Specialty Internship: Lifecycle of a battery storage unit

Battery storage
By some estimates more than USD 10bn will be invested in renewable energy infrastructure over the next decade. 
Energy storage will be key to implementing renewable energy, with Battery Energy Storage Systems ("BESS") infrastructure widely expected to become the core of the future electricity storage and distribution capacity, along with other traditional storage methods such as hydro dams.
The lifecycle perspective of BESS units on an industrial scale is a trending topic due to the requirements to make long-term investment decisions whilst the development of "smart-grids" are still evolving. Thus, the scaling up of capacity to meet growing demand is coinciding with rapid evolution of battery technology, growing politicization of raw material supply chains and growing consumer awareness of sustainability questions. In this context we believe it is both relevant and exciting to investigate the lifecycle of key renewable energies and any implications.  
This work will help shape our approach to this sector, with the overall aim to support the transition to net zero and make the world more resilient.

About the Role
This internship will work with on a lifecycle perspective of a battery storage unit, with responsibilities grouped around the following topics:

• Outline of the battery storage unit lifecycle
• Risk analysis of:
• BESS technologies and their risk management factors and criticalities 
• Failure rates and adequate risk management considerations e.g. spacing
• Considerations for the development of future costing tools for use in re/insurance underwriting
• Review of available insurance protections to identify any "protection gaps"

The internship will be for 4-6 months, starting Spring 2023

About the Team
The applicant will be embedded within the Renewable Energy Centre of Competence ("CoC") in our Specialty business, working to agreed deadlines.
You will report to the global head of Specialty Solutions and be part of our innovation network, working closely with experts and leaders in our underwriting and risk engineering services teams, all part of Swiss Re's Specialty business. Your position will be based in Zurich.

About you

• Master student in business or environmental sciences ideally combined with skills in quantitative science such as engineering, mathematics or physics 
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent organisational skills and self-starter attitude
• Passion for sustainability and ESG-related topics
• Curiosity around how investments in the battery energy & storage sector are made and protected
• Teammate who naturally brings individuals together as needed, across countries and functions
• Reliable, open-minded, creative and enthusiastic
• Excellent oral and written English. Other languages are a plus

What next?
We are looking forward to your application! Good luck!

Swiss Re is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. Our aim is to live visible and invisible diversity – diversity of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, physical abilities, personalities and experiences – in all functions and regions at Swiss Re. We also collaborate in a flexible working environment, providing you with a compelling degree of autonomy to decide how, when and where to carry out your tasks.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 
Due to immigration regulations non-EU/EFTA and UK citizens must provide a certificate from a Swiss university confirming that an internship is integral to their course of study. Kindly submit the mandatory letter from your University with your application documents.
We provide feedback to all candidates via email. If you have not heard back from us, please check your spam folder.