To apply, send your CV to lynne@kwena.net or apply directly at the link below.

y client in the renewable energy industry is looking for a Senior Grid Engineer to join their team. The successful candidate can be based in either Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Reporting to the Head of Project Development, the Senior Grid Engineer will have overall responsibility for grid connection activities working alongside the Utility Project Development, Engineering, and Construction teams. Their scope will encompass all aspects of the grid connection process from capacity assessments, Digsilent Simulations, overview of MV & HV connection design, engagement with Eskom, and overseeing the implementation of grid connection works.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Technical:

• Provide both strategic and technical insight into the company’s utility project pipeline planning.
• Participate as a key resource in the identification of new project sites and project acquisition targets.
• Detailed understanding of the South African Grid Codes, regulations, and standards that relate to renewable energy projects and connecting/operating these generators within the network.
• Undertake Grid Impact Assessments and Grid Code Compliance assessment of grid connection capacity (including load flow assessments) and estimate connection costs, in order to find the most commercially and technically viable grid connection configurations for the company’s utility-scale projects.
• Manage and oversee the interface with Distribution (Dx) and Transmission (Tx) System operators during the project development and construction phases.
• Ensure that Cost Estimate Letters (CELs), Budget Quotes (BQs) and Connection Agreements are received/executed timeously.
• Extensive engagement with Eskom officials (primarily Grid Access Unit and Planning) to gain information to support grid strategy and risk assessment, and to ensure timeous delivery of CEL, BQs and Connection Agreements.
• Support construction teams to ensure that the grid connection aspects of project construction is completed on time and within budget, with the project achieving full Grid Code Compliance as scheduled.
• Review grid connection scope, cost, timing and risks for project acquisitions.
• Prepare documentation for and manage the RETEC process.
• Manage internal or external design consultants as required.
• Review detailed design documents.
• Lead handover of the grid connection aspects of projects from development into construction, and finally through construction close-out and into the O&M team.
• Manage and train the company’s grid engineer(s) to first of all assist the senior grid engineer in the tasks listed in this job description and secondly increase grid engineering capacity within the company

Administrative/Operational/Managerial:

• Prepare reports for management and provide technical input for PPAs and other contractual documents as required
• Undertake site assessments/inspections (within South Africa and occasionally in other parts of Africa).
• Assist with general technical and engineering work, including regulatory reviews, project planning, grid connection costing, technical design, tender specifications and review, design reviews, and other aspects of renewable energy project developments.
• Develop, review and provide inputs to tender and contract technical specifications to ensure that grid connection and electrical items are adequately covered and risks mitigated.
• Support the Project Development and Engineering teams in preparing highly competitive tender submissions for government and private client offtake processes or REIPPPP bids.
• Stay abreast of the competitive environment relating to renewable energy project connections to the network.
• Actively participate in the SAPVIA grid access/technical working group and attend all relevant forums/meetings to inform the company project strategy.

Interpersonal:

• Engage with a wide variety of stakeholders to achieve business objectives.
• Develop strong working relationships with various stakeholders, including Eskom Grid Access Unit, the Dx and Tx System Operators, RETEC, GCAC, equipment suppliers, EPC and O&M Contractors, external consultants, and lender’s advisers.
• Display a problem-solving attitude and demonstrate innovative ways to resolve challenges (using technical, commercial and interpersonal skills).
• Operate as a strategic thinker, using your knowledge of energy markets and renewable energy to inform the company’s strategy and implementation plans over the coming decades.
• Engage and work with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders
• Supervise and manage internal and external resources

KPI’s:

• Number of project CEL and BQs received
• Number of Grid Connection Agreements finalised and executed
• Grid connection and site identification strategy approved and in execution
• Number of new projects identified, screened and grid cost and risks assessed

REQUIREMENTS:

• Electrical engineering degree (B.Eng or M.Eng).
• Electrical PrEng registered (active)
• 7+ years professional experience as an Electrical Engineer, including 5+ years in a project environment working on substations and/or grid-connected renewable energy facilities.
• Experience in negotiating grid connection agreements, as well understanding and interest in large BESS (beneficial).
• Willing and able to travel as and when required

Technical Competencies:

• Knowledge of Digsilent, PSSE, PSCAD and other relevant simulation software.
• Detailed understanding of the South African Grid Codes, regulations and standards that relate to renewable energy projects and connecting/operating these generators within the network.
• Awareness and understanding of the equivalent codes, regulations and standards in the region.
• Knowledge and experience of power systems, grid studies, and grid connection of utility-scale renewable energy projects in South Africa and beyond.
• Must be fully proficient in English (verbal and written communication) and be fully computer literate (MS Office Suite and Google App Suite).

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strong desire to learn and grow within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Comfortable working to advance multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines, taking full responsibility for the grid connection aspects of large projects.
• Independent and critical thinker with strong analytical ability and commercial awareness.
• The ideal candidate will be passionate about the renewable energy industry and the company’s contribution to the future of energy.
• He/she will embody respect and responsibility in the full sense of the word, and will enjoy contributing to a team of highly knowledgeable professionals.

Please note that if you have not received a response to your submission within 2 weeks, your application has been unsuccessful.