Grid Connection Manager

Senior Grid Connection Manager – Renewable Energy

Location: Ireland

Sector: Renewable Energy / Solar / BESS / Grid Infrastructure

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports To: Managing Director

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Grid Connection Manager to lead and manage the grid connection activities for a portfolio of large-scale renewable energy projects across Ireland.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the grid connection process from early-stage feasibility and capacity assessment through to connection application, technical studies, connection offer, detailed design, construction, commissioning and energisation.

Working across solar PV, battery energy storage, wind and other renewable energy projects, you will act as the key technical interface between the project development team, engineering consultants, contractors, EirGrid, ESB Networks and other relevant stakeholders.

This is a senior position requiring a strong understanding of the Irish electricity network, grid connection processes, technical requirements and the commercial and programme implications of grid infrastructure.

Key Skills:

·       Lead the grid connection strategy for renewable energy projects from early development through to energisation.

·       Manage grid connection applications and associated processes with EirGrid and ESB Networks.

·       Assess potential connection points, available capacity and technical constraints for new projects.

·       Lead the preparation, submission and management of grid connection applications and supporting technical documentation.

·       Manage the ECP-GSS connection process, including pre-application and engagement requirements.

·       Review and negotiate Connection Offers, Connection Agreements and associated technical/commercial documentation.

·       Coordinate grid studies including load flow, fault level, voltage, dynamic, stability and power quality studies.

·       Review and challenge technical studies undertaken by external engineering consultants.

·       Develop and manage grid connection programmes, identifying critical path activities, risks and dependencies.

·       Liaise directly with EirGrid, ESB Networks, consultants and project stakeholders to resolve technical and programme issues.

·       Manage the technical interface between the grid connection and the project's solar PV, BESS, substation, HV/MV and electrical infrastructure.

·       Ensure project designs meet applicable Irish Grid Code and Connection Network Code requirements.

·       Coordinate the design and delivery of substations, transformers, transmission/distribution connections, overhead lines and underground cabling where applicable.

·       Review Single Line Diagrams, protection schemes, earthing arrangements, transformer specifications, CT/VT requirements and associated electrical documentation.

·       Manage grid compliance requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

·       Coordinate protection, control, SCADA, telemetry, communications and metering requirements.

·       Support the development and review of commissioning, testing and energisation plans.

·       Lead the resolution of technical queries, non-conformances and grid compliance issues.

·       Manage external grid consultants, electrical engineering consultants and specialist contractors.

·       Provide technical input into project budgets, CAPEX estimates and procurement strategies.

·       Identify and manage grid-related project risks, including capacity constraints, network reinforcement requirements and connection programme delays.

·       Provide regular reporting to senior management on grid connection status, programme, costs, risks and key milestones.

·       Support the wider development team with grid feasibility assessments for new solar, BESS and renewable energy opportunities.

·       Maintain awareness of changes to Irish grid connection policy, Grid Code requirements and renewable energy regulation.

Key Requirements:

·       Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or a related discipline.

·       7+ years' experience within the electricity, renewable energy, power systems or grid infrastructure sector.

·       Strong experience managing grid connections for renewable energy projects in Ireland.

·       Demonstrable experience dealing directly with EirGrid and/or ESB Networks.

·       Strong understanding of the Irish electricity transmission and distribution networks.

·       Detailed knowledge of ECP-GSS and the Irish grid connection process.

·       Strong knowledge of the Irish Grid Code and applicable European Connection Network Codes.

·       Experience with large-scale solar PV, BESS, wind or other generation projects.

·       Experience reviewing grid studies and electrical engineering documentation.

·       Understanding of HV/MV electrical infrastructure, substations and grid connection assets.

·       Experience managing external engineering consultants and technical contractors.

·       Strong understanding of project programmes, budgets, risk management and commercial considerations.

·       Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

·       Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

·       Strong commercial and contractual awareness.

Desirable Experience

·       Previous experience working for a renewable energy developer, IPP, utility, EPC contractor or engineering consultancy.

·       Experience taking renewable projects from development through to RTB, construction and energisation.

·       Experience with 110kV/220kV/400kV transmission connections.

·       Experience with BESS and hybrid renewable energy projects.

·       Knowledge of PSSE, DIgSILENT PowerFactory or other power system modelling software.

·       Experience with protection and control systems.

·       Experience with grid compliance testing and commissioning.

·       Knowledge of the Irish CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks regulatory environment.