In the ‘Our fixers’ series, each month 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 4, we speak to Michiel ter Beek, Project Manager at Novar.
‘As project manager at Novar, I am responsible for obtaining permits and grants for new solar parks. An important part of this includes mapping all parties involved in a stakeholder analysis. These include municipalities, provinces, water boards and local nature organisations. I enter into discussions with all these parties to come up with a nice plan for a solar park together. It is also important that we involve the surrounding area in the plans for a new solar farm early in the process. After all, we will be “neighbours” for 25 years, so a good relationship from the start is essential.
A major challenge is therefore to ensure that we properly involve all stakeholders in the plans and that all interests are put on the table. By no means always are these interests equal and they can even be contradictory. With so many different parties at the table, differences of opinion are inevitable. It is therefore a real challenge, despite these differences, to look back together on an open and transparent dialogue in which everyone feels heard. And, of course, to arrive together at a beautiful plan for a solar park.
When I feel like a fixer? When a deadline approaches! I then spend all day tuning in, both internally and externally, to ensure that all pieces are completed and delivered on time and with the right content. In this kind of moment everything comes together: organisation, communication and decisiveness.
At Novar, we don’t always choose the quick or easy route. We strive for projects that add value on multiple levels. Not just in energy generation, but also in terms of nature, landscape or local involvement – projects we can be really proud of. For me, that’s where Novar’s strength lies.
For me, Novar’s strength lies in the combination of freedom and team spirit. We are given a lot of responsibility in our work, but we are never alone. There is always a team to fall back on. Together we work towards one clear goal: making the Netherlands sustainable, with 4 gigawatts of sustainable energy in 2030 as our joint mission.’
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.
