Programme Associate – Power Markets

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi

Programme Associate – Power Markets

Terms of Reference

At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don’t stand for!) as an employer. So, if the below description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you!

At CEEW, we build careers in public policy

• We offer strong visionary leadership – with emphasis on research and impact at scale

• We actively promote leadership by initiative

• We celebrate talent and ambition

• You will be surrounded by smart people who will challenge you and help you grow

• You will learn faster than your peers in other organisations

• Curiosity and irreverence, as well as responsibility, come together at CEEW

• You will get above-market remuneration

• We provide a safe space for all

• At CEEW, your life is your example for others

Designation offered

Programme Associate

Team/ Focus area

Power Markets

Location

New Delhi, India

Reporting to

Programme Lead

Duration

Full-time

The Indian power market is evolving rapidly. The increasing share of variable renewable energy in the electricity system requires a flexible grid, financially sound and efficient power distribution companies and demand to serve as a resource. Achieving these outcomes would need dynamic regulations, new business models, innovative financial instruments, and robust institutional frameworks.

To enhance grid-flexibility, CEEW team studies the current and future power systems to inform planning and operations, and procurement and dispatch of electricity in cost-effective ways. We undertake grid simulation exercises, and techno-economic analyses for emerging solutions such as large-scale energy storage, coal flexibilisation, and new technologies such as offshore wind.

The candidate in this role will support power system studies focused at state and national level and undertake quantitative and qualitative analysis of issues concerning integration of variable renewables with the grid, and barriers to increasing deployment and procurement of flexibility options. The candidate will work on modelling platforms, CEEW’s internal data analytics platforms, and critically review the current regulatory frameworks and market mechanisms to identify changes required for integrating RE at scale.

The candidate should have a deep understanding of India’s power sector, market structures and operations in India and other emerging and advanced economies, and have a demonstrable research experience. In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined below, the candidate should be prepared, as and when necessary, to take on additional responsibilities and respond to events and developments that cannot be anticipated easily.

CEEW offers an intellectually challenging and conducive work environment, with a focus on research rigour, innovative thinking, and strategic outreach. We are looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual who would be excited to take research to action. We recommend applicants visit the Power Markets page for more details about our projects.

Job Duties and Accountabilities

Research

· Carry out power system simulation studies accounting for inter- and intra-state transmission networks, to identify the need and the role of different supply- and demand-side resources, including energy storage, in achieving a clean, reliable and cost-effective power system

· Design and simulate modelling scenarios to reflect the realities of the current system, transition challenges and opportunities, and analyse model outputs to distil policy and regulatory insights for effecting change

· Analyse data pertaining to existing and emerging challenges with high RE penetration in the grid (such as net load variability, transmission bottlenecks and losses, transmission outages /loss of load, reactive power and ramping needs, and other grid management issues) and identify mitigation strategies in the form of technology solutions, associated regulatory and market enablers, and procurement approaches

· Gather inputs and data from concerned departments and stakeholders, as per project requirements, for building robust modelling inputs and assumptions as well as validating proposed solutions

· Regularly track important policy and regulatory developments in the sector and conduct rigorous literature review to identify new scenarios and problem statements that must be analysed

· Write high-quality research reports, blogs, policy briefs, and prepare memos and presentations for submission of inputs on draft regulations/guidelines/policies/discussion papers

Stakeholder engagement

· Conduct and support regular discussions with stakeholders, especially with state load dispatchers, regulators, discoms and other research organisations to understand the needs and challenges, gather inputs and feedback, and disseminate findings and recommendations

· Support the team in organising stakeholder consultations / webinars / events for wider outreach and visibility of our research

Selection Criteria

Qualification

· A Ph.D / Master’s degree in power systems / power systems management, energy economics, and related fields

· Any certifications related to power system modelling, techno-economics of new and clean energy technologies, and power market operations would be desirable

Work experience

· 3-5 years of relevant work experience

· Knowledge of power markets in advanced and emerging economies will be an advantage

Key skills

· Strong analytical and research skills, and proficiency in using tools such as Plexos, GridPath, PyPSA

· Ability to analyse information to present it in a clear and accurate manner, both verbal and written

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Ability to learn new tools to manage, process and drive insights from datasets

· Willingness to show initiative in order to handle unforeseen challenges

· Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment

If you want to shape the future of power markets in India, this is the place for you!

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks.

Compensation

Competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organisations for similar roles.

Application Process

CEEW is an equal opportunity employer and the selection process does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are advised to apply at the earliest possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified by us. We appreciate your interest.