Please tell us about your role at PNDC

As an R&D engineer at PNDC, my role is to develop EV smart charging strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of EV charging on the electrical network. Besides, to investigate the future of power systems with high EV numbers and how DNOs can use EVs as energy storage systems to provide ancillary services to the electrical grid.

 

When did you join PNDC?

I joined PNDC in January 2022, after a long journey from Morocco.
 

What was your background before joining PNDC?

I started my electrical engineering journey in high school due to my passion for this field; that is why I got my high school degree with first-class honours. To deepen my electrical theory and practice knowledge, I enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at university.

During my bachelor’s degree, I spent three months of training in an electrical company where I was responsible for drawing the electrical schematic of the company. During the training, I developed my electrical engineering practical skills by translating the company’s real-world into an electrical schematic. After that, I enrolled in a master’s degree in renewable energy and storage, where I sharpened my knowledge in renewable energy technologies (PV, Wind, Biomass, Concentrated Solar Power, Concentrator PV) and storage systems such as batteries, flywheels, capacitors, Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH).

In addition, I improved the energy efficiency of the fusion sulphate unit in a multinational company where I analysed the problems by performing an energy audit and proposed real and economical solutions using my electrical engineering skills and knowledge.

Due to my passion for electrical engineering, I pursued my PhD studies at one of the top universities in Morocco. I assessed the negative side effects of the integration of EVs into the smart grids and proposed optimal solutions to decrease the impact of EV charging on the smart grid.
 

What do you enjoy most about working at PNDC?

I enjoy working in a multicultural environment that allows me to know my colleagues’ cultures in professional and non-professional life.
 

What can we find you doing in your spare time?

I spend my free time working out, cooking healthy food, walking/hiking to enjoy the natural views, and reading motivational books. My last reading books are ‘Life Without Limits’, ‘L’Homme qui voulait être heureux’, ‘Ta deuxieme vie commence quand tu comprends que tu n’en a qu’une’, and ‘Becoming by Michelle Obama’. Also, I like visiting historical monuments and learning their stories.
 
Connect with Soumia on LinkedIn.