Educating the next generation of engineers

A recent researcher is sharing his practical knowledge to educate and encourage the next generation of engineers.

Bilal Amjad, lives in Bradford, is a Systems Forecasting Engineer in the Energy Systems department of Northern Powergrid and has been with the company for three years.

The 28-year-old has been in the department since its inception and has watched it grow and change over the last three years, embracing new approaches to develop our understanding of our electricity network.

Previously, Bilal was a researcher at the University of Bradford, working on smart grid technology, computer programming and artificial intelligence, but was interested in the practical application of this technology on our electricity network.

That’s when he saw a role at the region’s largest electricity distribution network, dedicated to advancing the sharing of and use of data to better support the transition to net zero.

This initiative, part of new Distribution System Operation, DSO, functionality introduced by Ofgem, Great Britain’s independent energy regulator, aims to create the more active, coordinated, and effective distribution system necessary to cope with rapid decarbonisation.

Bilal found this incredibly exciting, it married together so many of his passions, that he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved in something so revolutionary.

And he has been with Northern Powergrid ever since, working to grow the department, using his electrical engineering degree to help achieve net zero.

Bilal said “We know that there is going to be a huge shift in electricity usage in the coming years, we as a network operator, we must make sure our network is ready and reliable.

“So, for that, we need to plan ahead, normally all our processes we focus up to 10 years ahead for our network planning but alongside that we are planning till 2050 to link with net zero target from government.

“My role focuses a lot on data sharing and regulatory compliance, collaborating with National Grid and other DNOs, but it’s great because working together is the way we are going to reach these targets.

“With my background being in research, I've always looked to others for learning and inspiration but now I am excited to be able to share my expertise with the next generation.

“We don’t often see the results of the implementation of new technologies in research, but I do in my role at Northern Powergrid, I see how industry affects people and communities.

“That’s why me and my team recently published an academic paper into the practical ways of working in the energy sector working towards net zero.

“This is something I wish was available when I was studying but it means we are helping the next generation of engineers understand the practical side of their roles if they have chosen to go down the university route over the apprenticeship route.”

Gill Williamson, Head of System Forecasting, said “Bilal’s fresh and innovative perspective honed through his time at the forefront of research brings a different way of thinking to our department.

“This serves him well in his role because he is now getting to use that knowledge in a practical way to solve issues on our electricity network.

“There often isn’t a blueprint to working in System Forecasting, it’s a lot of creative thinking and problem solving but also leaning into the new technology when we can.

“We need to be smarter with our network as it evolves to accommodate our region’s future energy needs, that’s why is so important for Bilal to work with other network companies.

“He is answering questions that haven’t been asked yet, and we are adapting to help smooth the transition to net zero.

“This is a really exciting time to be part of Northern Powergrid, we are working on things that only a few years ago might have been a little too out of reach, but now we are thriving at the ask.”

Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of Northern Powergrid, visit their website.