Thuthukani Nduduzo Biyela
Pretoria
Summary
Dynamic Principal Engineer with extensive experience at Enel Green Power, specializing in cybersecurity and telecommunications. Proven track record in leading complex projects, including the implementation of Software Defined Networking and disaster recovery solutions. Strong leadership skills drive innovation and efficiency in digital solutions for renewable energy systems across Africa.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Engineer
Siphulathuthu Engineering Services
Pretoria
09.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: A proudly Black-owned business, Siphulathuthu Engineering Services is committed to innovation and solutions for digitalization and sustainability initiatives
- ICT, Cybersecurity, SCADA, and Wide Area Monitoring Protection and Control, information systems, distributed energy resources (DER), telecommunications IT/OT convergence, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things are among the areas
- We are dedicated to providing our partner firms with specialized solutions
- A proudly Black-owned business, Siphulathuthu Engineering Services is committed to innovation and solutions for digitalization and sustainability initiatives
- ICT, Cybersecurity, SCADA, and Wide Area Monitoring Protection and Control, information systems, distributed energy resources (DER), telecommunications IT/OT convergence, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things are among the areas
- We are dedicated to providing our partner firms with specialized solutions
Plant Automation and IT Infrastructure
Enel Green Power
Johannesburg
09.2018 - 08.2024
- Responsible for Plant Automation and IT Infrastructure for all African Wind Farms, Solar Farms, Headquarters and all the Data Centres including Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)
- Supervising the design, start-up, management, and maintenance of the Enel Green Power (EGP) Power Plants Network and Security infrastructure for all countries belonging to the Digital Solutions’ Africa perimeter
- Implementing processes for all platforms and ensure compliance with requirements, company policies and ICT policies within the Digital Hub Department
- Lead all the core Networking, Telecommunication and Data Centre Services
- Involved in Engineering and Construction of over 10 RPP in Africa including all Enel Awarded Plants Round 4 Plants in South Africa, Zambia, and Morocco
- Business Continuity Program (BCP) through Network Optimisation for the Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)
- Implementation of the Software Defined WAN (SD WAN) for the Enterprise Office (African Region)
- Proof of Concept (PoC), implementing a Software Design Network (SDN) for the Renewable Power Plants (RPP), taking into consideration Cyber-security by design
- Migration from on-premises to cloud-based solutions, supporting the Computing and Hosting Infrastructure Team
- Supporting Business Development (BD) Department in sourcing new businesses within the Region
- Management of the existing MPLS network for the RPP and Southern African Offices
- Management of the IPsec Tunnel for the Morocco Office
- Proof of Concept (PoC) for mobile connectivity using SD-WAN for the RPP during construction stage
Communications Engineer
eThekwini Municipality
eThekwini
05.2016 - 08.2018
- Joined Communication Networks Department as an Engineer at eThekwini Electricity
- Duties involve compiling and updating specifications and standards of technical systems within communication networks
- The systems include fibre, copper pilot, data networks, and radio and wireless systems
- Converted one of my projects to form a chapter on my M Eng titled 'Smart Grid Enabling Technologies in Grid Operations for Metropolitan Distribution Network.'
- As the secretariat of eThekwini Electricity Smart Grid Workgroup (SG WG), I oversee most of the Units SG Project Initiatives
System Performance Engineer
eThekwini Municipality
eThekwini
10.2014 - 05.2016
- Involved control and monitoring of eThekwini HV network using Power Quality (PQ) recorders
- Compiling Integrated Substation Specification (ISS) which consists of five sections namely; Access control, perimeter intrusion, CCTV, inner fence and software integration
- Developing black start or restoration plan
- Involved in updating load shedding schedule
- Recently started working on Renewable Power Producers (RPP) QoS Guidelines
Engineer in Training
eThekwini Municipality
Durban
02.2013 - 10.2014
- As a graduate trainee in a mining and smelter environment, my responsibilities were to complete Graduate Trainee logbook that is used to access and measure the progress of the graduate trainee in the industry
- Involved in different High Voltage projects whereby I assisted an engineer in project scope definition, tendering process, quotation, design, implementation, execution, and close-out
- Played a role in maintaining safety standards and ensure safety practices are implemented within the organisation
Strategic Advisor Group Member and Southern African Representative
CIGRE
Paris
08.2022
- Company Overview: CIGRÉ, the International Council on Large Electric Systems, is a global nonprofit organization established in 1921 in Paris, France
- It is dedicated to promoting collaboration among experts worldwide to improve electric power systems
- CIGRÉ, the International Council on Large Electric Systems, is a global nonprofit organization established in 1921 in Paris, France
- It is dedicated to promoting collaboration among experts worldwide to improve electric power systems
Education
Electrical Engineering -
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa12.2012
Matric Certificate -
Durban, South Africa12.2007
Skills
- Cybersecurity
- Telecommunications
- Information Technology
- Operational Technology
- Industrial Control Systems
- SCADA
- Software Defined Networking
- MPLS
- IT/OT
- Control Centres
- Project Management
- Leadership
Accomplishments
- Have published several conference papers focusing on Power Quality, SCADA systems, Smart Distribution Networks, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) as well as Information Technology and Operational Technology (IT/OT) convergence and segregation.
- Won the best paper award and represent South Africa in multiple Engineering bodies including CIGRE, SAIEE and IEEE.
Publications
- Demystifying IT-OT Convergence: Strengthening Critical Infrastructure Security Through DMZ Implementation and Cross-Domain, 05/01/25
- A phased migration from TDM to packet transport networks and potential challenges faced by the EPUs, 10/01/23
- Cybersecurity by Design, 08/01/22
- Enhancement of Network System Performance Monitoring through Synchronised Measurement Technology, 09/01/18
- De-colonising Technology for African Utilities: An eThekwini Electricity Case Study, 09/01/18
- ENERGY DECOMPOSITION OF INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA, 02/01/18
- THE OPPORTUNITY FOR TECHNOLOGY AS SMART GRID ENABLERS IN MUNICIPAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS: A REVIEW.
Awards
Young Engineer Best Award, CIGRE, 10/01/23, Won the best paper on the regional conference.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/24/89
- Nationality: South African
Timeline
Principal Engineer
Siphulathuthu Engineering Services
09.2024 - Current
Strategic Advisor Group Member and Southern African Representative
CIGRE
08.2022
Plant Automation and IT Infrastructure
Enel Green Power
09.2018 - 08.2024
Communications Engineer
eThekwini Municipality
05.2016 - 08.2018
System Performance Engineer
eThekwini Municipality
10.2014 - 05.2016
Engineer in Training
eThekwini Municipality
02.2013 - 10.2014
Electrical Engineering -
University of Cape Town
Matric Certificate -
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