From Deep Waters to High Voltage: Mini's Journey to a Low-Carbon Future
At SSEN Transmission, we’re proud to be home to people who bring diverse experiences and a shared passion for building a better world.
One such story is that of Mini Nambiar, our Technical Innovations Manager, whose journey from global engineering roles to leading innovation in electricity transmission is a testament to the power of purpose-driven career transitions.
A Global Engineering Career
My career began in Taiwan as a Hardware Design Engineer after graduating in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in India. Over the years, I navigated through industries as varied as consumer electronics, electronic manufacturing services, oil and gas, and the defence sector—each role adding a new layer of expertise and perspective.
Before joining SSE, I worked in the oil and gas sector, delivering cutting-edge solutions for underwater operations, including innovative diving rebreathers for commercial and defence markets. My work was technically demanding and deeply impactful, but something was stirring beneath the surface.
I first started considering a transition to a low-carbon role in 2017, because I wanted to work on the energy technologies of the future. I even applied for a Sustainable Energy Futures MSc at Imperial College, but didn’t get in—a setback that ultimately led me to working in Norway.
I worked on some really interesting water treatment and injection projects in Norway for a few years and then in 2020, COVID hit. I took some time to reflect and decided to leave oil and gas, study for an MBA, and pivot into renewables. The timing felt right, the opportunity cost was low during COVID, and I wanted a commercial role in the low-carbon sector where I could utilise my technical background.
A Pandemic-Era Reflection
Like many, I found myself reflecting deeply during the Covid pandemic. I was considering my personal purpose and how I could contribute to mitigate climate change. This introspection led me to seek a role that aligned with my values—one that would allow me to support the transition to a greener, fairer future.
Transferring Skills, Transforming Impact
My previous roles’ equipped me with a strong appreciation for engineering challenges and stakeholder management—skills that are highly transferable to the energy sector. My ability to navigate complex technical landscapes and lead cross-functional teams has been instrumental in my success at SSE.
Looking for a change?
Meaningful change often begins with a moment of reflection—and that the skills we’ve built in one industry can be the foundation for impact in another.
I now play a key role in driving technical innovation to support the UK’s net zero ambitions at SSEN Transmission and have been for the last four years. My advice to anyone considering making the move to a low carbon career would be to embrace change and commit to continuous learning and development.
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