Grid Engineer

Pele Energy Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in renewable energy is seeking a Grid Engineer to manage grid connection processes and ensure compliance with South African regulations. The role involves technical analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project management for integrating renewable energy projects into the power infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years' experience managing grid connection processes in South Africa.
• Strong understanding of South African regulations, including NERSA and Eskom licensing.

Responsibilities

• Manage grid connection processes, ensuring compliance with standards.
• Obtain necessary licenses and approvals from regulatory bodies.
• Conduct capacity assessments and site evaluations for feasibility.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

BEng or BSc (Eng.) in Electrical or Electronic Engineering

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

PSCAD

DigSILENT PowerFactory

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: 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.

This role involves managing intricate grid connection procedures, ensuring regulatory frameworks are followed, and collaborating with multiple parties to integrate renewable energy projects (wind and solar photovoltaic) into South Africa's power infrastructure.

As a part of the company's engineering team, you will support 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 ensuring grid code compliance and taking full responsibility for all grid-related matters.

Responsibilities

1. Grid Connection Management: Locate and evaluate possible connections within transmission or distribution networks for renewable energy projects. Oversee the entire grid connection process, from application to approval and feasibility studies, ensuring compliance with standards and norms.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Obtain necessary licenses, registrations, and approvals from bodies such as NERSA, Eskom, and municipal authorities. Stay updated on legislation, regulations, and grid codes related to renewable energy integration.
3. Technical Analysis and Design: Conduct capacity assessments, site evaluations, and grid impact studies. Perform load flow analyses and dynamic simulations. Collaborate on grid connection designs and mitigation strategies.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain relationships with grid operators, government agencies, clients, and other stakeholders. Serve as the primary contact for grid-related inquiries and negotiations.
5. Project Support: Provide technical guidance throughout project lifecycle, focusing on grid connection design, compliance, and optimization.
6. Project Management: Oversee initiatives related to user-grid interactions, ensuring effective project completion. Interpret and contribute to electrical design and specifications for substations, wind farms, solar, turbines, and BESS.

Technical Proficiency

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

Principal Responsibilities

• Evaluate connection points within local networks for utility-scale projects.
• Manage permits, registrations, and approvals from NERSA, Municipalities, and Eskom.
• Conduct capacity assessments and site evaluations for feasibility.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies and grid operators.
• Oversee interconnection procedures, ensuring standards are met and projects are approved promptly.
• Provide technical direction during project execution, including compliance and optimization.
• Lead testing procedures for Grid Code Compliance, including Power Quality and RMS validation.
• Stay informed on laws, rules, and grid codes for solar PV integration.
• Prepare reports and documentation for permits and approvals.
• Assess electrical parameters and impacts of renewable integration.
• Keep up-to-date with developments in renewable grid integration technologies.
• Conduct compliance screenings and develop mitigation plans for risks.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• BEng or BSc (Eng.) in Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
• 5-8 years' experience managing grid connection processes in South Africa.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work streams.
• Strong understanding of South African regulations, including NERSA and Eskom licensing.
• Experience with power systems, grid studies, and connection procedures.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools.
• Commercial awareness, budget, and risk management skills.

Competencies

• Leadership Capabilities: Participative Leadership, Planning & Organizing
• Cognitive Capabilities: Analysis & Attention to detail, Problem Solving, Critical thinking
• Interpersonal Capabilities: Assertiveness, Methodical approach, Drive & Action orientation, Flexibility, Excellence & Quality orientation