Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi
Research Intern: Power Markets

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
Research Intern

Reporting to
Programme Associate

Duration
3 months

Location
New Delhi

Purpose

To support data-driven research on transmission infrastructure utilisation, with a focus on the feasibility and system-level benefits of utility-scale solar power plants. The research will also focus on the integration of co-located wind power and energy storage systems with utility-scale solar to improve transmission utilisation. The role involves developing a baseline simulation model of a 2-bus power system to assess various operational and planning scenarios, analysing the efficient use of transmission assets, and identifying actionable insights and potential solutions to enhance renewable energy integration and transmission utilisation.

Context

This internship is part of a project to support Gujarat on cost-effective RE integration through research and technical assistance related to transmission infrastructure. As Gujarat rapidly expands its wind and solar capacity, the state faces mounting challenges in optimally utilising its transmission infrastructure due to factors such as congestion, mismatch between generation and demand, and the variability of renewable sources. The project aims to provide research-driven and technically sound support to transmission planners and policymakers by evaluating how existing infrastructure can be better utilised and identifying the technical, regulatory, and operational interventions needed.

A simplified 2-bus power system model serves as a foundational analytical tool. This is a basic simulation representing two key components of a power grid: a generation source and a load center, connected by a transmission line. This model enables a clear understanding of how the integration of wind-solar hybrid systems, colocation of wind and solar plants, and energy storage affects transmission line utilisation. It will simulate a range of operational and planning scenarios at 15-minute intervals, providing detailed insights into transmission utilisation under different renewable energy configurations. This model is a useful starting point to understand how transmission lines are used under different RE scenarios, test the impact of adding wind-solar hybrids, co-located systems or battery storage systems on line loading and explore how time-of-day changes in generation and demand affect transmission utilisation.

Job Duties and Accountabilities:

Research and technical analysis:

• Conduct secondary research on the technical, regulatory, and financial bottlenecks impacting transmission utilisation in India.
• Collect and analyse data from key institutions such as CEA, CTUIL, POSOCO, SLDCs, etc., to substantiate the findings.
• Build a baseline simulation model with time-series analysis at 15-minute intervals for a representative day or month.
• Conduct scenario analysis to evaluate the impact of adding wind generation and installing energy storage systems on transmission utilisation.
• Prepare a short report or scientific publication summarising the literature review, simulation model findings, and scenario results, highlighting utilisation trends and policy implications for transmission efficiency and renewable energy integration.

Policy and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Draft policy briefs and internal notes informed by stakeholder consultations and research findings.
• Support the preparation and documentation of meetings and discussions with utilities, system planners, financial institutions, and industry associations.
• Contribute to the development of presentations, infographics, and outreach materials to communicate key insights and research outcomes effectively..

Selection Criteria

Education:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Power Systems, or a related discipline.

 Key Skills

• Strong analytical abilities with demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis.
• Working knowledge of grid modelling and load flow analysis tools on ETAP or similar tools
• Ability to interpret complex information and present insights clearly and accurately.
• Familiarity with core power systems concepts, particularly related to transmission infrastructure and grid operations.
• Understanding of the Indian power sector landscape, including relevant policies, institutions, and key stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, data visualisation tools, and basic programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or R).

Compensation:

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