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: getting the energy transition done. In part 10, we speak with Robin Schenkelaars, Project Controller at Novar.
‘After completing my Master’s degree in Finance at the University of Groningen, I worked for a while in the energy sector in Amsterdam. Eventually, I decided to move back to the north of the Netherlands and I got a job at Novar. What I like most is that my work contributes to something that is relevant. You spend a large part of your week working, and it feels meaningful when that time is spent on renewable energy and projects that truly add value to the world.
Performance
As a Project Controller I focus on the financial side of operational solar parks. Together with my colleagues, I make sure we understand how our projects are performing. I track invoices, revenues and budgets, and I regularly speak with banks and shareholders. At the moment, I am involved in around ten operational projects.
My work follows a monthly rhythm. At the start of each month, I analyse the previous period’s figures and compare them with our expectations. Sometimes the differences are easy to explain, for example due to weather conditions such as snow. Other times, unexpected things happen, like technical downtime or theft, and then you need to adjust forecasts and think about how to respond. You can’t control everything, that’s what makes the work dynamic.
The future is open, while the past is fixed. What I enjoy most about being a Project Controller is predicting the future. I enjoy using data to forecast how projects will perform. The future is still open, while the past is fixed. This is what makes looking ahead so interesting, because you can still make an impact there.
Last time I felt like getting it done…
To me, being a fixer means being able to work independently and take responsibility, especially when something unexpected happens. Recently, I was asked to take over several projects on short notice. I had to quickly find my way and make sure everything kept moving. Situations like that can be challenging, but they are also very rewarding.
Getting it done to me means being able to work independently and take responsibility.
Working at Novar
I really appreciate the atmosphere at Novar. We have a young and energetic team, and people are always willing to help each other. Everyone works hard, but there is also time to relax together, which creates a very open and informal culture. One of Novar’s strengths, in my view, is how quickly we adapt to changes in the market. The rules are constantly evolving, and as Novar we adapt quickly.
What would I fix right now?
If I could fix one thing in the energy sector today, it would be grid congestion. Sometimes the solution is not only technical, but behavioural too. If we all became more aware of when and how we use energy, we could already reduce the pressure on the grid.
If I could fix one thing in the energy sector, it would be grid congestion: that’s not only technical, but behavioural too.
