Energy Storage Technical Lead

Summary

NEOM is developing the world’s first at-scale 100% renewable power system by harnessing renewable energy sources from wind and solar generation assets. Battery energy storage and other flexibility assets (e.g. Pumped Hydro Storage, DSR, LDES) will be a key enabler to ensure a fully renewable, reliable and low-cost supply of electricity within NEOM.

The Energy Storage Technical Lead plays a critical role in ENOWA’s grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) asset deployment, responsible for technical oversight for contracting projects and ultimately their construction and installation - working closely with project teams, contractors, advisors and Owners’ Engineers to ensure the successful and timely execution of construction activities, adherence to technical specifications and compliance with safety standards.

Position description and responsibilities

Supplier and Vendor Management     

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with potential suppliers involved in ENOWA’s BESS asset deployment process
• Elaborate innovative and cost-effective solutions to enable record low LCOS/LCOE
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on their suitability to ENOWA’s preferred business model, targeted timelines and financing strategy with respect to key criteria e.g. technical specifications, supplier capabilities, quality and cost-effectiveness

Timely Delivery of Materials and Services      

• Work closely with 3rd party Technical Advisors and Owners’ Engineers, suppliers and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of materials and services per project schedules

BESS Tender Processes         

• Manage end-to-end BESS tender processes, including the creation of tender documents, issuing requests for proposals (RFPs), and evaluating vendor responses
• Collaborate with ENOWA’s Flexibility Team to define project-specific BESS technical requirements and provide initial view of shortlisted suppliers

Bid Evaluation and Vendor Selection 

• Support decision makers with necessary information to select optimal BESS suppliers

Communication and Collaboration     

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the project team and awarded suppliers/vendors, ensuring clear communication and alignment with project goals
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand project requirements and relay information to external partners

Construction Oversight          

• Oversee the end-to-end construction and installation of BESS assets/infrastructure, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and project requirements
• Coordinate if necessary “split package interface” with BESS suppliers, contractors, engineers and other involved project teams to ensure efficient and timely completion

Technical Expertise    

• Provide subject matter expertise to the ENOWA BESS and the wider flexibility team for activities such as vendor selection and engineering design for BESS and other electrochemical energy storage systems
• Provide guidance on technical aspects of BESS construction such as the installation and integration of BESS components into existing electrical infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance

Safety Compliance     

• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations throughout the BESS construction process
• Develop and implement BESS construction safety requirements and conduct regular safety inspections to mitigate risks

Quality Assurance

• Implement quality control processes to ensure that BESS construction activities meet or exceed project specifications
• Conduct regular quality assessments and address any deviations from technical requirements

Project Coordination  

• Collaborate with ENOWA’s project teams to align construction activities with project timelines and other overarching objectives
• Provide regular updates on contracting and construction progress and address any project-related issues

Documentation and Reporting

• Develop and maintain a database of technologies and market players, as well as accurate documentation of construction activities, including progress reports, safety records and technical specifications

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in battery energy storage system technical contracting and construction management – a project track record with leading BESS industry players within MENA region (or region with similar environment) is highly desirable.

Skills and knowledge:

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):

Possess an advanced knowledge of Lithium-ion batteries, grid-scale BESS integration, construction and O&M, including implications of site design and technology choice on construction requirements.  Experience with other electrochemical based storage technologies would also be desirable.

• Tender Support:

Possess proficient knowledge of BESS tender processes and negotiating technical content, support key decision makers (procurement, technical evaluators) with relevant information on potential vendors to award most suitable companies taking a balanced view of commercial risks. Track record in working under pressure and time constraint to deliver project milestones in time and quality.

• Electrical Systems:

Demonstrate advanced understanding of electrical systems, including power distribution and transmission, wiring and electrical safety standards – bring skills in overseeing installation and integration of BESS components into existing electrical infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance

• Construction Technologies:

Exhibit expertise in construction technologies and methodologies, including building materials, construction techniques and equipment – show compliance with construction methods and innovative approaches to enhance BESS construction efficiency and quality

• Safety Protocols:

Possess deep understanding of safety and regulations related to construction and O&M, electrical work and battery technologies – demonstrate ability to develop and implement comprehensive safety plans and to conduct risk assessments

• Technical Troubleshooting:

Demonstrate advanced troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve technical issues during construction activities – underline ability to analyse complex technical problems, propose effective solutions and implement corrective measures

• Quality Control:

Exhibit skills in implementing quality control processes to ensure that construction activities meet or exceed technical specifications – possess experience in conducting thorough quality inspections and assessing workmanship

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent/higher academic degree) in engineering, construction management or any related field is preferred.  In addition, excellent testimonials from previous employers are required.