Data Center Energy Lead, Australia

About the role

Anthropic is on the lookout for a seasoned energy professional to oversee power capacity procurement and the delivery of infrastructure for our AI computing operations in Australia. This position requires adept navigation through intricate regulatory frameworks and energy markets to secure substantial power capacity, ensuring that our infrastructure can expand in line with the evolving needs of advanced AI development.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop comprehensive energy deployment strategies, incorporating both grid-connected and behind-the-meter solutions to accelerate energization timelines.
• Oversee energy procurement across the National Electricity Market (NEM), Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM), and Northern Territory Electricity Market (NTEM) to secure significant power capacity.
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs), Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs), Independent System Operators (ISOs), and state regulatory bodies to address grid constraints effectively.
• Keep abreast of the National Electricity Rules and other regulatory changes to advocate for streamlined infrastructure approval processes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure alignment between energy market insights and project deployment timelines.
• Design and implement commercial frameworks, such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and network use of system agreements, to mitigate risks associated with capacity.
• Conduct thorough analyses of energy market trends to inform strategic decision-making and operational planning.
• Lead negotiations with energy suppliers and stakeholders to secure favorable terms and conditions for power procurement.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication to ensure that energy strategies align with broader organizational goals and objectives.
• Provide expert guidance on energy-related matters to senior leadership and other stakeholders within the organization.
• Monitor and report on the performance of energy procurement initiatives, making adjustments as necessary to optimize outcomes.
• Engage in continuous learning and development to stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies in energy management.

Requirements

• A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in utility development, energy procurement, or power markets related to large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Extensive knowledge of the Australian energy sector, particularly the NEM, WEM, and NTEM frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate the complexities of transmission system planning, connection agreements, and offtake arrangements.
• Proven experience in managing relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies such as the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), Essential Services Commission (ESC), Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), and the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA).
• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Exceptional ability to distill complex grid dynamics into actionable business strategies for a variety of audiences.

Nice to have

• Experience in energy procurement specifically for data centers or high-performance computing environments.
• Familiarity with the demands of hyperscale infrastructure and the energy requirements for AI training.
• Background in regulatory advocacy with entities such as the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), and state energy departments.
• Technical knowledge in areas such as transmission planning, connection studies, or Generator Performance Standards.
• Understanding of distributed energy resources, battery storage solutions, and demand response mechanisms.
• A proven track record of successfully addressing grid constraints in Renewable Energy Zones or congested energy markets.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in National Electricity Rules (NER)
• Expertise in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Familiarity with Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs)
• Knowledge of Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs)
• Understanding of NEM, WEM, and NTEM market frameworks

Practical notes

• Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
• The role operates on a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 25% of your time to be spent in the office.
• We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every qualification listed.
• Please ensure that all communications come from email addresses ending in @anthropic.com to avoid recruitment scams.

About the company

Anthropic is an AI safety company that builds reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems. Founded in 2021 by Dario and Daniela Amodei, former VP of Research at OpenAI, Anthropic created the Claude family of AI assistants. The company has raised over $13 billion from investors including Google, Salesforce, and Amazon.