Job Title: Grid Connection Manager – Germany
Department: Grid
Reporting to: Head of Grid Northern Europe
Location: Berlin, Germany
What you’ll do (the role)
This role involves the autonomous management of a diverse and growing team across the full grid/solar lifecycle of the Germany pipeline. You will be required to work closely with the development, construction and asset management team, using high level communication and problem‑solving skills to ensure the successful completion of projects in a timely and cost‑effective manner.
The position requires both technical and commercial knowledge, as well as strategic planning skills and the ability to form strong working relationships. A strong network of contacts, and knowledge of the DNO/DSO-ICPs and government agencies responsible for grid connections is essential to success in this role, as is the necessary expertise and drive to contribute to the rapid growth of our development and construction pipeline.
Responsibilities
- Manage and be responsible for the submission of grid applications in Germany that include all relevant information required by the Transmission operator / DNO’s, ensure they are submitted in a timely manner, and they progress through the DNO processes without delay.
- Manage the review process for grid connection offers to ensure they meet Lightsource bp requirements and represent the minimum scheme required.
- Benchmark ICPs (substation, transmission line OH/underground, grid connection point) and if necessary, the creation and maintenance of framework agreements (including performance management) with ICPs to ensure Lightsource bp has the required delivery capacity at the appropriate commercial terms.
- Support the long‑lead HV Equipment benchmarking and the creation and maintenance of framework agreements with equipment suppliers to ensure Lightsource bp has the required delivery capacity at the appropriate commercial terms.
- Contract the engineering/studies/surveys/drawings as necessary to start the design process of the Contestable Works with the DNO/DSO, ICPs to secure/advance grid connection works (COD dates).
- In a proactive manner, advise development and project managers with technical assistance through the life of the project.
- Strategic approach. Pre‑emptively secure grid capacity in favourable locations.
- Working closely with Business Development team to progress and develop strategies to grow the pipeline in the country (finding new opportunities either driven by land or by a capacity analysis).
- Develop and maintain contacts with key DNO/DSO, ICPs and governmental agencies related to the grid connection offer T&Cs and the implantation of the grid connection facilities.
- Understanding of market behaviour in Germany including future transmission/ network reinforcement plans and grid congestion analysis.
- Work closely with PPA, Business Development and Commercial engineering teams in the evaluation of project Rights (look to purchase grid and land).
- Key grid interface in technical side of M&A projects between Business Development and Commercial Engineering for the Evacuation Infrastructure Assessment.
- Formalise a standardised response sheet to common risk items as identified by Investor and Technical Advisor alike.
- Proactively manage projects, risk, identifying threats and opportunities to the business and offer appropriate mitigation for grid connection, grid offer, costs and schedule of implementing grid connection facilities.
- Undertake TSO/DNO/DSO due diligence in all deals in Germany including permitting and construction aspects of grid connection to the grid.
- Attend Lightsource bp sites and third‑party premises as required.
- Present reports periodically to appropriate management / governance team.
- Participate in reviewing due diligence reports, feasibility of projects, analysing Grid code compliance & Power system constraints.
- Be able to resolve Grid sharing agreement, Substation sharing, EP and other grid and commercial related issues to the projects in Germany.
- Attend the contractual negotiation with ICP & EPC regarding technical areas such as HV system electrical interconnection works.
- Have good understanding of design packs required for power generation and substations engineering (in terms of Primary, secondary, Civil, construction, commissioning, and energisation).
- Participate in Technical specifications preparation, design optimisation reporting, carrying power systems studies and coordination with Engineering Excellence team (when necessary).
- Reviewing the HV system aspects of different projects including Transmission Line routing, HV equipment layouts, earthing design and reports, mechanical & electrical interlocking, HV busbar calculations, protection coordination, and technical specification for the HV system equipment.
- Conduct PV and BESS interconnection electrical equipment technical review and specification, including MV and HV substations, switchgears, cables, protection equipment and other MV/HV equipment.
- Execution of project develops technical design reports for Transmission Line/ Cable (HV) design, feasibility studies, reports, programs, and cost estimating.
- Execution of Substation's HV equipment design, feasibility studies, reports, programs, and cost estimating.
Knowledge
- Strong technical knowledge of Germany DNO & TSO.
- Strong knowledge and capability of dealing with Energy Market Operators across Germany.
- Understanding of future transmission plans from key jurisdictions across Germany.
- Understanding of the grid connection process, grid application process and grid offer negotiations across key jurisdictions in Germany.
- Direct contacts with key transmission and governmental agencies in the Germany jurisdictions.
- Understanding of market operations and behaviour in Germany from a commercial and trading perspective.
- Solid background on grid code and grid connection regulatory compliance.
- Solid background on storage regulatory and connection.
Qualifications
- Attained an education, ideally a degree in Power System Electrical Engineering but other relative qualifications and supporting working experience would be considered.
Complementary Qualifications
- Skilled in Energy, Power Systems, Power Transmission, Project Management, Control Engineer, Account & Contract Management, Substations Design, Renewable Energy, Storage, Artificial Intelligence and Smart Grid.
Experience
- Proven track record & experienced in a similar role for minimum of 5 years (desirable 8+).
- HV TL & MV DL and Substation permit, construction, design experience for PV or BESS projects.
- Experience in electrical integration of renewable power generation and grid codes.
Other Skills
- HV Engineer, Protection & Control Systems, RTU/SCADA Controls, Power Transformer, Cabling, Testing & Commissioning, Grid Connections, Contestable Works, Cable System Design, DNO Design.
Personal Qualities
- A good team player
- Proactive and positive work attitude
- Keen and dynamic approach to innovation
- Able to coordinate with multiple internal and external teams
- Able to work independently with minimum supervision
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Annual bonus
- Retention bank
- Health insurance
- Superannuation
- Other local benefits