In each month’s ‘Our Fixers’ series, we talk to a colleague about working at Novar. Everyone works in a different department, but with a common goal: fixing the energy transition. In part 7, we talk to Dave Knipmeijer, Project Finance Manager at Novar.
‘As Project Finance Manager, I am responsible for financing sustainable assets such as solar parks and batteries. In the development phase, I mainly deal with drafting feasibility studies and building solid business cases. As soon as a project moves towards realisation, the financing process starts – a legally and substantively complex process with many interdependencies. During this phase, I work intensively with banks and their advisers, as well as with colleagues from different teams within Novar. Because almost every project agreement has an impact on financing, we from Project Finance are constantly thinking along and keep a sharp eye on the whole.
I really feel like a fixer the moment a financing project is all set. Such processes can sometimes stagnate because of something small, such as a missing signature or a project agreement that has not yet been signed. Then you sometimes literally have to go out the door to collect that signature. Especially when the deadline is approaching, this creates some tension. But as soon as the last signature is there, you know: it is fixed!
‘The current market conditions demand a lot from us. That stimulates creativity and invites active thinking about solutions.’
The biggest challenge in my role lies in managing both internal and external stakeholders. All workflows must come together at the right time, and if one party lags behind, it can delay the whole process. Such a delay can mean that conditions in bids expire or -in the worst case scenario- that we miss out (partly) on a grant. It is therefore crucial that project agreements are completed fully and on time. One missing signature can halt funding.
In addition, the rapidly changing environment plays a major role. Developing sustainable assets is becoming increasingly complex and has a growing number of parties involved. A profitable business case has long since ceased to be self-evident. Think, for instance, of the impact of negative electricity prices, which put considerable pressure on a solar farm’s earning model.
What particularly appeals to me at Novar is the positive mindset and strong entrepreneurship. There is plenty of room to explore and work out new ideas, always looking at opportunities rather than limitations. Realising solar PV projects is becoming increasingly complex and current market conditions demand a lot from us. This stimulates creativity and invites us to actively think about solutions. I think an inspiring example is the development of the Closed Distribution System in Avermieden. Thanks to this ‘own network’, we were able to find a solution for the overloaded medium-voltage grid, which ultimately made the realisation of the largest solar park in the Netherlands possible.
At Novar, there is a strong hands-on mentality that can be felt in all layers of the organisation. We do not shy away from complex issues or challenging situations. In fact, we have the courage to invest in innovative technologies at an early stage, which often puts us ahead of the market.’
Do you want to work with us, do you have questions or do you want to pass on a change? Then contact us – we’re happy to help.
