Grid Connection Manager, France

Our client are one of the most well known solar project developers in Europe, with more than 5GW of projects developed globally. As part of their growth in France, they are looking for a Grid Connection Manager, France.

The role function is to ensure that grid connections required for solar projects are delivered in a timely and cost effective manner, in accordance with the technical specs of the DNO/DSOs and the Applicable Law, plus to ensure that grid code compliance is appropriately managed and maintained throughout the development process and the lifetime of a plant.

Responsibilities

• To provide technical assistance during project development and ensure the factors influencing and influenced by the grid connection are considered;
• To carry out technical due diligence and risk assessment on grid connection schemes/grid offers received from TSO/DNO;
• Attend regular meetings with Developers and the Business Development team;
• Carry out inspections for feasibility checks and alignment with the project requirements;
• Coordinate the preparation of the authorisation documentation by the developers in relation to the connection requests and technical approval requested;
• Coordinate the preparation of the technical documentation by the developers relating to the connection projects to be authorized;
• Manage Technical Advisors and Consultants to support Grid and Delivery related activities across France;
• To provide the cost estimates and grid connection delivery timescales to business development teams;
• To manage and be responsible for the process of grid applications ensuring they are submitted in a timely manner and progress through the DNO/TSO and National processes without delay;
• To maintain relationships with DNO/TSO to support the grid application and delivery process for LSbp projects in country of operation;
• To maintain relationships with HV/MV contractors and EPCs to drive performance and ensure they deliver their services to Lightsource standards;
• To review the technical designs submitted by HV/MV contractors or EPCs to LSbp requirements and to achieve cost efficiency without compromising quality;
• To be responsible for implementation of new connection methods arising from DNO/TSO policy changes and changing industry standards;
• To negotiate and develop grid connections design that reduce installation time and cost whilst maintaining or improving plant;
• Support the operation and maintenance of the plants by providing grid expertise to the Asset Manager & O&M team managers;
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with the TSO/DNO design and delivery teams ensuring Lightsource projects progressing smoothly through the project lifecycle;
• Deal with DNO/TSO regarding the Connection Contract and operating regulation;
• Organize all interconnection documents related to utility study results, agreements, letters of credit and consultant studies;
• To be responsible for the updating and optimization of Trackers and DataBase to support team activities;
• Develop and maintain key processes;
• Support the Head of Interconnection in relations with external developers and consultants;
• Support the Head of Interconnection Italy in planning the activities of the GRID team

Knowledge

• Strong technical knowledge of HV (36-400kV) and MV (11 - 30kV) connection work in the Italy;
• Strong knowledge of the requirement for grid code compliance, TSO/DNO connection procedure and administrative authorisations required for connection of renewable plants in the French market;Knowledge of HV/MV
• substation and circuit design and construction standards;
• Candidates with knowledge of France grids would be given preference;
• Knowledge of the dynamic and power quality compliance studies;
• Candidates with experience in in the auction of GSE would be given priority;
• Candidates with power flow/voltage and stability simulations in PSSE, or similar, would be given priority.

Qualifications

• Preferably a degree level qualification associated with electrical power systems and/or electrical engineering;
• Candidates with additional qualification in renewable energy (especially PV) would be
• preferred

Experience

• Proven track record & experienced in a similar role;
• Candidates with experience of working directly for DNOs and/or other Independent Power Producer, will be preferred;
• Candidates with experience in the role of Project engineer will be preferred;
• Candidates with experience in the design and construction of HV stations will be preferred;
• Candidates with experience in the design and construction of underground and overhead MV and HV power lines will be preferred;Commercially astute
• Good network of contacts across the DNO/TSO and ICP environment.
• Candidates with experience in the design and construction of PV solar plant will be preferred