Svantje Schade – a manager in the Hamburg office of Green Giraffe Advisory – was selected by the IJGlobal judging panel to win the Rising Star award with one saying she was “most definitely a rising star”.

The judges had kind words for Svantje saying she has “strong involvement in transactions for new technology with a range of different lenders” and that she displays “clear understanding of a number of technologies”, performing a “broader role than just advisory”.

One of the judges said: “Svantje is a very dynamic individual who seems to go above and beyond, both professionally, in complex and emerging technologies, and interpersonally, investing time and energy in training and empowering the junior team.”

Another judge added: “Svantje has an impressive list of accolades, demonstrating commitment and maturity beyond her title and combining a seeming thirst for new and innovative challenges with a desire to make a better world more broadly, through the example set to younger professionals in her sector. Most definitely a rising star!”

The judging comments were rounded off with one saying: “This is an excellent submission that sets out Svantje’s passion for the sector, trust of the team and ability to lead from the front and not shy away from challenges. I especially like the focus on emerging areas and wider involvement outside core work.”

Svantje has been leading Green Giraffe Advisory (GGA) Hamburg projects for more than 2 years (at the time of writing the submission).

The submission states: “Over this time, she has proven to truly embody the spirit of what we strive to achieve through her personal journey at our company: pushing the frontier of the energy transition a bit further with every project we are working on.

“One prime example to prove that is her key involvement in making the financing of the Eavor Loop project in Geretsried happen, which already won an IJGlobal ESG award and which she significantly helped to shape as the project manager.

“While she initially joined the company as an associate, Svantje continuously exceeded all stakeholders’ expectations, greatly contributing to the closing of the Eavor Loop financing.”

Svantje did not start her career at GGA, but had been working for a corporate finance advisory boutique in Germany – mostly advising German utilities in raising capital for energy transition projects, structuring and raising project finance for WtE plants. She  also worked on multiple financings and M&A transactions in connection with German utilities, environmental companies, public transport companies and a renowned energy media platform.

She then joined GGA, with the aim of having true impact on energy transition.

The submission continues: “As her main transaction at Green Giraffe Advisory to date, she has managed to build trusting relationships with all stakeholders on the Eavor transaction from scratch through her skillset and ability to connect with people, which has been an integral in making the deal happen.

“The transaction was challenging, not only because of its new technology features – being a first commercial project of its kind – but also coming up with a very customised financing structure that brought complex institutions (2 Japanese ECAs/multilaterals, EIB and 2 commercial lenders) to the table.

“On the back of closing the Eavor transaction, she has taken commercial leadership around geothermal energy at Green Giraffe Advisory and began sharing her experience on financing geothermal projects at conferences, in the hope of raising attention and trust on this nascent market which will be key in the wider energy transition.”

But there’s a lot more to Svantje than geothermal, she has built a wide range of expertise across technologies and assets at different stages of development and supported clients on raising diversified forms of financing.

At the time of writing the submission, Svantje was working on an equity raise for green hydrogen and e-methanol projects, as well as an equity and (junior) debt raise for an integrated electrified heating platform, commercially and technically linking assets like PV solar, onshore wind, heating system and adding H2 and BESS assets.

Again, these are innovative projects that push ahead energy transition and set new standards once closed, further underlining her ambition to create change and make an impact through innovative, persistent and tireless advice to clients that appreciate her for her vision and oversight far senior to her age.

The submission states: “In addition to her commercial efforts which also cover other technologies like H2/PtX and district heat, Svantje is focused on leading transactions from origination to closing, interacting with all stakeholders and seamlessly managing complex processes.

“Internally, she has been continuously involved in providing modelling training to junior colleagues, and has also played a key part in our recruitment campaigns, especially for the newly opened Tokyo office.

“Another one of her latest achievements has been her driving involvement in the opening of our new Copenhagen office. She was involved in preparing the initial commercial strategy, supported in administrative tasks around the opening and continuously supporting on shaping commercial initiatives, further demonstrating her leadership and strategic vision that go way beyond her job title.”

It continues: “Over the past 2 years, Svantje quickly worked her way to being an essential part of the team (in Hamburg, but also within the wider company), and all of us would agree to tell her: ‘it feels like you’ve been around forever’.

“Her commitment to making a positive impact, not only on the energy transition through her project work, but also on her work environment, is greatly appreciated by the people who have the chance to work with her.

“Last but not least, Svantje is dedicated to fostering a safer, more considerate workplace and inspiring change, proving that leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. She is a great advocate for young female professionals in the energy infrastructure and financing industry, and overall sets a remarkable example of determination and professionalism.”