Meet our Manager, M&A and Project Financing, Elisa Princivalli

Q&As with Elisa

Who are you?
I am Elisa. I am Italian, from Padova (close to Venice if you are not strong in Italian geography), but I moved away when I was 19. I have lived in Brisbane, Australia; Brussels, Belgium; and 4 years ago, I am moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. Unsure where to next!

How would you describe yourself?
The first two adjectives that come to mind to describe myself are positive and determined. I am always up for a new challenge, and I always find a way to reach the objective, no matter how difficult it might seem. I smile a lot, to friends, to colleagues, and to strangers on the street because I think a friendly smile can make your day. I am very active to the point that sometimes people wonder; what is my source of energy, but I simply want to take the most out of each single day.

What do you do at European Energy?
I used to work in the Asset Management Department, where I was responsible for operational wind and solar assets, together with my team, making sure they are operating at their best, both technically and financially. Optimisation of contracts, stakeholder management, liquidity and budgeting, compliance and reporting were the main tasks in my daily work. I have since transferred to our M&A and Project Financing department as a manager, where I contribute to the success of the organisation’s pipeline, overseeing the structuring phase of our projects, and collaborating with various departments to ensure readiness for Final Investment Decision (FID) from both financial and strategic perspectives. Additionally, I am responsible for internal reporting on the divestment pipeline, providing insights into the progress and status of ongoing projects, and facilitating communication and collaboration across departments. That way, we ensure that the impacts of transactions on other business lines are understood and addressed effectively.

How do you try to be a creative enabler of the green transition?
I am a creative enabler of the green transition in my everyday life. In my work at European Energy, I actively contribute to the development of renewable energy projects, leveraging creativity to overcome challenges and optimise solutions for our projects. In my personal life, I embrace creativity by continuously seeking out environmentally-friendly alternatives and implementing them in my daily routines. Additionally, I share my experiences and knowledge with others, aiming to inspire people around me to join the green transition through creative actions and solutions.

What are the best things about working at European Energy? 
Definitely the work environment: international, inclusive and dynamic. European Energy is a very diverse company, where everyone is included in everyday decisions and discussions, in an almost hierarchy-free reality. We respect each other, and we appreciate everyone’s point of view, which allows for every opinion to be heard. That is the greatest quality to ensure positive development and success, for both individuals and for European Energy. We take care of each other, we love spending time together and have fun, which creates a safe environment in which everyone can develop and grow.

Why is it important for you that European Energy is a driving force in the green transition?
Every day we see the news reports on how societies across the world are negatively affected by climate change. It is extremely important to invert this trend; the time to act for a greener future it is now, and it makes me proud to know that in my everyday work I support European Energy in enabling the green transition and in building a better future for the new generations.

What are the best things about your colleagues?
The colleagues I work with are the highlight of my job. Firstly, they are brilliant professionals, their expertise and dedication drive our team’s success. Working with all of them is very enriching! Additionally, they are incredibly supportive. Whenever I encounter a question or challenge, they willingly assist me until it’s resolved. Lastly, they come from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, fostering an enriching international environment that I love. Over nearly three years at European Energy, my colleagues have transitioned into close friends. We do many different activities together, and we have become central parts of each other’s lives beyond the workplace, which is truly remarkable!

European Energy has six core values. In it together, Excitement, Inclusion, Agility, Trust & Courage, and Ambition. What are the most important values for you and why?
I strongly believe the six values are equally important. More than anything, the feeling of being in it together in contributing to the green transition has been with me since my first day in the company. This is also enhanced through a culture of Trust and Courage among us, leading to a work environment in which everyone trusts you with your work, and you feel encouraged to express your opinion. Lastly, the tendency of always finding a way, ‘to do’-attitude, to approach problems with agility and always finding a way to meet your objective is also something I can see in my everyday work.

What has been your best experience so far at European Energy?
From a social and human perspective, definitely the many company trips and Christmas parties. Socialising and having fun with my colleagues have definitely been the best experiences in these past two years. From a professional perspective, the divestment of the biggest operating solar park in Italy in 2019 has been a great learning experience, and has showed me how in European Energy, when we have an objective, we do everything to make it possible. And of course, the success of such a divestment has been celebrated with great food and wine with the team!

What do you like to do outside work?
I love being active in nature, I never say no to a hike or a workout with friends. I grew up skiing every weekend in the Dolomites. I miss this a lot, but every occasion I have to be on a slope, I make it happen. I love travelling, getting close to different cultures, and seeing new places. I never say no to a glass of wine or a coffee with a friend, and I do my best to maintain the long-distance relationships with my friends and family. The 2 hour phone calls with my loved ones are my best evening plans! One last thing, I love getting out of my comfort zone and trying out new things, that being a sport, or a dish.