Lead Power Systems Engineer

Permanent employee, Full-time · Sydney

Job Description

Purpose of Role

To provide technical leadership and expertise in relation to all aspects of the NEM grid connection process and support Elgin Energy’s Solar PV and Energy Storage project pipeline through the feasibility development, commissioning, and operational phases. This role would suit an experienced power systems engineer who is seeking a senior position within a development organisation with project management and leadership responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work closely with development colleagues to identify suitable locations for new Solar PV, BESS or Hybrid projects and incorporate power systems analysis and congestion modelling to support decision making for new opportunities.
Specify high level design for Solar PV, standalone BESS, and Hybrid projects to optimise project configurations. Provide technical guidance to Development and Finance teams to ensure optimised project configurations.
Manage the Connection Application Process (R0) for multiple projects across several NEM jurisdictions and ensure that projects are progressed in a timely manner.
Undertake all aspects of Model Acceptance, Benchmarking and GPS compliance studies including Steady State, Dynamic and Power Quality analysis using PSS/E, DigSilent PowerFactory and PSCAD EMTP software packages, as required.
Pro-actively manage relationships with project stakeholders including NSPs, AEMO, Electrical Designer Contractors and OEMs.
Appoint and manage external power systems consultants for the delivery of Connection Application Packages and undertake internal due diligence assessments prior to submission to NSPs/AEMO.
Engage with NSPs to negotiate optimised connection strategies for Solar PV, standalone BESS, and Hybrid projects to ensure cost-effective connections at both transmission and distribution level.
Negotiate Generator Performance Standards and technical aspects of Connection Agreements to ensure positive project outcomes.
Develop cost effective project configurations and connection strategies to ensure commercial viability of projects.
Stay informed of industry developments and provide the wider Elgin Energy team with expert guidance on the latest technological developments in the power systems industry.

Your profile

Skills & Knowledge

Strong technical knowledge of the NER Chapter 5 process, with a proven track record of success in progressing wind/solar/BESS connections with NSPs and AEMO.
Excellent knowledge of power systems analysis software packages including PSS/E, PSCAD and DigSilent PowerFactory as well as associated Python automations skills.
Knowledge of the AC and DC electrical design of Solar PV plants, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and grid connection methodologies.
Knowledge of HV electrical equipment, control systems, SCADA, protection, and metering.
Ability to manage external consultants for the delivery of design and study packages.
Excellent inter-disciplinary communication and presentation skills.
Strong time management, organisational and report writing skills.
Strong appreciation of the commercial implication of design decisions.
Ability to manage relationships with multiple stakeholders effectively.

Experience Required

Appropriate degree in Electrical/Energy Engineering/HV Power System Engineering or related discipline.
5+ years’ experience working in a connections-focussed environment within an Engineering Consultancy, Project Developer, NSP or AEMO.
Evidence of working successfully on multiple projects to demanding deadlines.
Site experience in Solar PV plants and/or high voltage substations is desirable but not essential.

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About us

Elgin Energy is a full-service, utility scale, solar+storage platform bringing projects from origination through to energisation. Elgin is active across the project lifecycle from project origination through to construction management and operational asset management. The company has over 12GW of solar and storage projects across our three key markets of the UK, Australia, and Ireland.

As of 2022, Elgin Energy agreed to sell the UK’s largest solar PV transaction to date consisting of a portfolio of 12 projects with a combined capacity of 519MW of projects including 70MW of collocated energy storage capacity to Scottish Power Renewables (UK) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global utility Iberdrola Group.

In 2021, Elgin Energy secured financing with Berenberg Green Energy Fund for the development of solar PV projects totalling 1.36GW in the UK and Ireland and also raised £25 million via Focus Capital Partners to fund its growth strategy across its core markets. In 2020, the company partnered, in separate transactions, with both Foresight Group and Metka-EGN in relation to two portfolios to deliver a total of 276MW of UK solar development projects and was successful with two Irish solar projects in Ireland’s first solar auction, RESS-1 – Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS). In addition to the above, Elgin Energy delivered 21 solar projects, totalling 230MW, before the UK Government’s Renewables Obligation (ROCs) scheme ended in 2017.

Elgin Energy works with long-term strategic partners to deliver projects to the energization and provides asset management services through their operational life. The company has expanded internationally over the last 14 years with a professional team of engineers, accountants, and lawyers located in its London, Dublin, and Sydney offices. Elgin has a 98% success rate through planning across all its markets.

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We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your interest in Elgin Energy. Please fill out the following short form. Should you have difficulties with the upload of your data, please send an email to kathryn.whyte@elgin-energy.com