Q: What is your background and how did you become interested in energy?
A: I am 34 years old and originally came from Alor Setar, Kedah, a city located in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. As a 10-year-old I developed a fascination for the topic while working on a school project involving simple switches, lights and a fan. This early interest led me to pursue engineering in high school and university, as I was inspired by the impact that energy can have on our lives.

Q: Where did you find your first job?
A: I held my first position at Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s utility company, helping maintain the high-voltage (HV) grid with a mission to ‘keep the lights on’. This job was incredibly rewarding, in particular when it involved restoring electricity to schools, hospitals and homes. After eight years in that role, I became excited by the concept of offshore wind farms. This led me to my current position with Ørsted, where I am working towards the vision of creating a world powered entirely by green energy.

Q: How did you hear about the Energy Institute and what motivated you to join?
A: I first learned about the Energy Institute through a colleague and decided to join as an Associate Member through my employer’s company membership, to pursue my career path towards Chartered Engineer status.

Q: How does your current role contribute towards a just transition to net zero?
A: I am an electrical engineer with over a decade of experience in HV equipment, offshore wind energy and substation operations. I hold two roles: HV Equipment Manager and Senior HV Equipment Engineer. I am passionate about innovation and problem solving, specialising in commissioning, procurement, contract management and technical troubleshooting for large-scale energy projects.

In these capacities I support the HV equipment scope of the Revolution 01 offshore wind farm project, specifically focused on the offshore substation. Revolution 01 is a pioneering US offshore wind project. My job is to help ensure seamless commissioning and operational reliability. A big task. Upon completion, the wind farm will provide enough clean energy to power 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The most rewarding aspect of working in these roles is collaborating with a group of talented individuals who share the vision of harnessing clean energy. As one of the first-of-a-kind US offshore wind farm projects, challenges are inevitable. However, these challenges have broadened my experience, skillset and perspective on the journey towards creating a world powered by clean energy.

Q: How has being an AMEI through the EI Employee Membership Scheme benefitted you in your career?
A: I have been a member of the EI for almost a year. One of the areas that has greatly benefitted me is the Knowledge resources, which have provided valuable information and helped broaden my understanding of the energy sector. Associate Membership is also helping me in my quest for leadership development and strategic growth. In addition, my journey towards becoming a Chartered Engineer will be supported by the wealth of information and guidance available in the EI.

As a professional working in the energy sector, I believe that continuous development is essential to remain relevant and effective. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, staying connected to a network of like-minded professionals is vital. Being an Associate Member of the Energy Institute (AMEI) provides me with access to a broader community that spans not only offshore wind but the entire energy landscape.

Q: Have there been any impacts on the health and safety aspects of your job?
A: HSE considerations are central to my role. A recent challenge involved carrying out transformer oil processing works offshore – on a transportation vessel not originally designed for that task – due to weight and balance constraints with the installation of the offshore substation. To mitigate the risks, I consulted the EI Toolbox and eLibrary to better understand best practices for oil containment in offshore environments. These resources were instrumental in shaping our approach and helped form the basis for an effective mitigation and response plan.

Q: Do you read New Energy World? 
A: Yes, I regularly read New Energy World, which I find highly informative. The publication provides valuable insights into developments across solar, wind, hydrogen and other emerging technologies. It helps me stay connected to the global pulse of the energy transition.

Q: Finally, how is being an AMEI likely to impact your ambition to become a Chartered Engineer and your role in the energy transition? 
A: Looking ahead, becoming a Chartered Engineer through the Energy Institute holds deep significance for me. While there are many pathways to chartership, doing so through an organisation focused exclusively on energy aligns closely with my passion and career trajectory. My vision is simple yet ambitious: to contribute meaningfully to the energy transition – keeping the lights on with green energy.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

If you’re keen to follow in Hafiz’s footsteps, find out if you're eligible to become a complimentary Associate Member of the Energy Institute (AMEI), through your employer's membership.

All employees of EI company members and partners are now eligible for complimentary membership as an AMEI, through the EI Membership for Employees scheme. This will help enhance their understanding of the energy system, whilst leading them on the path to professional qualifications, including Chartership.