Head of Grid Connections, South Korea
We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.
For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.
Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.
Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.
What you’ll do
SUMMARY
This role involves the autonomous management of a diverse and growing team across the full grid/solar lifecycle of the South Korea 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 DNO/DSO-ICPs 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 development and construction pipeline.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
• Build and Develop Grid team in South Korea, providing assistance during project development by identifying factors influencing and influenced by the grid connections.
• To manage and be responsible for the submission of grid applications in South Korea that include all relevant information required by the Transmission operator / DNO’s, ensure they are submitted in a timely manner, and they progress through the 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 responsible for the ICPs benchmarking and if necessary, 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 be responsible for the Long-lead Equipment benchmarking and if necessary, the creation and maintenance of framework agreements with 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 Contestable Works with the DNO/DSO, ICPs to secure/advance grid connections work (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 Business Development team to progress and develop strategies to grow the pipeline in the country.
• Develop and maintain contacts with key DNO/DSO, ICPs and governmental agencies related to the grid connection offer T&Cs and the implantation of the grid connection facilities.
• Understanding of market behaviour in South Korea including future transmission/ network reinforcement plans and grid congestion analysis
• Work closely with PPA, Business Development and Commercial engineering teams in the evaluation of project Rights (look to purchase grid and land).
• Introduce and maintain departmental procedures to support grid connection application, grid capacity checks and grid connection assessment, ICP auditing.
• Formalise a standardised response sheet to common risk items as identified by Investor and Technical Advisor alike.
• Represent Grid Department at relevant Development Meetings and Delivery Meetings as required by Lightsource bp.
• Key grid interface in commercial side of M&A projects between Business Development and Commercial Engineering.
• Responsible to represent grid team in all matters related the projects in the South Korea pipeline on risk and mitigation plans for grid connection, grid offer, costs and schedule of implementing grid connection facilities.
• Responsible for DNO/DSO due diligence in all deals in South Korea including permitting and construction aspects of grid connection to the grid.
• Attend Lightsource bp sites and third-party premises as required.
• Assembling and managing the Grid project team and combining stronger leadership to ensure the work is completed on time and budget
• Present reports periodically to appropriate management / governance team.
• Participate in reviewing due diligence reports, feasibility of projects, analysing Grid code compliance & Power system constraints.
• Be able to resolve Grid sharing agreement, Substation sharing, EP and other grid and commercial related issues to the projects in South Korea
Have good understanding of design packs required for power generation and substations engineering (in terms of Primary, secondary, Civil, construction, commissioning, and energisation)
Who we’re looking for
KNOWLEDGE
• Strong technical knowledge of South Korea DNO & TNSP (Transmission Network Service Provider) levels.
• Strong knowledge and capability of dealing with Energy Market Operators across South Korea.
• Understanding of future transmission plans from key jurisdictions across South Korea.
• Understanding of the grid connection process, grid application process and grid offer negotiations across key jurisdictions in South Korea.
• Direct contacts with key transmission and governmental agencies in the South Korea jurisdictions.
• Understanding of market operations and behaviour in South Korea from a commercial and trading perspective.
• Solid background on grid code and grid connection regulatory compliance.
• Solid background on storage regulatory and connection
Must be fluent in spoken and written Engllsh
QUALIFICATIONS
• Skilled in Energy, Power Systems, Power Transmission, Project Management, Control Engineer, Account& Contract Management, Substations Design, Renewable Energy, Storage and Smart Grid.
EXPERIENCE
• Proven track record & experienced in a similar role for minimum of 8 years (desirable 10+).
• 154KV TL & 22.9KV DL Substation permit, construction, design experience for PV solar or wind project
• Experience in electrical integration of renewable power generation and grid codes
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 with 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: Join an agile, international team working across 15 countries to power the future and positively impact people, communities, ecosystems and biodiversity across the world.
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.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation related to LSbp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us to request accommodations.