Internship | Coupling Energy System Optimisation with PowerFactory Grid Models

Electricity grids are increasingly the bottleneck of the energy transition. Energy system optimisation models can show where new generation or large loads are valuable from a system perspective, but they give limited insight into network congestion, operational limits and reinforcement needs.

In this internship, you will develop a workflow that couples energy system optimisation models with transmission grid models in DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and use it to assess how the siting of large-scale generation affects congestion and reinforcement needs. You will work in a multidisciplinary TNO team on a topic with direct relevance to ongoing customer projects.

During this internship, you will build and apply a multi-scale grid assessment workflow, from system-level optimisation to detailed network analysis in PowerFactory.

Typical activities include:

• Building and verifying a representative transmission grid model in PowerFactory from open data.
• Developing an automated Python interface that maps generation and load scenarios from existing energy system optimisation models (Python/Pyomo) onto the network model and runs load-flow and N-1 contingency analysis.
• Feeding congestion and N-1 violations detected in PowerFactory back into the optimisation as nodal or corridor capacity limits, and iterating until the scenario is network-feasible.
• Assessing siting options for large-scale generation in terms of congestion, line loading, voltage limits and reinforcement needs.
• Where relevant, evaluating short-circuit levels at candidate connection points.
• Documenting the methodology and results in a thesis and technical report, with the opportunity to co-author a scientific publication.

You will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard power system software and optimisation, and contribute directly to TNO’s grid modelling capability.

For this internship, we are looking for a Master's student with a background in:

• Electrical Power Engineering
• Sustainable Energy Technology
• Systems & Control
• Operations Research
• Mathematics
• or a related field

Preferred qualifications:

• Solid knowledge of power systems (load flow, network operation, contingency analysis).
• Experience with DIgSILENT PowerFactory or a comparable tool (e.g. PSS/E, pandapower or PyPSA); PowerFactory scripting is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of mathematical optimisation (LP/MILP) and experience with Python.
• Interest in grid congestion and the integration of large-scale generation into power systems.
• Ability to work independently and communicate technical results clearly in English.

We are looking for a curious and proactive student who enjoys connecting models across scales and working on applied research with real-world impact.

Duration: 9 months, as a graduation (thesis) internship; start date can be aligned with university requirements.

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

You can apply for this internship position until the 16th of October, 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.