Grid Engineer

Pele Green Energy is seeking a talented, highly motivated, and self-driven Grid Engineer. The Grid Engineer will report directly to the Head of Energy Operations. Integrating renewable energy projects (wind and solar photovoltaic) into South Africa’s power infrastructure requires the expertise of a grid engineering specialist. This role involves managing intricate grid connection procedures, ensuring regulatory frameworks are followed, and collaborating with multiple parties. As a Grid Engineer, you will be part of the company’s engineering team, supporting the project development, engineering, procurement, project management, and operations teams with electrical engineering analysis, design, modelling, costing, and commissioning. You will be the primary resource for managing facility connection to the Eskom grid, including grid code compliance, taking full responsibility for all grid related matters.

Grid Connection Management

• For renewable energy projects, locate and evaluate possible connections within transmission or distribution networks.

• Oversee every step of the grid connection process, from application to approval and feasibility study, making sure that all applicable standards and norms are followed.

Regulatory Compliance

• Obtain necessary licenses, registrations, and approvals from bodies such as the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), Eskom, and municipal authorities.
• Stay updated on local legislation, regulations, and grid codes related to renewable energy integration.

Technical Analysis and Design

• Conduct thorough capacity assessments, site evaluations, and grid impact studies.
• Perform load flow analyses and dynamic simulations to optimize grid integration.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop grid connection designs and mitigation strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with grid operators, governmental agencies, clients, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all grid-related inquiries and negotiations.

Project Support

• Provide technical guidance and assistance throughout the project lifecycle, offering expertise on grid connection design, grid code compliance, and optimization strategies.

Project Management

• Oversee initiatives pertaining to user-grid interactions, making sure that projects are completed effectively.
• Interpret and contribute to high-level electrical design and functional specifications for projects, such as substations, wind farm MV networks, and solar/turbines/BESS.

Strong Technical Proficiency

• Knowledge of power system simulation programs (ETAP, PSS/E, PSCAD, DigSILENT PowerFactory, etc.), comprehensive knowledge of protection coordination, load flow studies, grid codes, substation design, and short circuit analysis.

Principal Responsibilities

• For Utility scale projects, locate and evaluate possible points of connection within the local distribution or transmission network.
• Oversee the process of acquiring permits, registrations, and approvals for Renewable projects from NERSA (South Africa's National Energy Regulator), and Municipal & Eskom SOC.
• To ascertain whether grid integration is feasible, carry out comprehensive capacity assessments and site evaluations.
• Build and preserve a solid rapport with government agencies, grid operators, and other pertinent parties involved in the grid connections. operate as the main point of contact for any questions or discussions pertaining to the grid.
• Oversee the interconnection procedure with regulatory bodies and grid operators, making sure that all applicable standards and norms are followed. Assist Renewable projects with the prompt approval and execution of grid connection projects.
• Throughout the course of the project, offer technical direction and support to both internal teams and external partners. Provide knowledge of grid code compliance, optimization techniques, and grid connection design.
• Lead all processes and associated pre-testing (dry-run procedures) and on-site testing with RETEC for full Grid Code Compliance, including Power Quality and RMS compliance validation.
• Stay informed with local laws, rules, and grid codes pertaining to the integration of solar PV systems into the grid. To ensure compliance with all legal and safety standards, interpret and apply regulatory requirements to project planning and execution.
• Compile the thorough reports, applications, and documentation required for permits and approvals of grid connections. Keep thorough records of all grid connection operations, milestones, and compliance conditions.
• Evaluate the possible electrical parameters and effects of Renewable Project integration on the grid network by conducting a thorough study of grid impact studies. Collaborate with engineering teams to create solutions and mitigation plans.
• Keep abreast with the latest developments in Renewable grid integration techniques, technologies, and trends. Colleagues should exchange ideas and information, and training programs should be attended to improve abilities.
• Conduct thorough technical compliance screening for Renewable projects, evaluating equipment configurations, design requirements, and operating parameters.
• Determine possible compliance risks, create plans for mitigation, and work with engineering teams to resolve technical challenges.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• BEng or BSc (Eng.) in Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
• 5 - 8 years’ experience managing the grid connection process for renewable energy projects in south Africa.
• Ability to work across multiple work streams, projects, and contracts.
• Strong understanding of South African regulatory requirements, including NERSA regulations, and Municipal & Eskom licensing procedures.
• In-depth understanding of grid infrastructure, regulations, and grid codes.
• Expertise in utility-scale renewable energy projects in South Africa and abroad, including knowledge of power systems, grid studies, and grid connection.
• People and team management.
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Projects, MS Power Point and MS Excel.
• Commercial competency
• Budget management
• Risk management

Competencies

Leadership Capabilities:

• Participative Leadership
• Planning & Organizing
• Monitoring & Measuring Cognitive Capabilities:
• Analysis & Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Critical thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Assertive
• Methodical
• Drive & Action Oriented
• Flexibility
• Excellence & Quality Orientation