In the ‘Our Fixers’ series, each month we talk 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 9, we speak to Marco Helmantel, EPC manager at Novar.
‘Together with a number of driven colleagues, as EPC Manager I am (co-)responsible for contracting the right contractors and for coordination, monitoring, and guidance during the realization of major sustainability projects. Think, for example, of building a solar park. This starts with an intensive tender process to contract a contractor. Based on the permit requirements and our own requirements, the contractor then prepares a proposal for building the solar park. The contract price is an important factor here; but just as important is the park’s performance after completion, as well as ensuring proper maintenance throughout its operation.
After that, together with colleagues from various departments, we prepare the EPC contract (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction). This contract defines the design, construction, delivery, responsibilities, risks, and guarantees between client and contractor. Once the project financing is secured, the project moves into the construction phase. In this phase, together with a number of colleagues, I monitor planning, quality, safety, compliance with permit requirements, and, not unimportantly, the budget. Until construction is complete, all loose ends are tied up, and the park is delivered, I remain responsible for the realization phase. My colleagues at Klaer then take over to ensure the park is well maintained and continues to perform optimally throughout the operational period.
When carrying out a project, you’re dealing with various factors that can influence the end result. Think of grid operators, schedules, deadlines for subsidy schemes, contracted contractors, different weather conditions, or unforeseen supply issues with suppliers. One thing always impacts another. The biggest challenge is therefore to identify the bumps in the process on time and manage them as smoothly as possible—so that progress, costs, and quality don’t suffer.
If it can’t be done one way, then we try another. Rolling up our sleeves and getting on with it. With that mindset, we achieve a lot at Novar. That’s why I feel like a fixer almost every day. The same was true at Zonnepark Bellingwolde. To get the financing and the EPC contract finalized on time, a group of colleagues and I worked long and intensively to get every detail right. It didn’t happen automatically, but together we managed to fix it once again!
At Novar, we work with enormous drive and enthusiasm as colleagues toward the energy transition. What I find particularly special is the healthy dose of “Pippi Longstocking mentality”: “I have never done it before, so I think I can do it.” Whether it’s solar panels, solar thermal, hydrogen, storage, or a combination of these—Novar doesn’t shy away. That makes me incredibly proud of the projects we have realized and the sustainability steps we will continue to take.
It lies in having the courage to take initiative. In giving trust to the people who work here. In not giving up but continuing to look for solutions where others would probably quit.’
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.
