Grid Engineer
This position is open to prospective candidates only, applications via recruitment agencies will not be considered.
GRADE: Junior to Mid Level
SALARY: TBC - Depends on experience
LOCATION: London (Hybrid)
REPORTING TO: Shane Cracknell
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Running grid surgeries and querying network operator feedback to identify grid capacity, preparing G99 grid application and supporting the development team as projects progress through their respective milestones, including communicating with DNOs and NESO.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ROLE:
In this role you will be in the Grid Development team identifying and securing grid capacity both on the distribution level and national transmission level from 11kV up to 400kV network for large-scale solar, wind and BESS projects. Assisting the overall development team in managing the pipeline would be the critical part of your role as a result, you will regularly communicate and liaise with the relevant DNOs and NESO at different stage of the project life cycle.
The ideal candidate must have experience in renewable projects with developers, DNOs or NG specifically in power systems analysis with focus on new connections, excellent communication skills and experience of liaising with external stakeholders such as network operators and specialist grid consultants.
Furthermore, you will be actively managing relevant grid aspects of the business, building and maintaining relationships with different stakeholders throughout the entire development and construction process. Additionally, you will be supporting other departments such as planning team, design, land and legal, if necessary, on any grid connection related matters
Scope of Work
The scope of work is likely to include assisting the team with the following tasks:
· Assisting with the identification and qualification of grid capacity suitable for PV, Wind and BESS by undertaking the desktop power system analysis.
· Assisting with the origination, submission, and management of the process of transmission and distribution connection applications.
Gathering intelligence and analysing the existing and future electricity network available data bases at transmission and distribution level to provide input into the location and electrical characteristics of new solar/wind developments:
· Engagement with NESO and DNOs on pre-app meetings and budget offers to glean market-leading intelligence on the availability of connections any upcoming developments (short-, mid-, and long-term)
· If necessary, work closely with external grid consultants to support with other aspects of the grid connection process.
· Completing the ENA's G99 application form for developments connected to the distribution network.
· Generating SLDs using Auto Cad and analysing the third party technical drawings.
· Supporting the land acquisition team in their role of identifying areas of potential capacity.
· Reviewing grid connection offers and advise the Management team by summarising costs, scope of work and technical aspects of the offer.
· Undertaking detailed cost analysis of the grid connection costs and implementing strategies to reduce and optimise the costs for connection.
· Manage project pipeline by communicating with DNOs / NESO/ ICPs as necessary to track progress with development.
· Assist with active projects, including managing deadlines, multiple project objectives, project timelines, and success criteria for each.
· Preparing Mod Apps and variations to DNO connection offers as required.
· Liaising with developers and TOs/DNOs to understand the status and delivery programs and meet the milestones for grid connections.
· Supporting ICP and EPC procurement processes from an electrical perspective.
· Working with OEMs to gather the information required for applications.
· Working with NESO’s connection portal, completing the application forms including DRC for specific transmission network opportunities.
· Running electrical/power system studies to assess, for example, fault ride through, voltage step change and/or earthing design to de-risk developments as required in advance of construction.
· Supporting on due diligence activities for potential projects acquisitions and co-development portfolios that the company may acquire.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
· 1-2 years in a technical role working electricity projects, including submission of grid connection applications at distribution or transmission level.
· Electrical engineering background preferred (you may have a postgraduate degree in a relevant topic) with experience in a technical environment.
· Experience of data processing and power system analysis.
· Working knowledge of the Grid Code /ENA G99 is essential.
· Ideally working experience in solar and wind projects.
· Experience liaising with external consultants or advisors.
· Great teamwork and communication skills.
A proactive approach and desire to learn new skills and gain experience