In the ‘Our Fixers’-series, we talk to colleagues about working at Novar. Everyone works in a different department, but we share one common goal: fixing the energy transition. In part 12, we speak with Joost Slabbekoorn, Investment Manager at Novar in the Netherlands.
‘At some point, everything needs to come together. Everyone knows: this has to happen now. And then it usually does.’
This is a moment Joost knows well. The final phase of a transaction, where timelines tighten, phones keep ringing and decisions must be made. It’s also the part he enjoys the most. As an Investment Manager within the Finance team, Joost focuses on the buying and selling of energy projects.
‘You’re constantly looking at opportunities in the market. Sometimes a project fits perfectly within our portfolio, and sometimes it doesn’t. I guide that process from start to finish’
From first impression to final deal
It often starts with a glimpse of a project. ‘If it looks interesting, we sign an NDA and dive deeper. We assess the financials, check whether it fits our requirements, and decide whether to place a bid.’
From there, the focus shifts to verification. Does the project deliver what it promises? Permits, technical details and risks are all reviewed in detail. Joost compares it to buying a house. But on a much larger scale.
Being a fixer
For Joost, being a fixer is not about having all the answers right away. ‘You can’t overthink everything. At some point, you just must take a step. You move, get feedback, and adjust along the way.’
That mindset fits well within Novar. ‘You get the space to do that here. It’s a very hands-on organisation. If something needs to happen, people act.’ That speed also matters in a market that is constantly evolving. Developments like negative energy prices and the growing role of battery storage require continuous adaptation.
Making an impact
Even though much of the work happens behind the scenes, the impact is clear. ‘You’re helping to realize projects that make the energy system more sustainable. That’s what makes it meaningful.’
And if he could fix one thing? ‘The balance between supply and demand. If we can make that smarter and more dynamic, we can take a big step forward.’
