Grid Engineer

Pele Energy Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in renewable energy is seeking a talented Grid Engineer to integrate wind and solar projects into South Africa's power infrastructure. The role involves managing grid connection procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with various stakeholders. You will provide technical guidance, oversee project management, and ensure effective integration of renewable energy solutions.

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 permits, registrations, and approvals from NERSA, Municipalities, and Eskom.
• Conduct capacity assessments and site evaluations to determine feasibility.
• Provide technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

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

Job description

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 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.

Requirements

Grid Connection Management

• Locate and evaluate possible connections within transmission or distribution networks for renewable energy projects.
• Oversee every step of the grid connection process, from application to approval and feasibility study, ensuring all standards and norms are followed.

Regulatory Compliance

• Obtain necessary licenses, registrations, and approvals from bodies such as NERSA, Eskom, and municipal authorities.
• Stay updated on local legislation, regulations, and grid codes related to renewable energy integration.

Technical Analysis and Design

• Conduct 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 relationships with grid operators, governmental agencies, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary contact for all grid-related inquiries and negotiations.

Project Support

• Provide technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle, focusing on grid connection design, compliance, and optimization.

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 to determine 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 and support during project execution, including compliance and optimization.
• Lead testing procedures for Grid Code Compliance, including Power Quality and RMS validation.
• Stay informed on local laws, rules, and grid codes for solar PV integration.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation for permits and approvals.
• Assess electrical parameters and impacts of renewable integration on the grid.
• Keep up-to-date with developments in renewable grid integration technologies and trends.
• Conduct technical 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:

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