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Interconnection Director

Posted 17 June 2024
Salary Competitive Salary (DOE)
LocationUnited States of America
Job type Permanent
Discipline Renewable Energy & InfrastructureEnergy, ESG & Green Tech Finance
ReferenceSM-ID-17JUN24
Contact NameSam Molloy

Job description

Job Description;

The ideal candidate will lead the Interconnection and Transmission team in support of the execution of utility-scale battery energy storage projects from development through commissioning.

The Director of Interconnection will report to the company’s Head of Engineering, have integration into the Development Group, and work across the organization, leading the interconnection and Grid Integration process through Development, pre-construction and project execution, accounting for the strategic market analysis and deep knowledge of interconnection procedures, queue positioning, and transmission system analysis in various RTO/ISO, as well as to steer greenfield project siting, and prepare/manage interconnection requests through to an Interconnection Agreement with favorable terms.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leads all aspects of electrical interconnection, delivery strategies, strategic interconnection acquisition, basis and curtailment analysis for company’s assets and portfolio.

  • Leads interactions with the ISOs throughout the lifecycle of company’s projects.

  • Work as a leader, team member and individual contributor to develop & implement models (PSSE, TARA, PowerWorld, ASPEN, PSCAD...etc) for interconnection applications and packages.

  • Mentor Interconnection Engineer(s) and key organizational stakeholders for the ISO/RTO interconnection processes (Interconnection schedules, milestones, deliverables etc.).

  • Develop and implement strategies by assessing the companies pipeline grid integration opportunities, preparing and filing interconnection documents and managing the Company’s interconnection positions.

  • Conduct analysis and forecast of congestion as related to the company’s pipeline opportunities for various transmission systems throughout North America within the various ISO/RTOs.

  • Provide ISO/RTO market insight via industry market analysis sources, working forums/groups and act as the subject matter expert on interconnection-related market design and regulatory issues.

  • Working with the company’s Development team to identify transmission opportunities and evaluate potential project sites based on transmission considerations.

  • Working in collaboration with the Development and Market Operations team to assess power delivery options.

  • Understand BESS behavior and impacts on electrical transmission systems (SSR, reactive power, etc.) and ensure compliance with grid codes and the technical interconnection requirements for the companies’ development portfolio and operating assets.

  • As a key stakeholder work cross organizationally in the negotiation/amendment of interconnection contractual agreements.

  • Ensure project compliance with GIA, and utility standards.

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local grid codes and regulations.

  • Develop the necessary systems and processes to ensure that GIA requirements are adhered to at each step of project, development through operations.

  • Maintain operational knowledge of grid code and associated safety by design standards, regulations, laws, and procedures.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • ABET accredited bachelor’s degree in Power Systems, electrical engineering, or related field. PE or equivalent Certification preferred.

  • 5+ years within a Management/Leadership role

  • 7+ years of relevant engineering and technical policy experience including renewable energy design and interconnection tariff structures and business practice manuals.

  • Familiarity with battery energy storage design and technical standards preferred.

  • Knowledge of System Impact Studies (SIS) and other interconnection studies of renewable energy generating facilities with the ISO/SPP markets.

  • Understanding of electrical diagrams, preliminary site plans, and preparation of interconnection request packages for submittal.

  • Coordinate with VP Governance & Regulatory Affairs to monitor and report on tariff changes impacting projects, as well as providing support for outreach and lobbying efforts.

  • Expert in transmission systems and transmission expansion plans in US.

  • Experience with substation design and transmission-level power system protection and coordination is preferred.

  • PSSE, Aspen, PSCAD, ETAP or AmpCalc modeling experience preferred.

  • Working knowledge of NERC planning standards and FERC rules and regulations.

  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365

  • Superior communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.