Energy Modelling Analyst - ESO

Job Purpose

Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

The Strategic Energy Planning directorate will provide independent strategic advice and recommendations to industry and government on how to develop key infrastructure needed to meet Net Zero targets in the form of high-impact publications centred around key constraints. This will include modelling the future energy landscape, undertake research and data analysis, and provide insights that meet the expectations of stakeholders and industry. These are expected to include GB’s first Strategic Spatial Energy Plan and the Centralised Strategic Network Plan, publications led by the NESO that will determine the optimal location for future energy infrastructure needed to meet Net Zero.

Energy Modelling Analysts will be responsible for carrying out the underlying scenario analysis on the interactions between networks of different energy vectors relevant to the constraint that is being assessed and delivering insights and hypotheses to support the move towards a low carbon energy network while keeping costs low for consumers.

This role will be based in Warwick. We continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. This is a full-time role, and we offer flexible working arrangements

About us

As Great Britain’s electricity system operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the electricity system, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator

In Summer of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.

The organisation will be set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As the ESO are today, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Key Accountabilities

Using pan-European market models such as PLEXOS you will lead on the development of simulations and analysis for assigned energy vectors (Gas / Electricity / Hydrogen). Your investigations will provide insights and evidence to support recommendations in how Great Britain can decarbonise its energy system via an ‘integrated network plan’. The role is expected to include:  

• Leading on the delivery of whole energy network analysis. This includes but is not limited to defining hypotheses to be tested, modelling the associated impacts on electricity, gas or hydrogen networks, and working with other analysts to form a whole energy viewpoint 
• Coaching team members on energy modelling techniques and background theory
• Developing new efficient modelling methods to drive evidence based investment decision making under uncertain energy futures
• Analysing and considering multiple options, weighing up the costs and benefits of different interventions both economic and also taking into account criteria relating to social and community benefits and deliverability
• Based on the results of analysis, developing insights that support the move towards integrated network plan(s) and communicating these to senior NESO and industry stakeholders in a clear way that can inform the direction of the NESO’s recommendations
• Focusing on quality by documenting your processes (so that they are repeatable and transparent) providing oversight, challenge and advice to other team members, and regularly reporting on progress, risks and issues

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• A logical, creative and practical approach to problem solving and ability to break down complex problems

• Expertise in the energy sector; knowledge of the structure and the issues affecting the industry across multiple vectors and how they interact

• Experience using large bespoke analytical software and an ability to translate data and analysis into value-adding insights, commentary and recommendations that inform decision making. Prior experience with energy system models such as PLEXOS and Bid3 is desirable

• Career experience in economics, data science, complex analysis or network planning and design - including the ability to think holistically across completing and complimentary factors as we will need to bring together a whole energy systems approach

What you'll get

 A competitive salary between £50, 000 - £65,000 per annum – dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

• Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.

More Information

This role closes on 7th May 2024 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. 

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential. #LI-EM1