Grid Connection Manager

 CONTEXT

Founded in 2008, Photosol is a photovoltaic power producer, specialized in large-scale ground-mounted power plants. Today, the group has a portfolio in operation and under construction of nearly 900 MWp, consisting of some 60 plants, and a portfolio under development of 4.3 GWp.

Our strength lies in our sincere belief in our employees so that together we can make Photosol grow. Our ambition is above all to meet the challenges of the energy and ecological transition. It is in this sense that we are looking for passionate people to participate in our development.

As part of its international growth, Photosol group is building a structure in Italy to achieve ambitious and exciting solar projects. Photosol currently has 100 MW asset in Italy and forecast big growth in the country. The Grid connection Manager in Italy will join the EPC team, reporting to the Country Manager and the EPC group director and working closely with other departments specially the development department. 

The position is available as soon as possible.

MISSIONS

The Grid Connection Manager is responsible for all activities associated to the grid connection of the PV plants for Photosol in Italy during acquisition, development, design, construction (as support to construction manager) and electricity sale process. He/ she is acting as the technical referent internally regarding grid matters.

This includes submission and/or review of initial grid connection applications, soluzione tecnica minima generale (STMG) and soluzione tecnica minima di dettaglio (STMD) to relevant System Operators (SOs), preliminary designs of any internal grid, CAPEX and OPEX calculations and assumptions during development phase, management of relationships with SOs during permitting process, technical design reviews and decisions, obtaining of final connection agreement, managing consultants, land agreements for grid connection, electrical technical negotiations with contractors, support to the construction team and to the operations team to some extent.

The Grid Manager will work in project teams with close cooperation with development project managers, project engineers, sourcing and transaction managers.

The role requires a technical background in electrical engineering (preferable with specialization in high voltage grid) but also understanding and direct experience in other aspects of development of renewable energy projects, including permitting (with particular focus on how grid connection process is related to all other permit procedures), knowledge of Italian Integrated Active Connections Text (TICA) development strategy and overall vision on renewables energy business practices. 

RESPONABILITIES : 

Acquisition phase

- Taking part to the initial screening of opportunities of acquisition and subsequent DD, taking care of evaluating the STMG in place (if any) including evaluation of Capex and permitting process feasibility or, in case of green field projects, evaluating potential connection possibilities and associated risks and costs

Development phase

- Assessment of possible connection strategies and set a grid connection strategy.

- Leading communication with System Operators and with other Developers with same STMG, including taking part to Technical meetings organized by System Operators (Tavolo Tecnico), drafting, and negotiating of electrical connection stall sharing agreements and related design activities. 

- Optimize and secure the grid route defined in STMG by leading land agreements, identify obstacles and shortcuts, anticipate design study for authorities and special agreements for obstacles.

- Working out high-level cost and performance-optimised grid solutions (with input from Grid and Control Engineer), including both internal grid, farm station and connection to external grid. 

Realization phase

- Communications to System Operators, grid regulating authorities, manage grid connection agreement. Include the relevant Photosol staff for specific questions with System Operator.

Construction phase

- Acting as back office on what was agreed on during Development or Realization. Being a Key Account Manager (KAM) towards System Operators and regulating authorities. This includes being aware of TCM communication to those entities in the Take Over process. The Grid Planner may participate, with low priority, in the pre-energization or pre-take over process towards system operators

Operation phase

- Supporting the construction project manager on specific questions.

Other activities

- Following up the legal and technical framework regarding grid connection topics alongside with the internal and external legal specialist.

- Participating to global reflexions on grid connection with internal and external stakeholders

PROFILE

External qualifications and experiences

- MsC Electrical Engineering, preferred.

- At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role

Language

- Italian mother tongue or fluent written and spoken 

- English fluent written and spoken

Expertise:  

- Applicable legislation to grid connection, grid operation and grid development

- Grid design best practice

- Components used in high (including medium) voltage grid design (cost, usage, limitations)

- System Operator business and planning processes 

- Tariff structures

Good understanding on : 

- Concepts for generation of electricity from PV power 

- Static and dynamic electromagnetic effects 

- PV power particulars as regards electricity generation

- Concession application processes

- Handling of consultants

- Engineering aspects making up a commercially attractive PV plant

- Permitting processes for grid

- Scada connections

- Characteristics of generators, cables, transformers, switchgear

- Standard contracts for BoP in the relevant country (ABT, YSÄ)

- Calculation of active losse

WHAT WE OFFER :

- Permanent contract. 

- Salary up to profile. 

- 10 euros ticket restaurant each working day fully paid by employer

- Remote work : up to 2 days/ week

Location :  Milano

Starting date : As soon as possible