Amir

I am currently an Associate Director – Power Systems & Infrastructure at Black & White Engineering, supporting colocation and hyperscale data centre clients across MV/HV power systems, design management, technical assurance and grid compliance. Previously, as Head of Grid Engineering at Low Carbon Alliance, I led grid engineering for utility-scale PV, BESS, data centres and onshore wind projects from early-stage development and connection strategy through FEED/detailed design, construction support, commissioning, energisation and ION/G99 compliance testing. My power system studies capability spans load flow, short-circuit, cable sizing, arc flash, protection coordination, lighting design, lightning risk assessment, steady-state, fault level, dynamic simulation and transient stability studies.

Earlier in my career, I delivered engineering and R&D programmes across BESS, EV charging, V2G, microgrids, power electronics, electrical machines and smart grid technologies, working across multidisciplinary engineering interfaces. I am a Senior Member of IEEE (SMIEEE) and a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the IET.

Associate Director – Power Systems & Infrastructure - Black & White Engineering - London

(2026-01)

• Lead and review power system studies including load flow, short-circuit, cable sizing, arc flash, protection coordination, lighting design and lightning risk assessment.
• Lead power systems and infrastructure design management for colocation and hyperscale data centre projects.
• Support MV/HV power supply design, grid compliance, technical assurance and multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Manage MV/HV equipment arrangement, spatial fit, maintainability, replacement access and constructability.
• Coordinate with clients, internal design teams and external stakeholders to derisk technical interfaces and support compliant project delivery.

Head of Grid Engineering - Low Carbon Alliance - London

(2025-01 - 2026-01)

• Lead grid engineering for utility-scale solar PV, BESS, onshore wind, and data centre projects.
• Manage grid connection applications, feasibility studies, and ensure compliance with Connection Reform and CP2030.
• Develop and run grid models and simulations to identify headroom for new connections.
• Lead FEED and detailed design for both distribution- and transmission-connected projects.
• Perform due diligence on grid strategies and technical risks, including ANM assessments.
• Liaise with NESO, DNOs, and TSOs to streamline grid integration and secure compliant connection strategies.
• Manage LV connections for rooftop PV, behind-the-meter storage, EV charging, and data centres.
• Oversee project delivery from early-stage development and concept design through procurement, construction, commissioning, energisation, and commercial operation.
• Lead ION and Grid Code/G99 compliance testing, coordinating EPCs, OEMs, ICP/IDNOs, and network operators to achieve safe energisation and COD.

Senior Manager, Grid Connections - Emeren Group - London

(2023-10 - 2024-10)

• Developed and managed wind projects, alongside BESS and PV, from feasibility through grid connection, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and project timelines.
• Led a dynamic team as Senior Manager of Grid Connection at Emeren Group, advancing renewable energy projects in the UK.
• Conducted grid connection feasibility studies, formulating cost-effective and efficient strategies.
• Oversaw electrical designs, ensuring compliance with Grid Code, Distribution Code, and key standards like Engineering Recommendation P2/7, G99, and G100.
• Specialized in securing headroom within the GB network for Distributed Generation (DG) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Experienced in land acquisition for renewable projects using tools such as Landstack, with careful consideration of environmental constraints, flood zones, and other planning aspects.
• Managed projects from conception through to grid connection, focusing on regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Provided comprehensive due diligence and cost optimization during project acquisition and co-development.

Senior Project Researcher - Honda R&D, Europe - Reading

(2018-12 - 2023-10)

• Oversaw all stages of R&D prototypes' conceptualization, planning, building, and testing, focusing on emerging technologies.
• Successfully delivered multiple EV charging projects, including AC V2G, wireless charging based on efficient power electronics, and innovative coil power transfer systems.
• Spearheaded advanced implementation of module-level inverter technology to optimize EV battery systems.
• Developed a 40kW/68kWh BESS prototype from four end-of-life EVs, now offering BTM energy management services in Germany.
• Formulated a modelling framework for BESS systems' financial planning, thereby facilitating Honda's foray into sustainable energy solutions.
• Pioneered advancements in wireless charging technologies, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of EV charging systems.

Electrical Design Engineer - Scottish and Southern Energy - Reading

(2016-01 - 2018-12)

• Completed detailed design, tendering, and delivery support for nine projects focused on replacing 11kV and 33kV switchgear and primary transformer assets.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with teams to ensure adherence to project timelines, budget constraints, and quality standards.
• Conducted in-depth analyses of old systems to understand potential areas of improvement, thus driving the innovation in replacements.
• Presented design proposals to stakeholders, highlighting benefits in terms of cost, efficiency, and longevity.
• Managed vendor relationships, ensuring timely delivery of quality materials and resolving disputes, if any.

System Planning & Investment Engineering - Scottish and Southern Energy - Reading

(2015-01 - 2016-12)

• Developed and integrated system planning study methodologies for Active Network Management (ANM) and Grid-Scale Energy Storage assets.
• Led the analysis of network configurations, ensuring they can handle increased output from renewable energy sources.
• Pioneered efforts in ensuring excessive output from wind/PV farms didn't lead to thermal or voltage overloads in the network with the ANM systems.
• Established grid management systems ensuring network supply security during N-1 conditions, in compliance with the P2/6 standard.
• Worked closely with regulatory bodies to keep abreast of evolving standards and ensure compliance.

Research Technologist - Alstom Grid - Stafford

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

• Led the Microgrid activity, focusing on designing and testing control systems for Microgrid implementations.
• Prototyped a back-to-back Voltage Source Converter, leading to significant mitigations in voltage deviation issues at the ends of radial feeders.
• Established a modeling platform for a multi-machine transmission system project aiming to apply FACTS devices to improve transient stability.
• Collaborated with international teams, sharing insights and technological advancements in Microgrid technology.
• Played a pivotal role in securing multiple patents for the organization, cementing its position as an industry leader.

Ph.D.

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering - University of Nottingham (2010-01 - 2013-12)

M.Phil.

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering - University of Nottingham (2009-01 - 2010-12)

M.Sc.

• Power Electronics and Drives - University of Nottingham (2008-01 - 2009-12)

BEng (Hons) - Electrical and Electronics Engineering - University of Liverpool (2005-01 - 2008-12)

A-Levels - Mathematics, Physics, ICT - Chesterfield College (2003-01 - 2005-12)