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Tajikistan

Open: IT Advisor in Tajikistan

Job description
IT Advisor in Tajikistan

Background

Tetra Tech is implementing the USAID Power Central Asia Project (PCA) project in Central Asia. PCA assists the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – to meet their national energy priorities and reap economic benefits from cross-border energy trading and improve energy security through more excellent regional connectivity. Under these contracts, Tetra Tech support national governments, utilities, and other stakeholders to develop domestic energy market reforms, strengthen the regional electricity market, and promote greater adoption of clean energy technologies from conventional and renewable sources. Tajikistan's energy system is overly dependent on local hydroelectric generation resources, with hydroelectricity accounting for approximately 99 percent of the country's total energy consumption. Specific energy consumption in Tajikistan, measured as total electricity consumption per unit of GDP, is twice the world average and three times the energy consumption of average developed countries. The U.S. Agency for International Development and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MEWR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support Tajikistan in reforming its electricity sector. An action plan to implement the MOU has been developed and agreed upon with the MEWR, indicating specific areas of cooperation. Energy reform requested improvement of coordination and communication between MEWR and energy companies. PCA support MEWR with implementation of Electronic Document Management System (e-DMS). PCA procured necessary IT equipment, e-DMS software and conducted trainings for MEWR personnel. MEWR requested PCA to support further implementation of e-DMS and hire local IT Advisor to MEWR IT systems setup and optimization, consulting MEWR personnel, promotion and control of systems reliability.

The local IT Advisor will have the following responsibilities:

• Installation, customization, and monitoring of e-DMS software • Optimization of IT services in the Ministry • Customization of cyber security systems in the Ministry building • Monitoring cyber security systems for incident prevention • Conducting trainings on e-DMS for new Ministry personnel • Consultation of Ministry personnel on e-DMS functions • Optimization of exchange documents between the Ministry and other entities • Optimization of document flow and processing • Administering of e-DMS and other information systems and services • Monitoring of e-DMS software and reporting to the management on any problems causing delays in document flows • Help desk for solving IT problems • Training and transferring IT functions to Ministry IT manager to be hired by the Ministry in 6 months

Qualification requirements

• Technical or IT background • Deep knowledge of modern IT technologies and systems • Experience in IT administration and management • At least 15 years of experience in planning designing and implementation of IT systems • Experience in IT services and systems optimization • Advanced training skills and experience • Experience in developing technical recommendations/measures to improve IT systems and services

Deliverables

The local expert shall provide monthly reports summarizing his assistance during the reporting period regarding IT systems improvements, changes in configuration and optimization, number of personnel trained and consulting, utilization of e-DMS system, number of documents proceed by e-DMS, cutting document processing time. Monthly reports should be specific in a technical sense and comprehensive and include appropriate reasonable explanations and justifications for the required changes. Outcomes: Monthly reports on assistance to revise and update the Tajikistan Energy Law. Acceptance/ Reporting: Team Leader of the Power Central Asia Activity Expected LoE: 72 days Location: Dushanbe

To apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter of no more than one page detailing their relevant educational background and professional experience to Ms. Aisana Bekisheva  at [email protected] before May 29, 2024 at the indicated email address.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline: May 29, 2024 

Kazakhstan

Closed: Grid Modeling Expert

Job description
Grid Modeling Expert for the Phase II of the Renewable Energy Grid Integration Study for Power Distribution Company (hereinafter - the Study)

Background

Tetra Tech is implementing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded regional Power Central Asia (PCA) Activity. This Activity is designed to provide technical assistance and capacity building to the energy sector of the five countries of the Central Asian Region (CAR), including Kazakhstan.

In that context, Kazakhstan has ratified the Paris Agreement with a commitment to reduce its 2030 carbon footprint by 15% from its 1990 baseline, as well as has announced a strategic goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Over the past few years, the country has made significant proress in the development of renewable energy (RE) through the auction mechanisms in the Northern and Southern Zones of the national grid, but has a limited number of RE projects in the Western Zone. At the same time, oil and gas companies in Kazakhstan, mainly located in the Western region of the country, have announced the development of corporate plans for low-carbon development and readiness to invest in large-scale RE projects to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, Eni S.p.A. (Eni) and JSC “NC KazMunayGas” (KMG) announced cooperation in developing energy transition projects for electricity generation and sale. Moreover, the intensive economic development of the region, an increase in water consumption, need for water desalination, as well as the introduction of carbon capture systems are expected to significantly increase electricity demand, requiring additional generation capacity, including from renewable resources. However, the issues of integrating large amounts of RE into the existing grid have not been fully analyzed and planned for.

Summary of the Phase I of the Study

As part of the Phase I of the Study, the PCA provided technical assistance to Mangistau Regional Electricity Network Company JSC (MRENC) located in Mangistau region (in the Western Zone of the National Power Grid of the RoK) to facilitate the RE integration into the electricity grid of the region.

MRENC dominates the power transmission and distribution market in Mangistau region. 90% of the power distributed through the MRENC’s networks is consumed by the major oil companies in the region. The company distributes 3.7 TWh to more than 19,000 consumers through 5,033 km of transmission lines and 67 substations. MRENC's clients are households (16,557), enterprises and large oil fields (10). Oil fields consume 72% of power, and the largest of them – Uzen – consumes 30% of the power distributed by MRENC.

The Phase I of the Renewable Energy Grid Integration Study for Mangystau Distribution Company has been completed and included the following tasks:

  1. Overview of Mangistau Regional Electricity Network Company JSC;
  2. Forecast of regional energy balance in Mangistau region until 2035;
  3. Assessment of allowable penetration of RE in Mangystau region;
  4. Grid upgrades required in MRENC Disco to meet RE targets;
  5. Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement.

This assignment is aimed at providing technical assistance to JSC "Mangistau Regional Electricity Network Company" (MRENC) located in the Western region of Kazakhstan to support its grid development plans for better integration of RE into the electric grid. This activity is expected to help Kazakhstan energy sector on its decarbonization path.

Goals and key objectives of the Phase II of the Study

The objective of the Phase II of the Study is to provide technical recommendations for the MRENC’s 2025-2030 investment program. As part of the Phase II of the Study, the PCA team plans to accomplish the following tasks:

  1. Analyze the results of the Phase I of the Study on RE Integration into Distribution Networks of MRENC;
  2. Support an International Consultant in finalizing the Mangistau regional distribution network development long-term model for 2025-2035 period using DigSILENT PF software;
  3. Additional simulation of various operating modes of distribution networks of Mangistau region using DigSILENT PF software (at the request of MRENC);
  4. Analyze the current status of digitalization of power grids and technical capabilities of MRENC for monitoring, control and management of power grids;
  5. Development of technical recommendations for 2025-2030 invetment program of MRENC;
  6. Site visits to MRENC for data collection, stakeholder meetings and presentation of the results.

To accomplish the above tasks, the PCA team plans to engage three local consultants who will work closely with the PCA team to jointly implement Phase II of the Study. Within the framework of this Scope of Work, the PCA team plans to engage a Grid Modeling Expert.  

Responsibilities of the Grid Modeling Expert

The Grid Modeling Expert will conduct the Study under the supervision of the assigned PCA coordinator and the Senior Technical Expert and interact with international consultants. The key tasks of the Grid Modeling Expert are as follows:

  1. Providing support to an International Consultant in finalizing the Mangistau regional distribution network development long-term model for 2025-2035 period using DigSILENT PF software.
    1. Support the expansion of the model developed under the framework of the Phase I of the Study to include additional 12 scenarios;
    2. Assistance in calculations of static and dynamic stability of the Mangistau energy system according to the developed scenarios, identification of critical problems that may negatively affect the operation of the grid and RE integration in the future;
    3. Contributing to the analysis of modeling results, developing recommendations for grid reinforcement and providing expert opinion on the International Consultant's Final Report.
  2. At the request of MRENC - Additional simulation of various operating modes of distribution networks of Mangistau region using DigSILENT PF software, including:
    1. Analysis of transfer capacity on selected transmission lines;
      1. Analysis of excessive current parameters in the network and determination of their causes:
      2. Reactive power losses in 220 kV transmission lines;
      3. Capacitive currents in 6-35 kV transmission lines;
    2. Recommendations to address the identified issues.
  3. Site visits to MRENC for data collection, stakeholder meetings and presentation of the results.
    1. Site visits to the power grid infrastructure facilities in Mangistau region to determine the current state of the networks and the level of digitalization of the distribution network, including MRENC’s dispatching and commercial metering system and SCADA system (one trip to Aktau to visit power grid infrastructure facilities);
    2. Presentation of preliminary and final results of the Phase II of the Study to get feedback from the key stakeholders (one trip to Aktau to meet with stakeholders to present preliminary and final results of the Study).

Qualification requirements

  • Master's degree in electric power engineering or higher;
  • 7+ years of experience in grid modeling using DigSILENT PowerFactory;
  • Experience in simulation of the operation modes of power grids with renewables;
  • Experience in consulting and research;
  • In-depth understanding of the Kazakhstan electric power industry specifics;
  • Strong academic writing, preference will be given to candidates with publications on topics related to the electric power industry;
  • Excellent command of English; Good command in Kazakh is a plus.

To apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter of no more than one page detailing their relevant educational background and professional experience to Ms. Aisana Bekisheva [email protected]  before January 24, 2024 at the indicated email address .

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline: January 24, 2024 

Kazakhstan

Closed: Technical expert

Job description
Technical Expert for the Phase II of the Renewable Energy Grid Integration Study for Power Distribution Company (hereinafter - the Study)

Background

Tetra Tech is implementing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded regional Power Central Asia (PCA) Activity. This Activity is designed to provide technical assistance and capacity building to the energy sector of the five countries of the Central Asian Region (CAR), including Kazakhstan.

In that context, Kazakhstan has ratified the Paris Agreement with a commitment to reduce its 2030 carbon footprint by 15% from its 1990 baseline, as well as has announced a strategic goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Over the past few years, the country has made significant progress in the development of renewable energy (RE) through the auction mechanisms in the Northern and Southern Zones of the national grid, but has a limited number of RE projects in the Western Zone. At the same time, oil and gas companies in Kazakhstan, mainly located in the Western region of the country, have announced the development of corporate plans for low-carbon development and readiness to invest in large-scale RE projects to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, Eni S.p.A. (Eni) and JSC “NC KazMunayGas” (KMG) announced cooperation in developing energy transition projects for electricity generation and sale. Moreover, the intensive economic development of the region, an increase in water consumption, need for water desalination, as well as the introduction of carbon capture systems are expected to significantly increase electricity demand, requiring additional generation capacity, including from renewable resources. However, the issues of integrating large amounts of RE into the existing grid have not been fully analyzed and planned for.

Summary of the Phase I of the Study

As part of the Phase I of the Study, the PCA provided technical assistance to Mangistau Regional Electricity Network Company JSC (MRENC) located in Mangistau region (in the Western Zone of the National Power Grid of the RoK) to facilitate the RE integration into the electricity grid of the region.

MRENC dominates the power transmission and distribution market in Mangistau region. 90% of the power distributed through the MRENC’s networks is consumed by the major oil companies in the region. The company distributes 3.7 TWh to more than 19,000 consumers through 5,033 km of transmission lines and 67 substations. MRENC's clients are households (16,557), enterprises and large oil fields (10). Oil fields consume 72% of power, and the largest of them – Uzen – consumes 30% of the power distributed by MRENC.

The Phase I of the Renewable Energy Grid Integration Study for Mangystau Distribution Company has been completed and included the following tasks:

  1. Overview of Mangistau Regional Electricity Network Company JSC;
  2. Forecast of regional energy balance in Mangistau region until 2035;
  3. Assessment of allowable penetration of RE in Mangystau region;
  4. Grid upgrades required in MRENC Disco to meet RE targets;
  5. Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement.

This assignment is aimed at providing technical assistance to JSC "Mangistau Regional Electricity Network Company" (MRENC) located in the Western region of Kazakhstan to support its grid development plans for better integration of RE into the electric grid. This activity is expected to help Kazakhstan energy sector on its decarbonization path.

Goals and key objectives of the Phase II of the Study

The objective of the Phase II of the Study is to provide technical recommendations for the MRENC’s 2025-2030 investment program. As part of the Phase II of the Study, the PCA team plans to accomplish the following tasks:

  1. Analyze the results of the Phase I of the Study on RE Integration into Distribution Networks of MRENC;
  2. Support an International Consultant in finalizing the Mangistau regional distribution network development long-term model for 2025-2035 period using DigSILENT PF software;
  3. Additional simulation of various operating modes of distribution networks of Mangistau region using DigSILENT PF software (at the request of MRENC);
  4. Analyze the current status of digitalization of power grids and technical capabilities of MRENC for monitoring, control and management of power grids;
  5. Development of technical recommendations for 2025-2030 invetment program of MRENC;
  6. Site visits to MRENC for data collection, stakeholder meetings and presentation of the results.

To accomplish the above tasks, the PCA team plans to engage three local consultants who will work closely with the PCA team to jointly implement Phase II of the Study. Within the framework of this Scope of Work, the PCA team plans to engage a Technical Expert.  

Responsibilities of the Technical Expert

The Technical Expert will conduct the Study under the supervision of the assigned PCA coordinator and Senior Technical Expert and interact with international consultants. The key tasks of the Technical Expert are as follows:

  1. Analysis of the results of the Phase I of the Study.
    1. Review and analysis of the reports executed as part of the Phase I of the Study;
    2. Development of technical recommendations for the improvement of the distribution network based on the data obtained during the Phase I of the Study, considering the physical deterioration of the networks and modernization needs.
  2. Development of technical recommendations for MRENC’s 2025-2030 investment program.

    1. Development of technical recommendations for grid modernization for 2025-2030 period in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on natural monopolies and the electric power industry, as well as considering the technical condition and service life of substations and transmission lines, digitalization of the grid, penetration of renewable energy, etc.;
    2. Presentation of the proposed technical recommendations and discussion of the study results with key stakeholders.
  3. Site visits to MRENC for data collection, meetings with stakeholders and presentation of the results.
    1. Site visits to the power grid infrastructure facilities in Mangistau region to determine the current state of the networks and the level of digitalization of the distribution network, including MRENC’s dispatching and commercial metering system and SCADA system (one trip to Aktau to visit power grid infrastructure facilities);
    2. Presentation of preliminary and final results of the Phase II of the Study to get feedback from the key stakeholders (two trips to Aktau to meet with stakeholders to present preliminary and final results of the Study).
Qualification requirements
  • An advanced degree in electric power engineering (Master of Science and higher);
  • 10+ years of experience in the electric power industry;
  • Experience in consulting research or advisory positions;
  • Experience in developing technical recommendations/measures to improve the performance of power grids;
  • In-depth understanding of the Kazakhstan electric power industry specifics;
  • Strong academic writing, preference will be given to candidates with publications on topics related to the electric power industry;
  • Knowledge of English; Good command of Kazakh language will be a plus

To apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter of no more than one page detailing their relevant educational background and professional experience to Ms. Aisana Bekisheva [email protected]   before January 24, 2024 at the indicated email address.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline: January 24, 2024