ISP logo
Menu

News

placeholder

News

22 days ago

LSP QUARTERLY DIRECTORS REPORT Q3

LSP News

Welcome to the third edition of the LSP Renewables Quarterly Directors Report, an opportunity to reflect on Q3 and share our findings and market insights.

In this quarter's instalment, we are excited to showcase the perspectives of our Director, Ashley Harrington, providing an in-depth overview of the Renewable Energy Landscape in the third quarter of 2024.


Overview of Q3 2024 – The Hot Topic is Grid!

Q3 2024 has been a transformative period for renewables. As the world’s push for a Net-Zero future strives forward, with the demand for clean energy increasing with every passing day, having a fully functioning, "fit-for-purpose" grid infrastructure is more critical than ever. Grid development is not just about keeping the lights on, but about ensuring we sustainably reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, paving the way for a greener planet. Paired with the growing adoption of efficient energy storage solutions, this “Grid Transformation” requires not only financial resources but also a skilled workforce to design, build, and maintain the modernised grid infrastructure.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy investment in 2023 was expected to reach a record USD 2.8 trillion, with significant portions allocated to clean energy technologies. As the world drives forward with investment to hit the target of Net-Zero emissions, experts estimate that global investment in power grids will need to top USD 24trillion! That’s Trillion…with a T!

To bring this closer to home, demand for electricity in the UK is expected to double by 2050, with National Grid planning on a GBP 42billion investment through to 2025-26. Other nations are expected to keep pace with this commitment, with China aiming to invest USD 800 billion by 2030, and the US experts suggesting that number need be upwards of USD 3 trillion in the same timeline. Key areas of investment include; Grid Expansion and Upgrades, Digitalisation/Smart Grids, Grid Flexibility and Storage, and Regulatory/Policy support


So, with the ever-growing investments we are seeing, there’s sure to be some challenges to grid infrastructure, the scale of which we need to see. Here’s what LSP saw across Q3 that provide a deeper look into the state-of-play in the sector currently:

1. Supply & Demand:

As our grid evolves and we connect with a network of renewable energy sources closer to areas of consumption, grid operators will need to manage the more variable supply and demand.

2. Planning & Permitting:

The process from conceptualising to operation of new transmission and distribution networks can be lengthy, with most taking between 5 to 15 years. Not to mention securing Development Consent Orders (DCO’s) is very costly.

3. Skills Demand & Shortage:

The biggest, oldest challenge of them all…where will we find the talent to execute these ambitious grid transformations? The sheer scale of projects and the associated manpower required to deliver on our commitments will be a “pain-point”, not just for the UK, but the entire global community.



As a business, LSP have seen significant demand for expert talent across the holistic grid realm, from HVDC Interconnectors to a huge growth in Solar & Energy Storage, through to substantial grid upgrade programmes. Consider National Grid’s “Great Grid Upgrade” that LSP are supporting; a portfolio of 17 major infrastructure projects that’s projected to create well over 100,000 jobs. That is a program of work that will test every challenge conceivable. We have also seen increasing demand for digital and smart grid specialists in Europe, and significantly focused demand for Regulatory experts and Project Management talent in the US, which will help navigate the complex regulatory environment and support large-scale grid modernisation projects.

In Q3 2024 LSP have signalled a real intent in this space, investing in our Onshore team by appointing John Martin as Head of Onshore Grid, HVDC & Interconnectors. John brings over a decade of recruitment expertise in the renewable energy domain and throughout his career, has held key leadership positions, and supported major organisations through the energy transition.

As we move into Q4, we invite feedback and collaboration from all our partners. Together, we can achieve even greater milestones and contribute to a greener future.



Thank you for reading!

If you have any questions regarding this report, would like to discuss any recruitment needs or would like to discuss more specific industry insights within renewables, please feel free to contact Ashley as per below:

Phone - 0203 905 6265

Connect - LinkedIn

Latest Jobs

Transmission

Category Lead

United States

Our client is looking for a Category lead,  responsible for leading strategic procurement operations within the aligned business area(s). The role will partner with the Category Manager in the delivery of Category strategies. This will involve engaging and building strong and established working relationships with stakeholders to identify business needs and then ensuring we understand the supply chains so we can offer the best solutions.  Key Responsibilities Deliver multiple strategic sourcing events within portfolio, working with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand and ensure the best possible solutions.Input into the development and execution of sourcing strategy for allocated category and execute standardised strategic sourcing processes from market engagement through to award, ensuring goods / services are procured in a best-in-class manner that drives value.Work with Contract Managers to ensure the successful delivery of contracted activities, identifying continuous improvement opportunities through engagement with suppliers and stakeholders, and maximizing value for money from contracts awarded.Support the overall development and delivery of assigned category strategy and share best practice across other category teams (as appropriate).Role model excellence in procurement standards, taking a proactive role in mentoring / providing guidance to Buyers and Associate Buyers to ensure best-in-class methodologies are adopted and utilized across Procurement.Profile category characteristics and research supply markets, suppliers and assess trends, opportunities and risks feeding insights into the Global teams and Market and Supplier Development teams (as appropriate).Delivering value by effectively managing tender events for key products required by the business.Contribute to an effective forward planning process by identifying future requirements of supported areas and ensure robust forecasting is put in place that maximises value of goods / services procured.Scope and develops regional contractual agreements that meet the customer stakeholder requirements and expectations. RequirementsSignificant experience of strategic sourcing and category management An understanding of project management principles and ideally evidence of managing multiple projects and consistently delivering outstanding results. Ability to prepare for and to lead negotiations. Ability to build and manage complex commercial assessment models. Experience in EPC contract development, including the ability to make recommendations and amendments to existing contracts as well as drafting new ones. Experience managing key vendor relationshipsGeneral knowledge of utility electrical system related to construction activitiesAbility to support large scale construction proposal development for competitive projects''

Transmission

Senior Category Buyer

United States

Our client is looking for a Senior Category Buyer, responsible for strategic procurement operations within the aligned business area(s). The role will partner the Category Manager in delivery of Category strategies.  This will involve engaging and building strong working relationships with stakeholders across the business, within procurement, and externally, to identify business needs and ensure an understanding of the supply chains so we can offer the best solutions. Key Responsibilities Deliver multiple strategic sourcing events within portfolio, working with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand and ensure the best possible solutions.Input into the development and execution of sourcing strategy for allocated category and execute standardised strategic sourcing processes from market engagement through to award, ensuring goods / services are procured in a best-in-class manner that drives value.Work with Contract Managers or Procurement Programme Managers to ensure the successful delivery of contracted activities, identifying continuous improvement opportunities through engagement with suppliers and stakeholders, and maximizing value for money from contracts awarded.Support the overall development and delivery of assigned category strategy and share best practice across other category teams.Role model excellence in procurement standards, taking a proactive role in mentoring / providing guidance to Buyers and Associate Buyers to ensure best-in-class methodologies are adopted and utilized across Procurement.Profile category characteristics and research supply markets, suppliers and assess trends, opportunities and risks feeding insights into the Global teams and Market and Supplier Development teams.Delivering value by effectively managing tender events for key products required by the business.Contribute to an effective forward planning process by identifying future requirements of supported areas and ensure robust forecasting is put in place that maximises value of goods / services procured.Scope and develops regional contractual agreements that meet the customer stakeholder requirements and expectations.  RequirementsSignificant experience of strategic sourcing and category managementAn understanding of project management principles and ideally evidence of managing multiple projects and consistently delivering outstanding results.Ability to prepare for and to lead negotiations.Ability to build and manage complex commercial assessment models.Experience of contract development, including the ability to make recommendations and amendments to existing contracts as well as drafting new ones.General knowledge on electric infrastructure construction contracts and completion milestones''

Transmission

Senior Site Engineer

United Kingdom

Our client is looking for a Senior Site Engineer to join their Team. As Senior Site Engineer, you will have a critical role of ensuring that the assets (Converter Station, Cable Systems, Substation and associated Operational Technology) maintain the highest level of operational performance. You’ll liaise with other support functions within the Interconnector business to assist in driving forward a collaborative approach to running our client’s assets. Key ResponsibilitiesUndertake a range of duties including monitoring, maintenance, fault investigation & repair, witnessing & testing & commission, record updating.Supervise Technicians and Third-Party Contractors to ensure optimum efficiency, cost effectiveness, with high standards of environmental and safety performance. Undertake standby and emergency call out duties.Support and mentor development requirements for Technicians to gain Competent Persons (CP) and Authorised Persons (AP).Adhere to the site safety rules and ensure all on-site are held to the same rules.Manage the delivery of specific projects to maintain and improve the performance of our assets and systems.Overseeing planned and unplanned works safely and efficiently, supporting prompt return to service.  Requirements Undertake a range of duties including monitoring, maintenance, fault investigation & repair, witnessing & testing & commission, record updating.Supervise Technicians and Third-Party Contractors to ensure optimum efficiency, cost effectiveness, with high standards of environmental and safety performance.Undertake standby and emergency call out duties.Support and mentor development requirements for Technicians to gain Competent Persons (CP) and Authorised Persons (AP).Adhere to the site safety rules and ensure all on-site are held to the same rules.Manage the delivery of specific projects to maintain and improve the performance of our assets and systems.Overseeing planned and unplanned works safely and efficiently, supporting prompt return to service.''

Transmission

Protection & Control Engineer

Scotland

Our client is looking for a Protection and Control Engineer Specialist to join their team. In this position, the candidate will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced protection and control systems that are essential for the seamless operation of the transmission network. They will collaborate with a team of experts, leveraging cutting-edge technology to develop innovative solutions that enhance system performance and resilience. The ideal candidate will be driven by challenges and eager to make a significant impact in the energy sector, this is the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their skills and contribute to a sustainable future. Key Accountabilities Assess and define the technical scope of protection and control requirements for new build substations and modifications to existing. Prepare outline scheme designs, key line diagrams, protection setting calculations and setting files for relays, and support the implementation of IEC61850 solutions. Review third-party contractor/consultant detailed designs and witness FAT, as well as provide support for field teams to ensure quality of installations. Evaluate tenders and procure/manage specialist services from consultants. Support multi-disciplinary project teams in identifying and managing engineering risks and identifying opportunities for the project to excel. Requirements Qualified to a minimum of HND level in Electrical Engineering. Demonstrable technical skills in Transmission protection and control specification and scheme design, as well as the skills to calculate protection settings for implementation. Confidence to technically assess engineering problems and critically assess a range of technical solutions Good communication skills, with the ability to demonstrate diligence and prioritise tasks, as well as a thorough understanding of relevant legislation, including CDM and ESQCR, and the implications of this for Transmission network management. Ideally, candidates should be Chartered Engineers or working towards this. Ideally, experience with Protection & Control Engineering on UK projects. Additional Information Project Details:Technical information, which covers all aspects are as follows: 400kV, 275kV, 132kV GIS & AIS Super Grid Transformers/Grid Transformers/Reactors MSCDNs & Harmonic Filters Reactive compensation – i.e. Synchronous Condensers