TWO SSEN Transmission employees have been shortlisted for the Energy UK Young Energy Professionals (YEP).
The YEP Awards celebrate rising stars with less than 10 years’ experience in the energy sector. Angus Morrison and Arpan Jana have been named finalists for awards at the event, which takes place in London on 6 November.
Angus, a trainee site construction manager, is nominated for the Audrey Gallacher Award for Excellence, recognising his work on peat restoration at the Craig Murrail substation project in Argyll.
The project involves creating watertight cells from excavated peat to raise the natural water table, allowing the peat to regenerate and preventing carbon loss to the atmosphere. Over time, this could form a carbon sink, as vegetation like sphagnum moss absorbs carbon and decomposes anaerobically in waterlogged conditions.
Angus documented the process using drone footage to create a timelapse video, from which he developed key recommendations to enhance the restoration approach.
He said, “It’s an incredible feeling to be shortlisted for this award. It’s always encouraging to feel appreciated, but having my work recognised as excellent makes it even more special.
“We have a great team on the Argyll projects, and everyone – from directors to site staff – has been welcoming and supportive.
“At 40, I wouldn’t exactly call myself young, so I was genuinely surprised when my boss told me he’d nominated me. But I’ve since learned the award celebrates those new to the industry, which I am.”
Arpan, an assistant power systems engineer at The National HVDC Centre, is nominated in the Rising Star category for his contributions to innovation and reliability in the UK’s high-voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure.
He joined SSEN Transmission in September 2023 through the graduate scheme and has played a key role in the Network DC project—a nationally significant initiative funded by Ofgem. The project aims to enable multi-terminal HVDC networks by integrating DC circuit breakers, a new technology that isolates faults in HVDC grids. Using real-time simulation, the project seeks to reduce risks, enhance grid resilience, and support large-scale offshore renewable energy.
Arpan helped develop a real-time simulation model, automate testing, and analyse system behaviour to support control and protection design. His work contributed to technical outputs for Ofgem’s stage gate review and supported engagement with critical technology vendors.
He said, “It feels incredibly rewarding to be shortlisted alongside so many talented individuals, and I’m proud to represent both my team at the National HVDC Centre and SSEN Transmission.
“It’s motivating to see early-career contributions recognised at the national level, and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey so far.”
Jenna McDonald, early career and pipelines manager at SSEN Transmission, added, “We’re delighted that Arpan and Angus have been nominated in this year’s YEP Awards, reflecting their valuable contributions to projects that are central to upgrading the grid.
“With so many opportunities to work on sector-leading, innovative projects across the country, it’s an exciting time to start a career in energy.
“As we undertake the biggest grid overhaul in a generation, it’s vital we have the right people and skills in place. Arpan and Angus are showing how fresh ideas and talent are helping deliver a clean energy network for the future.”
