Masters Thesis - Grid Code Compliance Assessment of Large Data Centers

The opportunity:

At Hitachi Energy our purpose is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We bring power to our homes, schools, hospitals and factories. Join us and work with fantastic people, while learning and developing yourself on projects that have a real impact on our communities and society. Bring your passion, bring your energy, and be part of a global team that appreciates a simple truth: Diversity + Collaboration = Great Innovation. Investigate European and Nordic grid code requirements for large-scale data center connections, focusing on compliance risks related to voltage and frequency stability, voltage ride-through (VRT), power quality, load ramping, and control interactions. The project includes grid code review, power system modelling, and dynamic simulation studies using PSCAD and PowerFactory/PSS®E to assess compliance risks and evaluate mitigation solutions such as BESS, STATCOMs, synchronous condensers, and advanced control systems. The objective is to identify effective strategies for secure and compliant integration of future hyperscale and AI-driven data centers into transmission networks.

How you'll make an impact:

• The goal of this Master Thesis is to investigate applicable European and Nordic grid code requirements for large data center connections and identify the significant risks associated with non-compliance.
• An important part of the thesis is to evaluate and compare mitigation measures that enable secure and compliant grid integration of future data centers.
• Particular focus will be placed on dynamic performance requirements such as Voltage Ride Through (VRT), voltage and frequency stability, load ramping behavior, interaction phenomena and power quality performance.
• Grid code review, system modelling, and dynamic simulation studies will be performed using PSCAD and PowerFactory (alternatively PSS®E).
• The work will focus on representative large-scale data center configurations, identifying risks of non-compliance and evaluating different mitigation measures across a range of grid disturbance events and operating conditions.
• The project outcome will provide the Hitachi Energy Power Consulting team with a better understanding of emerging grid code requirements for data centers, key compliance risks, and the technical solutions required to support future hyperscale and AI-driven large-scale data center interconnections in European and Nordic transmission systems.
• You will be responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
• Living Hitachi Energy's core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your background:

• Student of master’s degree in electrical engineering, electrical power systems or similar.
• Knowledge of power system analysis, power electronics, or control systems.
• Experience with Python, PSS®E, PowerFactory, PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink or similar simulation tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken. Swedish is merit.

More about us:

At Hitachi Energy, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment for your master thesis journey. If you're ready for an exciting new challenge and this opportunity aligns with your interests and background, we encourage you to apply soon—applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Thesis Responsible - Anton Ter Vehn (anton.ter-vehn@hitachienergy.com).