Steven Decat

Renewable Energy Specialist and Founding Member Board Of Directors at ECoOB

Leuven, Flemish Region, Belgium

About

Two years ago and after more than 20 years in the workforce, I returned to the university to obtain an additional Master of Science degree in Engineering: Energy, option General Techno-economic Energy, 120 ects. My master’s thesis “Scenario projections for global electricity technology deployment: a retrospective analysis on World Energy Outlook” investigated the solar PV deployment component of the World Energy Outlook scenarios of the IEA. Since a few days, I graduated at the Catholic Universiteit of Leuven, Belgium (KU Leuven). This state-of-the-art master programme provided me with additional knowledge on different aspects of energy systems and the current transition paths to low carbon futures in a global context. The Master of Energy addresses the main issues of mechanical and electrical energy engineering in a balanced and integrated manner, together with an in-depth appreciation of the socio-economic preconditions that have an impact on the engineer’s sphere of action. The General Techno-economic Energy specialisation option is a broader specialisation, with a focus on non-technical aspects (economy, markets, legal framework, environment). As specialist in the energy market I’m looking forward to new projects to support a transition in the energy market towards a sustainable, reliable and affordable system. I have 25 years of experience in international organisations. Initially, I built up expertise on supply chain management, and, since 2016 I switched to consultancy on energy projects, mainly on solar PV. I combine an extensive technology expertise as civil engineer, especially in renewable technologies, with an economic knowledge on business and investment models, market organisation and people management. Contact info: [email protected]

Experience

  • Energy Consultant at Independent Consultant
    Jan 2016 - Present · 10 yrs 7 mos

    Some of my assignments as Energy and Supply Chain Consultant are or were: 1) Implementation of solar PV projects 2) Neovia, Implementation Manager Bia Client Setup of a new operation for the Supply Chain of Bia Africa and Bia Benelux. 3) CityDepot, operations manager Setup of new hubs in 6 cities to centralize different flows in and out a city to optimize different B2B flows (last mile, return flows, waste, ...) for the sustainable distribution of goods to the inner city and back. CityDepot connects transporters, large retailers and brands, small retailers, e-commerce companies, cities, (semi-)public organizations and consumers. 4) DrivOlution, analytical research on big data 5) Different Organizations, working out of set up and cost models of transition to renewable energy

  • Founding Member Board Of Directors at ECoOB
    May 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 3 mos

  • Neovia Logistics (7 yrs 8 mos)
    • Logistics Plant Manager
      Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 · 2 yrs

      In addition to my responsibilities of the Puurs warehouse, I led an operational team to start a new cross-dock facility in Willebroek.

    • Logistics Plant Manager
      May 2008 - Jan 2014 · 5 yrs 9 mos

      I am leading a 3PL Distribution Centre in Puurs of Neovia Logistics Services and have client manager responsibilities for Neovia clients in Metz, France and Upplands Vasby,Sweden. Neovia, formerly Caterpillar Logistics Services, serves the supply chain management and logistics needs of clients in a variety of industries, including high tech, automotive, industrial products, aerospace and defense, and consumer durables. I have end responsibility on operations, client relations, budget, HR, maintenance of 35,000 sqm warehouse. I managed to downsize drastically the operation to align it better to a changing client portfolio while increasing productivities and improving quality. In addition to my plant manager responsibilities I'm currently supporting other European facilities.

  • Caterpillar Logistics Inc. (1 yr)
    • Operations Manager
      Jan 2008 - Apr 2008 · 4 mos

      I got a temporary assignment to lead the operations (120 people) of 3PL warehouse for our client Mobis (aftermarket spare parts for Hyundai and Kia). My main focus was to increase productivity and improve quality by creating a culture of continuous improvement through Caterpillar Production System.

    • European Quality Support Manager
      May 2007 - Dec 2007 · 8 mos

      Set up of standardization program of operational metrics for Caterpillar Logistics in Europe.

  • Caterpillar Logistics Inc. (5 yrs 11 mos)
    • Implementation Manager and Logistics Center Manager
      Jun 2006 - Feb 2007 · 9 mos

      As project and implementation manager I was responsible for a team to move a 3PL warehouse for aftermarket spare parts from Bremen to Leipzig. We started up a new operation in Leipzig with a new group of 80 people. At the same time we closed down the Bremen operation. This was successfully completed without any interruption to the service. In the first months after the implementation I managed the new operation as plant manager.

    • Implementation Manager
      Sep 2005 - May 2006 · 9 mos

      I was the implementation manager for a new 3th Party Logistics Warehouse for automotive spare parts in Moscow, Russia. This was the first implementation for Caterpillar Logistics Services in Russia. We managed to start the new operation of 80 people within half a year and within budget. We met the KPI's required by the client. This was for me personally a great experience to start up a new operation in the Russian economic environment and culture.

    • 6 Sigma Black Belt
      Aug 2002 - Aug 2005 · 3 yrs 1 mo

      Project Manager in 3th Party Logistics environment