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All Things Renewables - Powering The Future - HVDC and The Grid Revolution

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All Things Renewables - Powering The Future - HVDC and The Grid Revolution

36 days ago

All Things Renewables - Powering The Future - HVDC and The Grid Revolution

Join us for an insightful conversation with John Martin, Head of HVDC at LSP Renewables, and Mohammed Younes, Director of Engineering and career coach, as we explore the future of renewable energy and the grid. This episode dives into how the transmission and distribution network is evolving to integrate renewables, the impact of regulatory changes, and the role of cutting-edge technologies like STATCOMs and HVDC systems. We also discuss workforce challenges, career advice, and the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.

Connect with our guests on LinkedIn

John Martin

Mohammed Younes

If you would like to discuss any of the topics from this episode of our 'All Things Renewables' podcast, please contact John Martin on john.martin@lsprenewables.com

Latest Jobs

Transmission & Distribution

Project Director - LirIC

London / Glasgow / Hybrid - United Kingdom

The Project Director is responsible for the successful management and delivery of a UK Interconnector project. Responsibilities will cover all areas necessary to take the project to a Final Investment Decision (FID) / financial close: land and consents; engineering and procurement; commercial and regulatory structuring; financial structuring and raising finance; project budget and plan management; liaison with project partners (if introduced) and shareholders and other stakeholders. It includes responsibility for establishing and managing a suitably qualified and experienced project team, including in house resources and advisers. Responsibilities Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, all areas necessary to take the project to financial close: land and consents; engineering and procurement; commercial and regulatory structuring; financial structuring and raising finance; project budget and plan management; liaison with project partners (if introduced) and shareholders and other stakeholders.  It includes responsibility for establishing and managing a suitably qualified and experienced project team, including in house resources and advisers. Project Team Leadership Lead, coach and develop project team members to achieve project goals and objectives Foster a positive and collaborative culture within your project team based on our Company Values Provide regular feedback to team members and others Feed into the setting of clear performance objectives and goals for Direct Reports Identify training needs and opportunities for professional development within the project team Implement learning plans and training programs designed to enhance the skills and experience within the project team, partnering with the People Team where necessary Participate in the recruitment process by interviewing candidates and making hiring decisions when required Manage the workload distribution within the project team and ensure resources are allocated efficiently Foster a positive work culture Liaison with Project Partners, Shareholders and Other Stakeholders Be an effective champion and spokesperson for the project Report to the Project governance bodies or other as delegated such as the project Steering Committee Provide visibility on and recommend funding requirements for the project on a regular basis Liaison with UK, European and governmental organisations as required Project Management Provide leadership, direct and manage the project team to deliver project requirements in an accurate, efficient and resourceful manner Manage project development spend within budget Manage project development progress to plan Manage project risk and scope Recommend any necessary changes to budget or plan Periodically report of progress against budget and plan Land and Consents Substantiate due diligence in selected preferred converter station and landfall sites Obtain necessary land rights for converter stations Recommend onshore and offshore cable routes Acquire TSO certification in Northern Ireland (NI) to enable access to compulsory purchase powers and implement process to make use of these as required. Obtain necessary landowner cable easements, Crown Estate Leases, and crossing agreements with affected parties Carry out onshore and offshore environmental impact assessments to support consents application Apply for and obtain all necessary consents Manage all stakeholder relations and public consultations in respect of the above Engineering and Procurement Ensure adequate engineering and procurement input into the acquisition of land rights and the consenting process Carry out onshore and offshore engineering surveys in support of procurement Implement the recommended procurement strategy Determine functional specifications for procurement Manage the procurement process Negotiate all development supply chain contracts, construction contracts and any O&M contract(s) required at financial close Commercial and Regulatory Structuring Obtain suitable regulatory treatments from Ofgem and URegNI Manage the interface on all regulatory issues with affected stakeholders Secure and manage the requisite grid connections to the GB and NI onshore grids Negotiate the necessary agreements for dealing with the interconnector interface with balancing and capacity markets in GB and iSEM and for sales of interconnector capacity Ensure arrangements applicable to the project under the Network Codes are acceptable Financial Structuring and Raising Finance Structure the project commercially and financially so that is suitable for non-recourse project financing Raise competitively priced debt and equity Manage the input of tax and accounting advisers as required Devise and implement a suitable insurance strategy for the project for construction and operations Negotiate all financing documentation Obtain financial close Languages English (required) Education, Work Experience & Qualifications 'Right to Work' in the UK (essential) Relevant degree or similar qualification 10 years experience of UK infrastructure projects (essential) Experience managing and leading project teams (essential) Experience managing advisors and consultants (essential) Experience of transmission and/or offshore power projects (desired) Familiarity with onshore and offshore energy cabling (desired) Skills & Attributes Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams to deliver positive outcomes for projects An astute problem solver Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing Ability to work independently with limited supervision  Ability to work well with project partners and stakeholders Able to negotiate to achieve desired outcomes Ability to show initiative and find solutions to problems and liaise with the team in overcoming obstacles and achieving project milestones Strong commercial acumen

Transmission & Distribution

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Scotland - United Kingdom

Alongside the Project Manager / Project Director and project team the Project Engineer will have accountability for successful project delivery including; planning, design, delivery, monitoring, commissioning and handover/close out. You will formalise and specify an engineered delivery solution, brief out the solution to the working party and ensure it is completed through effective management and leadership. You will also managing and caring for the people delivering the works whilst monitoring compliance and to customer/project requirements, objectives and constraints; time, cost, quality and safety. Key Responsibilities Governance Lead and attend project reviews / project meetings Have an awareness of the Digital Briefcase Maintain accurate project records (progress, daily diaries etc.) Prepare both internal/external reports and liaise with stakeholders Analytical Thinking & Decision Making Helps to ensure reports provide relevant information to enable informed, cost-effective decisions in line with overall strategy Helps to ensure scope and package assignment supports the team in coordinated working Specify, understand, develop and implement technical information and drawings into delivery Understanding and specify plant and equipment requirements Health Safety & Environmental Ensure a relentless focus on Zero Harm & keep up to date with changes in legislation Responsible for the safety and welfare of the general public, employees and supply chain Carry out Safety & Environmental Tours/promote observation and safety initiatives Conduct and support Accident/Incident Investigations Monitor effectiveness of the H&S Management System and implement improvement solutions Write and review RAMS and accepting subcontractor RAMS Identifying, raising and reporting risks and hazards Ensure sufficiency and competency of workforce Understand, control and issue safety documentation Completion of audits Setting people to work Risk, Issue & Opportunity Assist the Project Manager to lead risk/opportunity reviews, present the Risk Register and recommend/implement changes Log and escalate any issues that cannot be resolved at delegated level of authority Procurement & Supply Chain Management of subcontractors, including monitoring of contractor attendance and progress, providing direct instruction and support as necessary, such that contractual arrangements are achieved Ensure procurement plans are available in line with the overall project plans, and material/resources/supply chain activities are delivered to meet scheduled deadlines Quality Follow targets/KPI’s in line with project objectives and monitor performance Ensure assurance activities (audits) are undertaken and take appropriate action on findings Contribute towards workshops that cover the principles of continuous improvement  Planning Help to develop, implement and periodically update resource loaded schedules Ensure team adopt productivity and project controls techniques Monitor progress and implement Short Interval Control processes/hold weekly meeting Ensure production of operational milestones reflect master schedule and customer expectations Commercial & Contract Ensure that expenditure is in line with the budget and that resources are utilised efficiently to ensure cost control Able to identify elements for cost recovery from others Incorporate and balance both operational and commercial constraints into decision making Analyse, appraise and implement CEs Ownership of Budget Understanding of the contract and knowledge of commercial impact Manage commercial change Requestion of plant and materials Digital Maintain Digital Group Minimum Standards and operate with appropriate level of digital tools Ensure the team has the correct level of digital training and provide coaching where required Advocate consistency and reliability of digital data to support successful project delivery  Resources & Development Help to develop, implement and update resource allocation plans and raise appropriate requests Setting people to work Upskilling others Coordinate with other project activities and internal functions Leadership & Line Management Motivate and empower the team using the resources available through training, mentoring and performance management. 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Transmission & Distribution

Principal Assurance Engineer - Cables

Warwick & Travel - United Kingdom

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Transmission & Distribution

Project Engineer - Substations

Aberdeen, Glasgow or Inverness - United Kingdom

Are you a skilled engineer with a passion for delivering high-quality projects in the energy sector? This role as a Mechanical & Electrical Substations Project Engineer offers a unique chance to make a significant impact on the UK power network. Imagine being at the forefront of substation projects, from concept to completion, ensuring that mechanical and electrical systems meet stringent technical specifications. This role not only promises professional growth but also the satisfaction of contributing to the nation's energy infrastructure. Key Benefits: - Professional Growth: Enhance your career by leading complex substation projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams. - Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the UK power network. - Safety and Quality Focus: Work within a framework that prioritises safety and quality, ensuring that projects are delivered to the highest standards. - Client Interaction: Develop and manage client relationships, ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships. Key Responsibilities: - Lead the mechanical and electrical aspects of substation project delivery. - Ensure compliance with UK safety and quality standards. - Collaborate with design, procurement, and site operations teams. - Provide technical support during construction and commissioning phases. - Manage client relationships and ensure customer satisfaction. - Support the growth of substations across the UK power network. Who is the ideal candidate? The ideal candidate is a motivated, detail-oriented engineer with a background in substations or similar energy infrastructure projects. A solid foundation in mechanical and electrical systems is essential, along with a passion for delivering high-quality projects. Essential Skills & Qualifications: - Degree or HNC in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. - Experience in substation projects or power systems. - Knowledge of UK power transmission and distribution standards. - Excellent problem-solving and communication skills. - A focus on safety, quality, and innovation.