The Nefco Energy Group Case, Strategic Team Process
Strategic Transformation in the Energy Sector
The Challenge
Nefco Energy (OK Gas, BK Gas, and Storage & Trading) is at the heart of the energy transition. As a company specializing in off-grid energy supply and transport fuels, management faced fundamental questions:
- How do we remain relevant in a rapidly changing market into green energy?
- What strategic choices should we make to strengthen our position?
- How do we combine growth opportunities with sustainability goals?
The energy sector faces significant challenges: increasing electrification, stricter laws and regulations, volatile energy prices, and changing customer expectations. Nefco Energy needed a clear strategic compass to navigate this complexity.
The Approach: The Strategic Team Process
PJ Strategy facilitated an intensive strategic process led by Nefco Energy’s management team plus. The strength of this approach lies in the combination of:
- In-depth analyses – Systematically mapping, evaluating, and defining 3D internal and 3D external factors
- Strategic frameworks – Proven methodologies such as creating more value with 3D strategic thinking and acting, dynamic strategic movement, the white-box approach, and 3D MABA analyses
- Structured facilitation – Guiding the team toward greater value for growth and concrete strategic choices
- Ownership and commitment – The strategy is supported by the entire team
- Tools for disciplined and integrated implementation
The Process in a Nutshell
- Laying the Foundation
Together with the team, we worked on:
- Clear formulation of vision and mission
- Concrete strategic objectives (EBITDA growth, customer portfolio expansion, sustainability)
- Clear 3D Business Definition: which needs are being met, for whom, and how? 2. 3D Internal Analysis
An honest look inside:
- Identification and evaluation of core resources (logistics, terminal, customer base)
- Assessment and evaluation of competencies (expertise, customer focus)
- Recognizing both strengths and weaknesses
- 3D External Analysis
Gaining a grip on market dynamics:
- Analysis of the 5 competitive forces
- Identification of megatrends (sustainability, electrification)
- Business-specific trends (biofuels, volatility, regulations)
- Mapping the external value network
- SWOT Confrontation
Not only identifying opportunities and threats, but actively confronting them with internal strengths and weaknesses. This yielded sharp insights into:
- Where the greatest opportunities lie (off-grid energy, biofuels, storage)
- Which threats deserve priority (substitution, electrification)
- How to optimally utilize strengths
- Developing Ideas and 3D Strategic Options
The team systematically developed more than 20 concrete strategic options, divided into three business lines:
- Off-Grid Energy: From heat pumps and CHP to hydrogen and biogas solutions
- Transport Fuels: Going green with biopropane and r-DME
- Storage & Trading: New services related to renewable fuels
- Wave Strategy
The strategic options were not only evaluated but also mapped out over time using a ‘wave strategy’. Dynamic strategic movement. This provides management with a clear timeline: which strategic initiatives will start now, which will take place in two years, and which will be implemented in the longer term, leading up to 2030.
The Result
The Strategic Team Process provided Nefco Energy with:
- A clear strategic compass for growth – A concrete vision, mission, and objectives that align the team
- Insight into opportunities and risks – A data-driven understanding of market dynamics and competitive position
- A portfolio of strategic growth options – More than 20 concrete initiatives, evaluated and prioritized
- A phased implementation plan – A timeline leading up to 2030 with clear phasing
- A motivated management team – Full ownership and commitment to executing the strategy
- A strategic A4 – A clear document that summarizes the core of the strategy for communication with all stakeholders
The Impact
While many strategic projects end in lengthy reports that are filed away, this process resulted in a workable strategic plan. The Nefco Energy management team now has:
- A clear course toward a sustainable future
- Concrete tools to make choices in a complex market
- A phased path from traditional LPG supplier to innovative partner in the energy transition
- Team alignment on priorities and direction
What Makes This Approach Successful?
PJ Strategy’s Strategic Team Process distinguishes itself through:
- Focus on ownership: The management team (plus) develops the strategy itself, not an external consultant
“A beautifully structured and inspiring process! We have strengthened and anchored our strategic creative capacity, our knowledge and skills within our team and company. The joint foundation that we have built, led to a strong alignment and a concrete translation to the organization, which resulted in added value towards our environment.”
“This structured 3D strategy team process was a real eye-opener, and the excellent guidance from Peter and Arjan ensured that the focus on substantive discussions and progress was maintained.
Moreover, this process has contributed to further strengthening the MT as a team!’’