without sacrificing performance.”

In doing so, Ziqi is already contributing to Decade Energy’s mission of delivering infrastructure that makes decarbonizing depots and electric fleets not just feasible, but the preferred choice.

Why Decade Energy, Why Now

For Ziqi, the choice to join Decade Energy was not only about gaining work experience, but about the energetic atmosphere. “Even in the first interview, I could feel the passion and brightness from the team. That energy made me eager to be part of it.”

He was drawn to Decade Energy’s holistic approach: an end-to-end solution that integrates battery storage, EV charging and smart grid services to overcome the economic and technical barriers to electrification.

As he sees it, the industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, from centralized fossil power to decentralized, resilient systems powered by renewables and intelligent storage. He’s excited to contribute to that transition through hands-on design work and thoughtful engineering research.

“Sometimes I make people laugh just by being curious,” he says. “But I think that’s what being an intern is about: stay curious, stay proactive and stay humble.”

A Curious, Cheerful Force on the Team

Ask anyone on the team, and they’ll tell you: Ziqi brings a mix of precision, enthusiasm and quiet determination to his work. He’s the one who spots small inconsistencies in site plans, asks thoughtful questions during supplier meetings and keeps refining until everything clicks.

His teammates also appreciate his warmth and humor. “Sometimes I make people laugh just by being curious,” he says. “But I think that’s what being an intern is about: stay curious, stay proactive and stay humble.”

When he’s not drafting feasibility layouts or running simulations, you might catch him singing in the office. (He led his university choir for three years and occasionally performs spontaneous duets with his manager, Baptiste.)

Beyond Work: Gym, Karaoke and Chinese Food Tips

Outside of Decade Energy, Ziqi loves karaoke nights with friends, discovering new songs at the gym and tracking down the best Chinese food in Paris. “I know most of the spots near our office,” he laughs. “So when I feel tired or anxious after work, I know exactly where to go.”

The energy transition is collaborative and moving fast, and we’re proud of the team we’re building at Decade Energy. Stay tuned as we continue to grow, scale and share our learnings.

Curious to connect, collaborate, or work with us? We’d love to hear from you.

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