Julien works as a Junior Asset Manager at Elia

As Belgium's electricity transmission system operator, Elia ensures a stable and reliable power grid 24 hours a day. To help keep this task on track, technical experts within the company give their best day after day. Meet Power Quality Expert Julien.

Focusing on voltage quality
     
"A safe and reliable electricity grid doesn't just happen by itself. It takes a lot of hard work by day and night to quickly identify problems and defects that could affect the efficiency and stability of the network. As a Power Quality Expert at Elia, I and my colleagues closely monitor voltage quality on the grid. As well as day-to-day monitoring, we also keep a close eye on the schedule for the months ahead, providing reassurance for both businesses and private consumers."

Keeping technical knowledge up to date
     
As well as managing voltage quality on the Elia network, Julien is also responsible for the technical monitoring of electromagnetic fields at the system operator. "During my studies and initial work experience, I built up in-depth technical knowledge. I now keep that knowledge up to date through self-study, professional seminars and sharing expertise with colleagues. In fact, lifelong learning is something my supervisor actively encourages. It means I keep my finger on the pulse of new developments in my field, with a 360-degree view of technical issues."

Teamwork pays off!
     Working at Elia, a top employer in the energy sector, is an honour and a challenge for Julien. "Based on values such as sustainability and innovation, Elia is a company that continuously invests in the future and actively contributes to the transition to renewable energy. As a Power Quality Expert, I'm proud to be part of a team of professionals who share this vision and are committed to delivering the highest standards in power quality. A safe and reliable grid is an absolute top priority for everyone at Elia."

Helicopter view meets analytical skills
     
In Julien's opinion, what are some of the key skills required for the job of Power Quality Expert? "A clear helicopter view, strong analytical skills, a flair for communication and a healthy dose of curiosity. Because the grid is so vast and complex, a helicopter view allows me to evaluate the impact of changes at different points on the network and clearly understand how they influence each other. This means we can continue to guarantee the quality of electricity.

"Getting to grips with power quality issues often requires detailed analysis. One of my strengths is an ability to quickly gather and interpret data and translate it into practical actions, ensuring that our network always meets the highest standards. Communication is also vital because my job involves working with different Elia teams as well as external partners and stakeholders. Being able to communicate complex technical information clearly and understandably is therefore very important. This promotes effective cooperation and ensures that everyone is on the same page when it comes to guaranteeing the quality of our electricity network."

Interested in a job as a Power Quality Expert? Then check out our vacancy.