Q&A with Zach Dodds-Brown, Project Development Manager, Terra Firma Energy

Having operated in some of the world’s most hostile and pressurised environments, few project development leaders can claim to have anything like the experience of Terra Firma Energy’s Zach Dodds-Brown.

In this Q&A we ask him – among many other things - how his background has prepared him for his current role…

Close Brothers’ Energy team and Terra Firma Energy have been working together for a number of years, including on funding for a ‘gas to grid’ Reserve Energy Project in North Wales.

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Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role.

My name is Zach, and I am privileged to lead the Terra Firma Energy project development department. In this role, I am responsible for our project portfolios throughout the entire pre-construction lifecycle, from initial conceptualisation to ‘breaking ground’. I oversee a diverse array of projects spanning various energy types, including gas, solar, wind, and hydrogen. The dynamic nature of managing these multiple asset types not only keeps me challenged but also ensures that my days are consistently rewarding.

You served in the forces for 12 years – how has this helped in your current role?

The wide range of environments I operated in during my service, ranging from conducting combat operations to leading a multinational coalition training centre, developed my leadership and problem-solving skills.

In high-pressure situations, I learnt to remain calm, decisive, and adaptable, traits that have proven invaluable in overcoming challenges within my current role. The military also instilled in me a profound sense of adaptability. Whether faced with unexpected obstacles on the battlefield or in complex training scenarios, I quickly learnt to pivot and adjust strategies to achieve objectives. This adaptability has been crucial in overcoming hurdles and finding innovative solutions in my current capacity.

My military experience has also given me the ability to create and execute complex plans with precision. From intricate mission strategies to coordinating resources and logistical support, I developed an in-depth understanding of planning methodologies and the importance of meticulous execution. This skill set translates into my current role, where I create comprehensive project plans and ensure their effective implementation.

Effective communication is a critical skill, especially when conveying plans and objectives. Whether leading troops in combat or directing training, clear and concise communication was essential for team cohesion and success. This emphasis on communication has been fundamental in my current team achieving our goals.

Overall, my military service has equipped me with a unique skill set that translates seamlessly to my current role. It's not just about the technical knowledge; it's about the leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills that I acquired through my experiences, which continue to guide me in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Please give us a short overview of how the following work, the benefits of each, and their roles in the energy mix:

• Battery storage: Battery storage systems work by storing electricity in rechargeable batteries, typically lithium-ion, during times of low demand or when renewable energy sources like solar or wind are producing surplus energy. This stored energy can then be discharged when demand is high or when renewable sources aren't generating power, helping to stabilise the grid and ensure a consistent power supply. Battery storage plays a key role in transitioning to a more sustainable energy mix by enabling greater integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. It provides a flexible means of storing and distributing renewable energy.
• Gas peaking plants:?Gas peaking plants are power plants that primarily operate during periods of high electricity demand, providing additional capacity to the grid to meet peak load requirements. These plants typically use natural gas as fuel and can quickly ramp up or down in response to fluctuations in demand. As nuclear plants close across the UK and Europe and renewable energy sources become more widely adopted, gas peaking plants are becoming critical for maintaining energy security. Their rapid response and flexibility make them vital for filling gaps in energy supply during peak demand and when renewables are inconsistent. Gas peaking plants ensure energy security and grid stability, assisting renewables with reliable backup power. They are indispensable in our transition to a sustainable future.

Which of the projects you’ve worked on are you most proud of, and why?

The project I am most proud to have been part of is our St Helens gas peaking plant. It required a great deal of flexibility from all involved to successfully deliver.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying restrictions, we worked through to safely and successfully construct and commission the site. The project demanded adaptability and resilience, and I am proud of how our team rose to the occasion.

Being on site to manage the mobilisation and civil engineering construction works made this project particularly special to me. It allowed me to witness first-hand the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. Seeing the project come to fruition and knowing that it has been operational for over a year fills me with pride.

The St Helens gas peaking plant will always hold a special place in my heart as it not only showcases our team's ability to overcome challenges and deliver results, but it also serves as a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, and a shared commitment to excellence.

What’s the biggest technical challenge you’ve had to overcome in your current role?

The biggest technical challenge in my current role was securing a 200MW demand and generation connection in South-East England, connecting to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) with a Bilateral Embedded Generation Agreement (BEGA) with National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO).

This required negotiating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding BEGA agreements and needed detailed understanding and compliance with technical specifications and legal frameworks.

We tackled this challenge through thorough feasibility studies, detailed planning, and close collaboration with the DNO and ESO network design teams, regulatory compliance teams and commercial teams.

And finally, what advancements / innovations are being made in the renewable energy sector that people may not be aware of?

The renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid advancements and innovations, some of which may not be widely known such as perovskite solar cells. Perovskite solar cells are a type of photovoltaic device that harnesses sunlight to generate electricity.

They are named after the mineral perovskite, which has a similar crystal structure to the materials used in these solar cells. Perovskite solar cells offer several advantages over traditional silicon-based solar cells. They can be fabricated using simpler and cheaper manufacturing techniques, such as solution processing or vapour deposition, which lowers production costs.

Additionally, perovskite materials can be engineered to achieve high efficiencies, potentially surpassing those of silicon solar cells.

However, challenges such as stability, durability, and scalability still need to be addressed before perovskite solar cells can be widely commercialised.

Nonetheless, ongoing research and development efforts are continuously improving the performance and reliability of perovskite solar cell technology, paving the way for its widespread adoption in the renewable energy sector. Perovskite solar cells are considered one of the most promising next-generation solar technologies due to their high efficiency, low-cost production, and ease of manufacturing.

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