Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Systems & Protection
Resume:
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PERSONAL DETAILS
NAME KALACHAND SIKDAR
B.Sc, B.E-Electrical(Hons), PMP, COMPEX
Saudi Iqama: 257-***-****
Nationality:
Permanent Address:
Email ID:
Indian
*/*, *.*.*****EAST), Sodepur, Kolkata-700110
*********@*****.***,
Mobile No:
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS: A] Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India in the year 1992 Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (First class Hons) B] Master in Project Management from George
Washington University, USA (2007- 2010).
D] Professional Certificate on APPLYING PROJECT
CONTROL’’ from QATAR-SHELL Technology Park, Qatar in November’22. .
KAHRAMAA certified Senior
Authorized Switching( upto
400 KV SAEP) Professional:
Latest Achievement:
1] Received SAEP Certification from Kahramaa Electricity Transmission Department in the year 2008.
2] Received one more SAEP Certificate from Kahramaa National Control Centre (NCC) in the year 2021.
3]Received AEP Certificate from MEW-Kuwait in the year 2005.
1]Received ‘DISTINGUISED EMPLOYEES AWARDS’ from
KAHRAMAA HR in the year Nov’2022.
1]Received ‘EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH AWARDS’ from
KAHRAMAA HR in the year Dec’2023.
EXPERIENCE
12 years in India
20 years in Overseas.
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Professional Summary
Highly experienced Electrical Engineer with over 32 years of hands-on expertise in Electrical Power Systems, Instrumentation, Renewable energy systems covering BESS, PV and Wind Plant with a strong focus on operation, maintenance, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and retrofitting of HV/EHV substations up to 400kV. Proven track record in managing and executing complex electrical infrastructure projects across Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, and Bangladesh. Currently serving as Head of Testing & Commissioning for the NEOM Project, overseeing the cold commissioning, Hot commissioning and Performance Ratio testing of 2.9GW PV Plant, 1.6 GW Wind Plant, 400 MWH BESS plant. Prior experience includes 04 years working experience as Senior System Control Engineer at KAHRAMAA – Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation where I managed Generation control of Qatar National Grid and GCCIA Grid, Switching of HV, EHV Network and maintaining of EHV Network. During this period, I have gathered extensive experience in EHV Network switching operations, SCADA-EPMS based control systems, substation automation
(SAS/SCS), telecom systems, AIS/GIS substations, and system fault analysis. Prior to that, I continued with Kahramaa Transmission Protection department and was deeply involved in commissioning of Transmission Protection systems( Relays), System fault analysis, System design and review of Various schemes and approved them. I was also deeply involved in switching of HV EHV network from Sub-station area. Successfully commissioned 50+ HV/EHV substations in Qatar, particularly in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Prior to that I worked in ABB Kuwait for 03 years and was Heading the Service department (Commissioning and O&M). I started my career with ABB India and worked for 12 years. During this period, I had grown up from Transmission Protection Engineer up to Head of Commissioning Manager till I left ABB India and moved to ABB Kuwait. Career highlights include:
In-depth knowledge on Renewable Energy Systems (PV, WIND, BESS), protection relays, SCADA, SAS, EPMS, transformer, switchgear, OHL, Cable etc.
Strong expertise in Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for relays, Control Systems and Sub- Station major equipment.
Formerly worked with ABB-Kuwait as Head of Services and ABB-India as Head of Commissioning Manager for over a decade, successfully leading project coordination, planning, client interfacing, Testing & Commissioning and O&M Area.
Why I feel the perfect fit for the vacancy:
A] Extensively travelled to entire NEOM project and controlled over all T&C activities for the NEOM project.
B] Prepared a highly complicated and achievable integration energization plan covering multiple commissioning activities across the region keeping full attention on safety of manpower and equipment.
C] Entire hot and cold commissioning process has been designed and implemented.
D] Hourly basis load forecast has been evaluated keeping close eyes on SEC imposed import and export limit.
E] Implementation of FLS scheme, FGS scheme, travelling wave fault detection, Battery EMS system, SCADA PPC SAT test format etc has been implemented by me.
F] PV,, BESS, STATCOM, OHTL, POWER Transformer performance test strategy has been designed and the documents are under approval stage.
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G] NEOM project is under full control of me and I can handle the entire project from the ist day of the Hot commissioning.
H] Trained not less than 200 Engineers and cleared equivalent Engineers during Authorization interview.
Core competencies:
Engineering Design & Documentation
Extensive experience reviewing engineering design documents for substations, protection systems, and substation automation products.
Responsible for resolving technical queries and signing off on design compliance documentation.
Regularly interact with contractors, consultants, and project management teams for technical coordination and drawing approvals related to E&I (Electrical & Instrumentation) products. Grid Operation & Control
Proficient in the operation, control, and protecting the national EHV grid of Qatar including frequency and voltage regulation using the GE make EPMS system.
Authorized to approve and cancel safety documents and operational permits within KAHRAMAA's network.
Pre-Commissioning & Commissioning
Hands-on experience with pre-commissioning and commissioning of GIS (up to 400kV), AIS switchyards, protection relays, SCS, SCADA, telecom systems, LVAC, DCDB, ACDB, UPS, battery chargers, HVAC systems, and more.
Actively involved in contract close-out activities, including spare parts handover, punch list clearance, and final NOSP documentation.
Operations, Maintenance & Fault Analysis
Extensive background in the operation, preventive and corrective maintenance, and troubleshooting of LV, MV, and EHV electrical equipment and systems.
Conducted and/or witnessed HV cable testing, transformer diagnostics, switchgear servicing, and partial discharge measurement up to 400kV.
Telecom & Fiber Optics
Skilled in the installation, termination, and testing of fiber optic cables for numerical protection relays and telecom equipment.
Witnessed and supervised testing of integrated Protection, SCS, SCADA, and telecom systems.
Metering & Instrumentation
Experience in the installation and calibration of main and check meters in the presence of regulatory bodies such as KEMA and QCAL.
Well-versed in UPS systems, SERGI (explosion prevention) systems, and LV lighting and power distribution.
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Training & Certification
Delivered structured training sessions for bulk consumers and engineers on KAHRAMAA's systems, particularly prior to the KM Authorization process.
Conducted and evaluated interviews for the authorization of contractor, consultant, and power plant engineers under KAHRAMAA’s AEP (Authorized Electrical Personnel) standards.
Delivered professional courses on Power System Protection and Substation Automation during tenure with ABB India and ABB Kuwait.
Overall Experience:
Hot & Cold Commissioning of PV, WIND & BESS Plant
HV/EHV Substation Commissioning & Operations
Power System Protection & Relays
Substation Automation (SCS, SCADA, EPMS, Telecom)
Switching Operations up to 400kV (From Field as well as from System Control Center)
Grid Operations, Load Flow, and Voltage and Frequency Control of Qatar EHV Grid
Work Permit approver, Field Training, Examiner for the Authorization test.
Team Leadership & Cross-functional Coordination
A highly motivated, results-driven professional with excellent organizational and communication skills. Adept at working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines, with a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety compliance. Remarkable Achievements in Qatar and Kuwait oil sectors:- Commissioning of the World’s Second Largest (110 KM) 132KV Sub-Sea Cable Network for QP Halul Island
During the year 2018–2019, I led the successful engineering and commissioning of the world's second-largest 132kV sub-sea underground cable network, spanning approximately 110 kilometers. This critical infrastructure project was executed for Qatar Petroleum (QP), with the power transmission line extending from Kahramaa QP-Halul Substation to QP Halul Island, located in the Ras Laffan area. As the project lead, I was deeply involved in all phases—from conceptual design and engineering to final testing and commissioning of this technically demanding and strategically significant power transmission system. Key Engineering Challenges and Solutions:
Reactive Power Management:
One of the most significant challenges in this project was mitigating the effects of excessive reactive power (MVAR) generated due to the substantial capacitance of the long sub-sea cable. This had the potential to cause overvoltage conditions and instability in the network.
Implementation of 220kV Single-Pole Break GIS:
To manage these voltage control challenges, a 220kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) with a single-pole breaking capability was installed to control
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132KV Line. This advanced switchgear allowed for greater flexibility and precision in managing line switching and voltage regulation.
Installation of Phase Synchronizing Devices (PSD): Phase Synchronizing Devices were integrated to enable the synchronized energization of the 132kV transmission line between the two substations, enhancing operational safety and system reliability.
Use of Line Reactors:
Two 60 MVAR line reactors were installed at each end of the sub-sea cable to absorb the excessive reactive power, effectively reducing voltage rise and stabilizing the system.
Power Factor Correction Equipment:
To ensure seamless power delivery and optimal load conditions on QP Halul Island, Power Factor Correction (PFC) units were deployed at both ends of the transmission line.
This landmark project not only reinforced the energy infrastructure of Halul Island but also showcased advanced engineering solutions in high-voltage power transmission under challenging marine environments.
B] Auto and Manual Changeover Scheme Implementation on Live 11kV Incomer Feeders in a live plant of KNPC (Kuwait National Petroleum Company) Upon joining ABB Kuwait, I was entrusted with a high-impact and technically challenging project for KNPC. The objective was to design, obtain approval, develop prototype, simulate prior implementation and commission the Auto and Manual Changeover Scheme on live 11kV Incomer Substations, which were critical in supplying power to ongoing oil production processes. This assignment demanded zero downtime, as any maloperation during commissioning could have led to significant production losses. The scope included the development of a new protection and control system that had not previously been implemented in the existing infrastructure.
Key Contributions:
Designed and engineered a changeover scheme utilizing the CAP 505 numerical relay, creating custom logic tailored to KNPC’s operational and safety requirements.
Led the prototype development and simulation testing phase to validate system behaviour under multiple scenarios.
Successfully commissioned the solution on live feeders, ensuring seamless transition without disrupting the power supply or operations.
Navigated complex challenges involving live system integration, strict safety protocols, and critical timeline management.
Achieved full client satisfaction, resulting in repeat orders for similar implementations across all Incomer feeder substations under ABB Kuwait’s scope.
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This project not only highlighted my technical and engineering acumen but also demonstrated my ability to deliver innovative, mission-critical solutions in high-stakes environments.
C] Implementation of First-Ever “One and a Half Breaker” Scheme at 400KV Level in Qatar
In 2013, I played a key technical role in the successful introduction and implementation of the first-ever 'One and a Half Breaker' scheme in Qatar at a 400kV Kahramaa substation. This project marked a significant advancement in Qatar’s high-voltage transmission network, offering improved flexibility, reliability, and fault tolerance.
Key Responsibilities and Contributions:
Actively contributed to the development of technical specifications tailored to the unique requirements of the One and a Half Breaker configuration.
Conducted and participated in technical workshops and design review meetings, collaborating closely with OEMs, consultants, and utility engineers.
Led and executed pre-commissioning testing and final system commissioning, ensuring full functional compliance with protection, control, and interlocking logic.
Developed and formally documented the System Operation Memorandum
(SOM) for the new scheme, which was approved and uploaded to the official SOM repository for operational reference.
Played a pivotal role in ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and training of O&M teams for smooth handover.
This project served as a national milestone and strengthened Qatar’s transmission reliability, while also reinforcing my expertise in complex EHV (Extra High Voltage) substation systems and protection schemes. Later on, SOM (System operation Memorandum) for this new one and half Breaker scheme was prepared and uploaded to our SOM book.
D] Commissioning of First-Ever 400kV Gulf Grid Interconnection (GCCIA Project)
Location: 400kV LZS-KM Substation, Qatar
In 2014, I played an integral role in the successful commissioning of the first-ever 400kV Gulf Grid Interconnection Project, where the Qatar power grid was connected to the Saudi Arabian grid through a 400kV double-circuit transmission line via the Logistic Zone Super (LZS-KM) 400kV Substation.
This milestone project was part of the GCC Interconnection Authority’s initiative to unify the power grids of Gulf countries, enhancing regional energy security and grid stability.
Key Contributions:
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Successfully executed the commissioning of the interconnection infrastructure, ensuring robust system performance across two different national grid standards.
Overcame significant technical and operational challenges involved in synchronizing Qatar’s grid with Saudi Arabia’s system, while adhering to both Kahramaa and GCCIA standards.
Collaborated with cross-border engineering teams to develop interface logic, protection coordination, and communication protocols for seamless integration.
Conducted detailed system testing, operational checks, and interlocking validations across the 400kV network before energization.
Played a key role in achieving a stable and secure grid interconnection, setting a benchmark for future regional interties. This project demonstrated my ability to lead and deliver on high-voltage, multi- national infrastructure projects involving complex standard harmonization and technical coordination.
CAREER HISTORY
Head – Testing & Commissioning Division, NGHC-NEOM Project on behalf of M/S Larsen & Toubro, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia July 2024 – Present
Leading the complete Testing & Commissioning (T&C) scope for NEOM’s renewable energy infrastructure, comprising a 2.9 GW Photovoltaic (PV) Plant, 1.6 GW Wind Plant, and 400 MWh Battery Energy Storage System
(BESS).
Managing T&C activities for 380kV GIS Substations, 380/33kV Pooling Substations, and associated systems including Substation Automation System (SAS), SCADA, EMS, PPC, EPMS, STATCOM, and
Telecommunication systems.
Built and trained an in-house Testing & Commissioning team for both PV and BESS plants, ensuring high-quality execution and cost-effective resourcing.
Spearheaded the procurement of advanced testing instruments and diagnostic equipment aligned with project technical requirements and industry standards.
Developed and secured approvals for comprehensive Cold and Hot Commissioning Procedures, ensuring compliance with client specifications and regulatory norms.
Cultivating strong collaboration with internal stakeholders, EPC partners, and client representatives to ensure timely completion and technical alignment of deliverables.
Actively participating in high-level project review meetings with the client, ensuring clear communication, issue resolution, and progress tracking for critical project milestones.
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Systems Control Engineer (NCC)– KAHRAMAA, Qatar ( 2022 TO 2024)
Transferred from KAHRAMAA Electricity Transmission department to KM- System Control department (NCC,National Control Centre) in July’2020. Key responsibilities holding in CS departments are:-
Switching, operation, maintaining, controlling, releasing, restoration of Qatar’s entire Electrical Networks ( 400 KV to 11 KV).
Issue all types of work permits and other safety documents from NCC to accomplish work in KAHRAMAA network and Bulk-Consumer network.
Maintenance and trouble shooting of entire KM EHV network is one of the prime responsibilities of Control System Engineer.
Co-ordinate with QEWC & PP power plants and control the load flow of KM- EHV Systems.
Working as a Commissioning In Charge for reviewing and approving Pre- commissioning Test formats, test reports, Preparation of switching procedure and commissioning of all new HV and EHV S/STNS and Power Plants.
Short circuit analysis, Load flow analysis, Safety precaution review for commissioning of new EHV Equipment, quick restoration of KM-EHV networks during abnormal situation are the common responsibilities of CS Engineers.
Co-ordinate with GCCIA and NWCC and ensure safe operation of GCCIA grid and WATER Production in Qatar.
Maintain Voltage and Frequency of KAHRAMAA grid as per Grid Code laid down by Kahramaa.
Review KM developed SOM and Safety books and upgrade in timely manner.
Bulk Consumer Orientation training( including QATAR GAS) are my responsibility and successfully given several training to Bulk Consumer new Engineers to assist them for appearing Authorization test in Kahramaa. Training to in-house Qatari Engineer is our common responsibility. Transmission Senior Engineer-Protection and Sub-station Automation(E&I) KAHRAMAA, QA( 2007 TO 2022)
Started my career with KAHRAMAA Transmission Protection and Automation department from Nov’2007 and continued till June’20. During this tenure, I have worked as a KCT Commissioning Head for 13 years. Key responsibilities holding in Electricity transmission department are to Commission all the newly built S/Stns and its contract closure.
Service Head (Electrical & Instrumentation) - ABB Kuwait ( 2005 – 2007): Worked with ABB-Kuwait for approximately 03 years as a Head of Service department for the Electrical s/stns and the key responsibilities performed in ABB Kuwait are given below:
Appeared for Senior Authorization tests in MEW-Kuwait in the year 2005 and received Authorization Certificates from MEW-Kuwait to work in their live s/stns from 11 KV to 400 KV level.
Involved in the following projects: KNPC, KOC, Doha East Power Station, Al- Zour Power
Station, MEW & Mina Abdullah Refinery.
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Leading a Team of Technicians & Engineers
To participate in AMC Contract with Ministry of Electricity & Water-Kuwait and execute the job as per term and conditions laid down by MEW-Kuwait. Each contract duration was for 03 years and work responsibilities mainly consisted of full maintenance of MEW-EHV S/STSNS.
To Participate in the Tendering process in KNPC (Kuwait National Petroleum Company) and KOC ( Kuwait oil company) for the Sub-Station related projects and Execute the job as per terms and conditions governed by the Oil Companies.
To impart training to Client Engineers, Consultant and other Sub-Contractor Engineers on the product supplied by ABB.
To involve directly in the Cold and Hot Commissioning processes for commissioning of Electrical HV & EHV S/STNS and Power Plant.
To attend meetings with Clients and other sub-contractors on weekly basis and reviewed the progress of the project.
To involve in Engineering for retrofitting job. Successfully retrofitted complete Generator protection systems and Line protection systems with ABB REG 316 and REL 521 at ALZour Power Station in Kuwait. 11kv grade live switchgear Units were retrofitted in KNPC-Kuwait.
Participated Tendering to execution process for supply, Engineering, implementation, development of proto-type and execute Automatic and Manual change over scheme in KNPC-Kuwait and successfully executed the work as per terms and conditions laid down by the client. Key responsibilities as Head of Commissioning Managers in ABB India(1992- 2005):
Commissioning Manager (Group Head), responsible for the commissioning of EHV Projects (Substations up to 400 kV) for North India.
Hold responsibility for the Time Management & plan for commissioning schedule for timely execution of projects.
To attend Engineering meeting, pre and post tendering meeting activities
Provided in-house training for personnel as well as Customer.
Supported Project Management & Engineering Group.
Established a Commissioning Protocol, which is accepted by ABB-Globe. Experience of On-Site training, Customer Interaction, Fault finding, Testing, Commissioning & on-lineTraining:
On site Training:- Customer training on ABB systems and Products are one of my prime responsibility. Several Training classes have been conducted by self at different sites in India, Bangladesh Nepal,Kuwait and Qatar.
In House Training: Being a service head of ABB Kuwait, I was responsible for upgradation of the knowledge of our in-house Engineers and accordingly, several training sessions on Power Protection systems were conducted in ABB Kuwait during my stay.
Switching, Testing & Commissioning of sub-station equipment upto a level of 400 KV :- I was associated with this field for more than 15 years and executed
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several projects in INDIA, BANGLADESH,KUWAIT,NEPAL,BHUTAN and QATAR.
Fault finding: Responsible for trouble shooting, corrective action and evaluation of all types System alarms and Power system faults up to 400KV level,
Interviewed and authorization test to all contractors and consultant engineers were handled by me in Kahramaa.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE: 2/4, H.B.TOWN (EAST), ROAD NO.-7, P.O.: SODEPUR KOLKATA – 700110, WEST BENGAL, INDIA.
FAMILY STATUS: Married with 02 Children.
INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY: Available
LANGUAGE KNOWN: Bengali Native
English Fluent
Hindi Fluent
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