Head of Interconnection - Italy

Job Title              Head of Grid – Italy

Department       Grid

Reporting to      Head of Grid - EMEA

About Lightsource bp   

Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects. We are a 50:50 joint venture with bp with a mission to help drive the world’s transition to low carbon energy.

With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years, we are well-positioned to capitalise on this growth. By joining the Lightsource bp team, you will ‘be the change’ on the world’s energy transition to a more sustainable future.

We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit as we continue to push the boundaries of an ever-changing energy landscape. By choosing a career with us, you can expect a challenging and fulfilling role surrounded by people who are passionate and have brilliant ideas about sustainable technology, innovation and making the world a better place.

What you’ll do (the role)            

SUMMARY

This role involves the autonomous management of a diverse and growing team across the full grid/solar lifecycle of the ITALY pipeline. You will be required to work closely with the development, construction and asset management team, using high level communication and problem-solving skills to ensure the successful completion of projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The position requires both technical and commercial knowledge, as well as strategic planning skills and the ability to form strong working relationships. A strong network of contacts, and knowledge of the TSO/DNO/DSO/ICP´s and government agencies responsible for grid connections is essential to success in this role, as is the necessary expertise and drive to contribute to the rapid growth of our ITALY development and construction pipeline.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

• Assembling and managing the Grid project team and combining stronger leadership to ensure the work is completed on time and budget and the accomplishment of country/team objectives.
• Advise the Grid team in ITALY, providing assistance during project development by identifying factors influencing and influenced by the grid connections.
• To manage and be responsible for the coordination and submission of grid applications in ITALY that include all relevant information required by the different TSO/DNO’s, ensure they are submitted in a timely manner, and they progress through the TSO/DNO processes without delay.
• To manage the review process for grid connection offers to ensure they meet Lightsource bp requirements and represent the minimum scheme required.
• To be key for the creation and maintenance of framework agreements (including performance management) with ICPs to ensure Lightsource bp has the required delivery capacity at the appropriate commercial terms.
• To support the creation and maintenance of framework agreements with HV equipment suppliers to ensure Lightsource bp has the required delivery capacity at the appropriate commercial terms.
• To contract the engineering/studies/surveys/drawings as necessary to start the design process of the Non-Contestable and Contestable Works with the TSO/DNO/DSO/ICP´s to secure/advance grid connections works (COD dates).
• To play a strategic role in the development of standardised arrangements for grid connections that reduce installation time and cost whilst maintaining or improving plant.
• In a proactive manner, advise development and project managers with technical assistance through the life of the project.
• Working closely with the ITALY Business Development team to progress and develop strategies to grow the pipeline.
• Responsible for the analysis of the TSO/DNO energy capacity study and regulations to support Lightsource BP in new opportunities (in coordination with Grid Code team).
• Develop, strength and maintain contacts with key agencies involved in the development, construction, connection, and operation process such as TSO/DNO/DSO, ICP´s and governmental agencies in all aspects related to the grid connection offer T&Cs and the implantation of the grid connection facilities.
• Understanding of market behaviour in ITALY including 5-year and 10-year transmission plans and grid congestion analysis
• Key Grid interface in the negotiation of grid shared agreement with other developers/players to ensure Lightsource bp requirements.
• Introduce and maintain departmental procedures and processes to support grid connection application, grid capacity checks and grid connection assessment, grid commissioning and compliance accomplishment, ICP auditing.
• Formalise a standardised response sheet to common risk items as identified by Investor and Technical Advisor alike.
• Represent Grid Department at relevant Country Development Meetings and Delivery Meetings as required by Lightsource bp.
• Work closely with Business Development team in the identification and evaluation of M&A and Greenfield projects and Rights (look to purchase grid and land).
• Responsible to represent grid team in all matters related the projects in the ITALY pipeline on risk and mitigation plans for grid connection, grid offer, grid optimization solutions, permitting, construction, costs and schedule of implementing grid connection facilities.
• Responsible for TSO/DNO/DSO due diligence in all deals in ITALY including permitting and construction aspects of grid connection to the grid.
• Work closely with Flexibility team in all aspects related to electricity market services (ancillary services, balancing, constraints, auctions...).
• Support in the process of hybridisation of installations, BESS, WIND, H2, etc.
• Attend Lightsource bp sites and third-party premises as required.
• Present reports periodically to appropriate management / governance team.

Who we’re looking for

KNOWLEDGE

• Strong technical knowledge of ITALY DNO & TNSP (Transmission Network Service Provider) levels.
• Strong knowledge and capability of dealing with Energy Market Operators across ITALY.
• Understanding of 5-year and 10-year transmission plans from key jurisdictions across ITALY.
• Understanding of the grid connection process, grid application process, grid compliance process, grid commissioning process and grid offer negotiations across key jurisdictions in ITALY.
• Direct contacts with key transmission and governmental agencies in the ITALY jurisdictions.
• Understanding of market operations and behaviour in ITALY from a commercial and trading perspective.
• Solid background on grid code and grid connection regulatory compliance.
• Solid background on storage regulatory and connection.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Attained an education, ideally a degree in Power System Electrical Engineering but other relative qualifications and supporting working experience would be considered.
• COMPLEMENTARY QUALIFICATIONS
• Skilled in Energy, Power Systems, Power Transmission, Project Management, Control Engineer, Account& Contract Management, Substations Design, Renewable Energy, Storage and Smart Grid.
• Fluent in written and verbal English.

EXPERIENCE

• Proven track record & experienced in a similar role for minimum of 8 years (desirable 10+).

OTHERS

• • HV Engineer, Protection & Control Systems, RTU/SCADA Controls, Power Transformer, Cabling, Testing & Commissioning, Grid Connections, Contestable Works, Cable System Design, DNO Design.

Why you’ll make a great member of the team  

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• • Effective communicator
  • Strong computing skills
  • A good team player
  • Proactive and positive work attitude
  • Keen and dynamic approach to innovation
  • Able to coordinate with multiple internal and external teams
  • Able to work independently with minimum supervision

Why you’ll want to work for us

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow; a place where your ideas and opinions matter.

Be you

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.

Be responsible

Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity. 

Be recognized

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.

Be inspired

Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives.

Our Core Values

Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do. 

https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers