In the world of energy transition, energy and grid companies are tackling enormous challenges every day. The growing demand for renewable energy requires not only the construction of new assets, but also the renovation of existing, outdated systems. This task is becoming increasingly complex, especially since the lifespan of many installations is nearing its limit and the need for sustainable solutions is growing by the day.
In recent years, therefore, many organizations in the energy sector have invested heavily in large project organizations. But after the construction of this infrastructure, the next challenge often begins: the transition from a project organization to a management organization. This process is often a source of friction because the goals, perspectives and interests of the two organizations do not always align. To overcome this complexity, the role of Asset Management Director was created. A role that, although still fairly new and unknown in the energy sector, has proven crucial in creating a bridge between project and management organizations.
The role of Director of Asset Management
The role of Director of Asset Management does not yet officially exist within the energy world, but I have personally experienced in recent years how valuable this position can be. I am Niels, Chief Enabler of People at Ecopulz, and on assignment at water company Dunea I took on this role. This clearly showed that there is a growing need for someone who can bridge the gap between project and management organizations. In the energy transition, where fast switching and seamless collaboration is necessary, this role can be crucial.
As Director of Asset Management, you stand between two worlds. On one side you have the project organization, which is focused on designing and realizing assets according to specific requirements and goals. On the other hand, there is the management organization, which is responsible for the long-term maintenance and optimization of these assets. Both have their own perspectives, responsibilities and priorities. The art of the Director of Asset Management lies in bringing these divergent interests together and ensuring a smooth transfer from projects to management.
The value of communication and understanding
One of the biggest challenges within the energy transition is establishing a clear communication structure between project and management organizations. Regular and structured communication is essential here to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. My experience at Dunea taught me that many problems arise from a lack of communication. What may seem a small change to the project organization may have significant implications for the management organization, for example in terms of maintenance or the cost of operational processes.
As Director of Asset Management, I facilitated this communication and ensured that all parties involved were on the same page from the beginning. This started with establishing explicit agreements, defining responsibilities and making clear decision moments. By actively involving both organizations in the process, there is a shared understanding and a common goal. This creates trust and reduces resistance to change, something that is crucial in a sector as rapidly changing as the energy sector.
Ensuring cooperation and continuity
Another thing I have learned in my role as Director of Asset Management is that collaboration does not stop after project delivery. On the contrary, the real challenge often starts after delivery. Ensuring continuity is essential to guarantee the longevity of assets and prevent unnecessary costs in the future.
In my work at Dunea, I have seen how important it is to involve the management organization from the beginning of a project. By sharing knowledge and documentation between project and management teams at an early stage, you ensure that valuable information is not lost. This promotes not only a smooth handover, but also more efficient management in the long run. Moreover, it helps to reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of assets, ultimately resulting in a more sustainable and cost-effective operation.
Culture of cooperation and openness
Another crucial aspect of the Director of Asset Management is fostering a culture of cooperation and understanding. Within organizations, project and management departments can often operate as separate entities, each with their own goals and interests. As Director of Asset Management, I tried to bridge this gap by creating an atmosphere of trust and openness. This can be done by organizing joint meetings, workshops and working sessions in which both teams get to know each other and understand each other's perspectives.
At Dunea, I have seen how effective this can be. By proactively promoting collaboration and bringing teams closer together, a stronger bond is created between departments. This not only reduces friction but also increases the team's problem-solving ability. Collaboration is the key to success in any organization, especially when dealing with complex, long-term projects such as in the energy sector.
The added value for energy transition
Although my experience as Director of Asset Management took place in the water sector, I am convinced that this role can add great value within the energy sector as well. The energy transition requires more than just technical solutions; it requires a fundamental shift in how organizations collaborate and communicate. An Asset Management Director can ensure that the goals of both project and management organizations are better aligned, leading to more efficient processes and more sustainable results.
I strongly believe that the role of Director of Asset Management can make a crucial contribution to the energy transition. By ensuring that new and existing assets are optimally managed and maintained, energy companies can not only meet the growing demand for renewable energy, but also improve their operational efficiency and reduce their costs. It is time to introduce this role to the energy sector and recognize that cooperation and continuity are the keys to a successful transition.
In my work at Dunea, I was able to experience the value of this role, and I am convinced that the same principles are applicable in the energy world. The energy transition presents challenges, but with the right approach and cooperation, we can overcome these challenges. It is up to us to embrace this new role to shape the future of energy management.
