Speaker Overview Green Hydrogen Forum

Scroll down to discover the high-class speaker line-up for the Green Hydrogen Forum, which offered three days of valuable presentations as part of ees Europe from June 19–21 in Munich.

Meet the Speakers
Speaker
Béatrice Angleys, Thüga Aktiengesellschaft

Head of Hydrogene Plattform

Germany

Béatrice is the team lead for early-stage innovation at Thüga, the largest network of municipal utilities in Germany. Her strong focus lies on the initiation & execution of hydrogen projects as head of the Thüga H2-platform.

Speaker
Gunnar Assmann, Storengy Deutschland GmbH

Projekt Lead Hydrogen Storage

Germany

Gunnar Assmann, Diplom-Ingenieur für Verfahrenstechnik und Projektleiter Wasserstoffspeicherung bei Storengy Deutschland, verfügt über mehr als 30 Jahre Erfahrung im Energiesektor. Mit Schwerpunkt auf Erneuerbaren Energien, Energietransformation und Infrastrukturprojekten hat er einen entscheidenden Beitrag zur Dekarbonisierung von Fernwärmenetzen geleistet sowie Verantwortung für komplexe technologische Konzeptentwicklungen für Gasfeldprojekte bei ENGIE E&P Deutschland übernommen. Mit früheren leitenden Positionen in den Bereichen Erneuerbare Energien und industrielle Energiedienstleistungen bringt Assmann umfassende Expertise in seinen aktuellen Fokus auf H2-Speicherung und -Infrastruktur ein.

Speaker
Prateek Banerjee, ILF Beratende Ingenieure

Senior Consultant

Germany

Prateek joined ILF in 2021 as a Consultant where he applies his concentrated expertise in techno-economic studies pertaining to energy infrastructure. He obtained a master's degree from the Technical University of Munich, during this period he worked on projects in fields of Sustainable Mobility, Energy Storage and Energy Systems expansion. Prateek has extensive experience in thermal and solar power plant projects and in creating market research studies for European conglomerates in the domain of energy distribution products. His current areas of expertise include techno-economic studies, feasibility and market studies including concept development of green hydrogen and ammonia projects. He has also supported ILF projects for Asian Development Bank's Climate Action Plan for Uzbekistan and CAREC Energy Outlook published in 2021, that revolved around the themes of policy initiatives that are necessary to curbing emissions and renewable energy investment planning.

Speaker
Olivier Bucheli, European Electrolyser & Fuel Cell Forum

President

Switzerland

Olivier is an entrepreneur in the field of efficient energy transformation. Just following his degree in Chemical Engineering in 2000, he created the fuel cell and electrolyser company HTceramix today known as SolydEra. He gained many projects in the field and actively contributed the programming of topics as Vice Chair of the Coordination Group in which role he also co-drafted the SRIA of the current Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Since 2010, Olivier acts as President of the European Electrolyser and Fuel Cell Forum EFCF, Europe's reference event for science and technology in the fuel cell and hydrogen world. In this role, he also co-edits since 2012 an annual Special Issue of 'Fuel Cell - From Fundamentals to Systems' published by Wiley. In 2021, he joined ExerGo as Executive Chairman and lead successfully the company's seed financing round. In August 2023, he co-founded Adele Hydrogen, company developing and commercialising advanced alkaline electrolyser electrodes where he acts as Executive Chairman.

Speaker
Dr. Alexander Budzinski, Grant Thornton AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Partner Advisory

Dr. Alexander Budzinski is a Partner in the Advisory service line and has a leading role in the Energy & Natural Resources sector focus teams at Grant Thornton in Germany and in the global Grant Thornton network. Alexander has been looking into the planned future of companies for many years in the context of company valuations and economic expert opinions. This planned future increasingly includes major transformational challenges on the road to CO2 neutrality. Alexander's fields of expertise are - Business valuations for all occasions and transaction-related advisory services - Energy-specific valuation topics (generation, renewables, grid infrastructure and cleantech) - Valuation of companies in regulated industries and of (regulated) infrastructure - ESG-related valuation topics - Expert opinions and analyses on complex economic issues (economic consulting) - Expert opinions in judicial and extrajudicial proceedings and arbitration proceedings and in conflict situations (Dispute Consulting)

Speaker
Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Hydrogen Europe

CEO

Belgium

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis is CEO of Hydrogen Europe since 2016. Before he was Representative of Infineon Technologies in Brussels and Member of the European Parliament (2004 - 2014) inter alia in the ITRE Committee (Industry, Technology, Research and Energy) where he could contribute to lay the cornerstone for the first and the second Joint Undertaking on hydrogen and fuel cells. In 2007 he was elected 'MEP of the year' by his colleagues of the European Parliament in the category 'Research and Innovation'. In 2015 he was appointed ambassador at large for Greece. Mr Chatzimarkakis was born in Duisburg, Germany. He holds German and Greek nationality, a degree in political science from the University of Bonn.

Speaker
Frank Claasen, AMBARtec AG

Business Development Manager

Germany

Frank Claassen is Business Development Manager at AMBARtec AG. He holds a degree in Physics and has been working in the business development of international technology companies for three decades. He manages both national and international projects in the fields of energy storage and hydrogen transport as well as for maritime applications.

Speaker
Alexander Cordes, Robert Bosch GmbH

Vice President Customer Success

Germany

Alexander Cordes is Vice President for Customer Success at the Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) program at the Robert Bosch GmbH since 2021. He started his career at Bosch in 2006, focusing on sales and business unit development. In his following position at the Solar Energy AG, as Head of International Sales, he took on the sales and business responsibility for international markets, such as Africa, Australia and USA. During this time at Bosch Thermotechnology, he took over the role as a General Manager for several sales branches, all within the heating and energy environment. His standing and varied career helped him gain extensive skills and competencies in the internationalization of sales structures. Additionally, he accomplished various successful market entries within the energy market. These previous roles and his expertise enable him to now focus on building up a successful sales & service organization for decentralized fuel cell systems at Bosch.

Speaker
Prof. Dr.-Ing Belal Dawoud, OTH-Regensburg Technical University of Applied Sciences

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Germany

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Speaker
Dr. Joey Disch, ionysis GmbH

Senior Scientist Electrolysis

Germany

Since January 2024, Dr.-Ing Joey Disch is working as Senior Scientist leading the electrolysis team at ionysis. Prior to joining ionysis, he was leading the AEM electrolysis group at Hahn-Schickard Freiburg. By training he is an environmental engineer and received his master's degree with focus on renewable energy systems and chemical process engineering from the University of Stuttgart and his Ph.D. on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 from the University of Freiburg.

Speaker
Werner Diwald, German Hydrogen Association

Chairman of the Board

Germany

- born 12 November 1966 in Essen Graduated as Technical MBA in Hamburg - 2000 to 2008 Signatory/Project Manager at Uckerwerk Energietechnik GmbH/Enertrag AG - From 2001 Director of ENERTRAG Systemtechnik GmbH. - 2008 to 2013 Member of the Board at Enertrag AG, the leading project developers and operators of wind farms and hybrid power stations - Since 2011 Member of the Federal Expert Commission for Energy Policy of the German Economic Council - Since 2013 Director of ENCON.Europe GmbH - Since 2014 Chairman of DWV - Since 2016 spokesman of of the Expert Commission performing energy

Speaker
Hyacinthe Flandrin, LONGi Hydrogen

EMEA Sales Engineer Manager

Germany

With over 6 years of experience in hydrogen and pressurised alkaline electrolysis technology, Hyacinthe takes on the role of technical leader within the sales team for the EMEA region. His engineering background, coupled with a degree in Energy, has given him a thorough understanding of the industry. Hyacinthe has previously put his expertise into practice with a European OEM, where he focused on bringing innovation to technologies specific to pressurised alkaline electrolyzer. Hyacinthe isn't just a supporter, he's an active contributor to the sustainable development of global clean energy. With his experience, he continues to make a significant contribution to the progress of the green hydrogen industry, striving for a greener and more sustainable future.

Speaker
Silke Frank, Hydrogen Moves GmbH

Managing Director (Moderatorin)

Germany

Meet the person: Silke Frank Silke Frank, otherwise known as Miss Hydrogen, has been active in the Hydrogen industry for the past 19 years. Having started out in the events sector, she has organized over 60 Hydrogen events around the globe since 2004. Between 2020 and 2022, Silke Frank and her team provided infotainment and support on all matters concerning Hydrogen to many thousands of people - digitally and interactively through webinars and 24-hour events. She maintains one of the largest personal H2 networks, based on mutually supportive and long-standing relationships. Silke Frank is an expert and empathetic communicator and networker. She guides institutions, companies, associations and policymakers interested in Hydrogen toward a prosperous Hydrogen future. One of the things that is particularly important to her is making her clients happHY! Her motto: Nothing else in the world is so powerful as an idea whose time has come. (Victor Hugo) Meet the entrepreneur: Hydrogen Moves GmbH In May 2022 Silke Frank founded Hydrogen Moves GmbH. True to the company slogan 'Push the Market!', she and her colleagues ensure their clients are successful in Hydrogen through their role as independent and proactive marketers and strategic Hydrogen consultants. 'We listen, think and act alongside you and for you - both locally and internationally. Our experience, well-established connections and personal contacts around the world are channeled into your success!' www.hydrogen-moves.de/en Meet the Vice President: honorary position at the German Association DWV Since December 2020 Silke Frank has been serving at a national level as Vice President of the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (DWV). In December 2022, she was reelected onto the steering committee by a significant majority, confirming her appointment as Vice President. In her role she is passionate about communication, representation, member relations and bringing together the right partners. www.dwv-info.de Behind the scenes: at home in Berglen, Germany Silke Frank lives with her husband and two sons. In her leisure time she enjoys family time, music, gardening, nature, reading and wine.

Speaker
Max Fydrich, Aurora Energy Research

Associate

Germany

Max works as an Associate in Aurora's Research team. His expertise is the long-term outlook on the German power market, economics of renewables, and energy policy & support schemes, with 6 years of experience in energy modelling and 4+ years in power market consulting. Prior to joining Aurora, Max worked for the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Stuttgart.

Speaker
Rainer Gehrung, Home Power Solutions

CFO/CSO

Germany

Rainer Gehrung is CFO/CSO at HPS. He has many years of experience and knowledge in financial management, sales and strategy development. Rainer Gehrung is (co-)founder of several companies such as Steinbeis Hochschule Berlin, SCMT, Venture One Capital, Energy Venture, Thermo Venture or Smart Solutions for Industrie.

Speaker
Laurence Green, Ramboll

Senior Consultant

Germany

Laurence Green works as a Senior Consultant in the Energy Transition department at Ramboll, where he focuses on regulation and policy, and business and strategy development in Hydrogen and Power-to-X projects. Prior to joining Ramboll, Laurence worked for dena (Deutsche Energie-Agentur), the German Energy Agency, with various private and public energy sector stakeholders to develop sustainable policies and solutions to promote renewable energy and decarbonisation. In recent years he has worked in various international environments, energy markets, and across sectors to advise partners on energy transition policies to promote the expansion of renewable energy technologies with a focus on both energy supply and demand, and network integration. Laurence holds a bachelor's degree in international business and MBA in Energy Management.

Speaker
Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

Director Division Hydrogen Technologies

Germany

Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling studied Physics and worked for like ten years in the field of Silicon Photovoltaics before he became Director of the Hydrogen Technologies Division at ISE with a staff of about 150 scientists, engineers, and students today. Among his manyfold affiliations he is the spokesperson of the Fraunhofer Hydrogen Network (36 institutes) and Board Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence 'Integrated Energy Systems'. Next to his close involvement in national hydrogen strategy developments he is member of the Expert committee for the Transformation of the Automobile Industry of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Furthermore, he is the Co-Chair of the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, and he is involved in international stakeholder processes and advisory boards of international hydrogen and fuel cell conferences. He published more than 150 journal and conference papers and is Honorary Professor at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. The Hydrogen Technologies Division conducts research in low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis and fuel cell systems, as well as in thermochemical catalysis and process developments of hydrogen to synthetic fuels and chemicals (PtX).

Speaker
Jonas Heilhecker, bayernets GmbH

Consultant Project Development Hydrogen Netzstrategie & Innovation / Network Strategy & Innovation

Germany

Jonas Heilhecker is a hydrogen project developer working for bayernets GmbH in munich. In network strategy and innovation, he works both on regional network planning and internationally on integrating the bayernets network into the import corridors. Before joining bayernets, he worked for a distribution network operator and was involved in the planning of the first real conversion project from natural gas to hydrogen in inhabited buildings. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering.

Speaker
Eva Hennig, Thüga Aktiengesellschaft

Head of Energy Policy EU/Brussels Office

Germany

Eva Hennig has worked for Thüga Aktiengesellschaft in Munich in various positions since 1989. She works in the area of DSO regulation for gas and electricity, sector coupling and renewable gas. She is currently Head of the EU Energy Policy Department and has been Chair of the Eurogas Distribution Committee since 2012. The Thüga Group is the largest alliance of municipal utilities in Germany with activities in the areas of gas, electricity, district heating, water and various services.

Speaker
Marian Hieke, GP JOULE Hydrogen GmbH

Projektingenieur - Think Wasserstoff

Germany

The industrial engineer started his career after his studies at the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg and Heriot-Watt University Edinburg in the field of product management for data input and output devices. Since 2016, he has been involved in various positions in the field of hydrogen production within the GP JOULE Group and is currently active within the EPC department as a project manager with a focus on electrolysis & controls. The vision of 100% renewable is always the basis and drive behind the ideas, projects and decisions of Marian Hieke and the entire GP JOULE Group.

Speaker
Moritz Holzmüller, Reverion GmbH

Business Development Manager

Germany

Moritz Holzmüller, M. Eng., is a Business Development Manager at Reverion, a clean-tech start-up. In this role, he models the profitability of Reverion's reversible fuel cell system and develops business opportunities and partnerships. His primary focus is on the positioning of Reverion's new hydrogen product line. With a background in industrial engineering, Moritz specialized in energy system forecasting during his research. He has previous experience as a sales engineer at MAN Truck & Bus and in innovation and technology management at Siemens.

Speaker
Dr. Thomas Klaue, Siqens

Chief Executive Officer

Germany

Member of the advisory board since 2019, appointed CEO in 2022 developing SIQENS into an international provider of hydrogen infrastructure. Former CEO of listed life-science and technology companies.

Speaker
Dr. Rudolf Konwitschny, Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH

Market Segment Industry / Leak Detection Application Team

Germany

A senior sales and support professional with wide experience in leak detection, coating, instrumentation, and R&D markets. Has proven ability to manage key accounts from various target groups. Commands sales, communication, and training skills. Has acted as technical support for sales, service and marketing. Co-author of Leak Detection Compendium and Vacuum Technology Book Part II. Trainer for internal and external customers in German and English language with expert knowledge in leak detection and vacuum technology. Representing the company in the German Society for Non-Destructive Testing (DGZfP, head of technical committee on leak detection). Guest lecturer at DGZfP, VDI, et al..

Speaker
Maximilian Kuhnert, H-Tec Systems GmbH

Sales Manager

Germany

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Speaker
Björn Ledergerber, SFC Energy AG

Senior Vice President Hydrogen & Corporate Development

Germany

Bjoern Ledergerber, graduate in industrial engineering, has more than 18 years of experience in fuel cell technology with a focus on international marketing and product management at SFC Energy. Mr. Ledergerber today serves as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development and the Hydrogen Business Unit, prior to that he spent several years in Canada building up the fuel cell business at the SFC site in Calgary. In the Clean Power Net (CPN), an innovation cluster of the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Program (NIP II), Mr. Ledergerber is involved as spokesperson.

Speaker
Christopher Lenz, EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems GmbH

Business Development Manager

Germany

Christopher Lenz, born in 1994 in Limburg an der Lahn, developed an early interest in sustainability and energy efficiency. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Energy Engineering in 2019, specializing in hydrogen technology with a thesis on a large-scale hydrogen production facility in collaboration with Trianel GmbH. Completing his Master's studies in renewable energies in 2021, he focused on a multicriteria analysis for the hydrogen economy. Both theses reflect his profound interest in hydrogen technology. In 2022, he obtained the certification as a project manager from the IHK and assumed the role of a project manager at Trianel GmbH, making significant contributions to hydrogen projects. In 2023, Christopher became the Business Development Manager for Hydrogen Projects at EnviroFALK, leveraging his expertise to drive innovative and sustainable solutions in the fields of renewable energy and water treatment.

Speaker
Charles Liang, LONGi Hydrogen

Sales Director

Germany

Charles Liang, a seasoned professional with a background in international trade, currently serving as the Regional Sales Director for the international business division of LONGi Hydrogen. He graduated from Valencia University with a master degree in International Trade in 2012, and since then, He have been fortunate to gain extensive experience in sales, marketing, and brand management roles. In 2019, he transitioned to LONGi Group, where he had the opportunity to contribute to various departments, including marketing and brand management. During his time at LONGi Group, he played a key role in brand management initiatives, contributing to enhancing brand awareness and perception in target markets. Since 2021, he have been privileged to work with LONGi Hydrogen, leading regional sales efforts for the international business division. Witnessing the development of LONGi Hydrogen and serving as a pioneer in advocating for green energy solutions, particularly in the field of green hydrogen, has been a truly rewarding experience.

Speaker
Christoph Luschnat, terranets bw GmbH

Head of Energy Policy and Hydrogen Coordination

Germany

Christoph Luschnat is a graduate economist who studied at Hohenheim. After completing his studies, he initially worked for various international communication agencies in Frankfurt, Hamburg, and London. In 2006, he joined the EnBW Group where he held various positions, most recently in the political department in Berlin and Brussels. Since 2020, he has been leading the Energy Policy and Hydrogen Coordination department at terranets bw, where he coordinates all hydrogen activities of terranets.

Speaker
Gesche Maass, Solar Promotion GmbH

Conference Manager

Germany

Gesche Maass is Conference Manager at Solar Promotion GmbH / Conexio-PSE GmbH. She organizes besides the Intersolar Middle East Conference worldwide Intersolar Conferences such as the Intersolar North America Conference, Intersolar China Conference or the equivalent in India and Mexico. Besides, she is involved in the organization or various online events as for example the Green Hydrogen Conference or onsite events on Off Grid, Green Hydrogen or Renewable Energy in Germany. Formally, she served as Marketing Assistant at ISCAR Germany GmbH an Israeli firm for precision tools running PR campaigns, exhibition appearances and market research. She hold a diploma in International Cultural and Business Studies from the University of Passau and is fluent in German, English, Russian and French.

Speaker
Eva Meschede, GIZ - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Advisor, H2Uppp - International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Program, implemented by

India

Eva Meschede is advising companies on support opportunities within the BMWK-funded International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Program (H2Uppp) for GIZ since May 2022. Previously, she worked for more than 5 years in the private sector and in research on energy and hydrogen topics. She holds a Master's degree in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

Speaker
Christian Metzger, Realpatent - Grättinger Möhring von Poschinger Patentanwälte

Patent Attorney

Germany

As a patent attorney and engineer, Christian Metzger supports technology companies in building a patent portfolio that protects their own innovations from copycats and meets their strategic and entrepreneurial needs. Especially where engineering meets software and digitalisation and digital machines are created. In doing so, he can draw on his broad technological and industrial experience, which he also gained during his years as a development engineer and - before that - as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. Christian Metzger is a partner at Realpatent Patentanwälte, a boutique patent law firm founded in 1959 and specialising in intellectual property law

Speaker
Fiona Moore, EFCF (European Electrolyser & Fuel Cell Forum)

Manager's Assistant

Switzerland

Fiona has worked at the European Electrolyser and Fuel Cell Forum since 2015. She obtained her degree in Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology in the UK, and began her career working for an engineering firm focused on the detection of airborne chemical and biological material. Joining EFCF after moving to Switzerland allowed her to further expand her interest in environmental innovations and learn more about the possibilities offered by hydrogen technologies. She has been instrumental in helping to establish a specialist symposium running in parallel to EFCF events focusing on Microbial and Enzymatic Fuel Cells and Reactors. In her free time she likes to sew, care for a slightly unusual collection of pets, and ride motorbikes.

Speaker
Cengiz Oguzoglu, Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG

Global Business Development Manager - Hydrogen

Germany

Cengiz Oguzoglu is an accomplished professional in renewable energy, with a specialized focus on hydrogen technology. He began at Weidmüller as a Business Development Manager for Energy, with a strong emphasis on PV and Wind Power. His dedication to sustainable energy led him to excel in the field, culminating in his transition to the role of International Business Support Manager. Here, he introduced global sales methodologies, empowering sales teams for increased efficiency. Cengiz's journey with Weidmüller continued as he became Global Business Development Manager, Hydrogen. In this pivotal position, he collaborates with colleagues and partners to develop strategies with regional account managers. These strategies focus on strategic OEMs like Electrolysis, Fuel Cell, Gas Turbine, & H2RS manufacturers. Internal coordination, including product development and alignment on strategic product roadmaps, contributes to Weidmüller's growth in the hydrogen industry.

Speaker
Ralf Ott, Hydrogenious Lohc Technologies GmbH

Head of Policy and Regulation

Germany

Ralf Ott is the Head of Policy and Regulation at Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies, a pioneer in storing and transporting hydrogen via the disruptive Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Technology. Before that he worked at the TSO TenneT, where he also led the project Redispatch 2.0 and projects with regards to the energy system of the future. Ralf Ott holds Masters in International Business Administration and Industrial Engineering and has 15 years of experience in the energy sector

Speaker
Dr. Wolfram Palitzsch, LuxChemtech GmbH

CEO

Germany

Dr. Wolfram Palitzsch was born in 1966 in Herrnhut, Germany. From 1988 to 1993 he studied chemistry at the TH Leuna-Merseburg. His diploma thesis dealt with organometallic compounds of the elements vanadium, niobium and tantalum. In 1998 he received his doctorate on the subject of novel transition metal-silicon compounds and received his doctorate from the Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg. Between 1998 and 2000 he was a research associate at the Institute for Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Freiberg. Between 2000 and 2020 he worked as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Loser Chemie GmbH. In 2019 he became co-founder and CEO of LuxChemtech GmbH, which specializes in the recycling of silicon and other semiconductors. Beside PV reycycling he entered lithium recycling from special waste. With LuxChemtech he won the EKU Future Award Saxony in 2020, the IQ Innovation Award Mittelsachsen in 2022 and was the national winner of the 2022 KfW Award for founders.

Speaker
Thomas Therkild Petersen, Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S

Product Line Manager, Marine & Large Stationary

U.S.

Thomas T. Petersen joined Ballard in November 2021 as Product Line Manager for Marine. Thomas came from a position at CS electric - one of BPSE's development partners. Thomas has been with Maersk Drilling for 10 years and in the marine business all through his 30-year career. Thomas has significant marine expertise across the value chain, asset optimization and certification from Director and VP positions with Maersk, MacArtney and ABS (American Bureau of Shipping).

Speaker
David Pflegler, GT Emission Solutions GmbH

Head of Hydrogen Unit

Germany

David Pflegler is Head of the Hydrogen Business Unit at GreenTrax and also co-founder of GT Emission Solutions, the company behind GreenTrax. GreenTrax is specializing in ghg quota trading with the ambition to upscale revenue for green energy providers and sustainable transport solutions. David began his career in energy economics at the University of Cologne, and as a research assistant at the chair of energy economics, Karlsruher Insitute of Technology (KIT), gaining extensive knowledge in renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. After his studies, Pflegler initially worked in various positions in the energy sector, where he gained valuable experience and further developed his passion for sustainability. With a strong focus on innovation and efficiency, he successfully completed several projects for green hydrogen producers enabling them to get ready for the upcoming certification processes, in order to participate in the future quota trading with RFNBOs and gH2. The aim is to accelerate the profitability of eco-friendly transport and industry solutions that reduce CO2 emissions and minimize environmental impact.

Speaker
Christian Pho Duc, Smart Energy Group AG

CTO

Switzerland

Christian Pho Duc is the CTO of Smartenergy Group AG and Director of the Board of SolarPower Europe. He holds master's degrees in physics and engineering from Munich and Cambridge University. Christian has accumulated 30 years of working experience in Semiconductors (Siemens, Giesecke&Devrient, Infineon), Electric Mobility (Torqeedo) and Renewable Energies & Hydrogen (Nanosolar, Smartenergy) in various management positions.

Speaker
Tobias Puklavec, Green Energy Park Global B. V.

CTO

Germany

Tobias Puklavec is one of the founder of Green Energy Park, leading the green engineering activities within the organization. After the death of his father Vladimir Puklavec in October 2022, Tobias Puklavec took over the role of the Chairman and CEO of the Gasfin Group, leading and managing the company with innovation and growth towards new and green energies. His education as an industrial engineer and his over 20 years of experience in top engineering, project management and sales functions and as a member of the management board of TGE Gas Engineering GmbH, a world leading EPC contractor for handling and storage of liquefied gases, help him to expand the core business, build new markets and invest in future business. He is steering the development towards the future as CTO in the Green Energy Park, making this amazing green energy journey a success towards zero emission politics.

Speaker
Johanna Schiele, European Commission

Policy Officer

Belgium

Johanna Schiele is a Policy Officer at the EU Commission, DG CLIMA. She works on designing and implementing EU-wide auctions for renewable hydrogen production at the EU Innovation Fund, under the umbrella of the EU Hydrogen Bank. Previous to joining the Commission, Johanna worked in the power sector and as a researcher on auctions and clean tech funding. She holds a BA from Oxford University and an MPA from Harvard University.

Speaker
Dr.-Ing. Hans-Peter Schmid, WS Reformer GmbH

Managing Director

Dr.-Ing. Hans-Peter Schmid, born and grown up in the Stuttgart Area, Germany studied Mechanical Engineering at University of. PhD in modelling of reacting turbulent flows in 1997. 6 years experience in automotive industry. Since 2003 Managing Director of WS Reformer. Numerous projects and sales in small-scale SteamMethaneReformers as well as reformer/fuel-cell integration with large and small companies and customers worldwide. Most recent activities in green hydrogen from Biogas and Ammonia.

Speaker
Klaus Sehling, VERBUND Green Hydrogen GmbH

Commercial Management Business Development

Germany

Mr Sehling joined VERBUND's Green Hydrogen GmbH Commercial workstream in August 2023. he worked at all stages of the gas industry's value chain. He gained experience as head of gasdesk at EnergieAG in setting up a gas trading desk, including trading mandates, book structure, risk limits and position management, Trading standard and non-standard products (TTF, NCG, Gaspool, VTPa), Implementation of hedging strategies for sales and CCGT portfolio. Previous he developed non liquid markets as Senior Key Account Manager for Ruhrgas AG. Previous he gained experience as Senior Analyst and Market Access Trader at ALPIQ (former Atel), and as Key Account Manager for EconGas. Previous employers include voestalpine Stahl Donawitz GmbH, Donawitz KWI Consultants & Engineers and EnBW Austria GmbH as Project Manager.

Speaker
Julia Seitz, Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

Research Associate to the Division Director Hydrogen Technologies

Germany

Julia Seitz completed her master's degree in environmental sciences with focus on climate-change-impacts at the University of Freiburg, Germany. After graduation, she worked at the Nature Conservation Center and at a climate protection association in Freiburg. At Fraunhofer ISE, she began working in the division of hydrogen technologies in 2020. In the divison, about 150 scientists, engineers and students conduct research in low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis and fuel cell systems, as well as in thermochemical processing of hydrogen for the production of synthetic fuels and chemicals. Julia Seitz is the personal assistant and research associate to the division director Prof. Christopher Hebling. She advises and supports him in all matters, but also represents his topics and helps with scientific work.

Speaker
Michael Spirig, EFCF (European Electrolyser & Fuel Cell Forum)

CEO & Founder

Switzerland

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Speaker
André Steinau, GP JOULE Hydrogen GmbH

Geschäftsführer

Germany

André Steinau, Head of the Business Unit Hydrogen of the GP JOULE Group. After studying business administration at the Westphalian Wilhelms University, he started his career in marketing, sales management and sales controlling in the banking sector. Since 2009, he has held various positions in the field of renewable energies within the GP JOULE Group and is responsible for the GP JOULE Group's THINK Hydrogen business unit. The vision "100% Renewable" is always the basis and drive behind the ideas, projects and decisions of André Steinau and the entire GP JOULE Group.

Speaker
Henning Uck, GP JOULE GmbH

Strategic Project Manager

Germany

After completing his studies in Energy and Environmental Management in Flensburg, Henning Uck spent several years working as a corporate advisor in the area of strategy and business model development, for example with companies in the energy sector. He has been working at GP JOULE HYDROGEN as a Strategic Project Manager since December 2022, focusing on future business areas in the hydrogen sector. As part of his duties, he works on identifying new hydrogen customers, the storage of hydrogen in salt caverns and the necessary regulatory condition

Speaker
Hasret Varan, SMA Altenso GmbH

Sales & Business Development Manager -Power 2 Gas

Germany

Hasret has a background in industrial engineering with the focus on renewable energies and energy efficiency from the University in Kassel (M.Sc.). During her studies, he has already started working as student in the product management of large-scale PV and battery inverters. After working several years in product management in the solar business, she was keen to learn more about further functionalities of the inverters and wrote her master thesis about market opporunities of grid-forming inverters for inertia and dynamic reactive power in different promising markets, such as Australia, UK, US (ERCOT). Green hydrogen was also a new market, where the inverters could be used. Sawing the big opportunity of this market for decarbonizing several markets and beginning in a small but very fast growing market enviroment convinced her to start as as sales & business development manager at SMA Altenso for hydrogen applications in 2021.

Speaker
Markus Vlasits, NewCharge

Managing Director

Germany

Markus Vlasits started as a consultant at McKinsey & Company in Germany and has been active in the solar PV industry for 17 years in several executive positions. In 2007-2009, he was Production Manager of crystallization and wafering at Q.Cells SE, Thalheim, Germany, where he reached a vice-presidential role in Sales Operations. Moving to Brazil in 2013, he started as CEO of Yingli Green Energy do Brasil. He teamed up with fellow executives to open Faro Energy, an investment company focusing on PV generation projects for commercial concerns, and was its Sales Director until 2018. In 2019, he was an independent consultant and helped start ABSOLAR's Energy Storage Workgroup. In 2020, founded NewCharge, an engineering company focused on energy storage projects for commercial clients in Brazil. He is also active as acts as a technical consultant and advisor for projects related to energy storage. In August 2023, he was elected president of board of directors of the Brazilian Association for Energy Storage Solutions (ABSAE). Markus also organizes energy storage events and conferences, and recently co-organized an energy storage conference panel for Intersolar South America 2021 in partnership with Solar Promotion.

Speaker
Joel Vogl, Infener

CEO and Co-founder

Germany

Joel Vogl is CEO and co-founder of Infener. He is also a partner and holds a management position at the W&P Group. His extensive expertise in the field of hydrogen originated at an early stage and has continuously developed since. Scientific studies in the field of geosciences at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen were preceded by a degree in business administration from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Further specialization was achieved through a master's degree in business administration and relevant postgraduate studies at the University of Leicester.

Speaker
Dr. Lydia Vogt, German Institute for Standardisation DIN e. V.

Head of Strategic Development Hydrogen Technologies

Germany

Dr. Lydia Vogt is the Head of Strategic Development Hydrogen Technologies at the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN e. V.). She is responsible for the coordination of standardisation activities in the field of hydrogen in close coordination with relevant stakeholders on national, European and international level. Lydia is project leader of the joint project "Standardisation Roadmap Hydrogen Technologies' funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Goal of the project is to develop a strategic roadmap together with experts from from industry, research, politics and civil society for a rapid and purposeful adaptation of technical regulations in the field of hydrogen technologies. Lydia has a masters in Chemistry and a PhD in the field of catalysis with focus on the production of hydrogen from energy carriers such as methanol or ammonia.

Speaker
Alexander Voigt, HH2E

CEO

Germany

Exploring climate models in the 1980s sparked Alexander Voigt's passion for sustainability and belief in a global green economy. His career as a serial entrepreneur focuses on developing reliable and affordable CO2-free energy from renewable sources. With HH2E, Voigt's dream is becoming reality. This German green energy startup transforms surplus sun and wind energy into stable, price-competitive green hydrogen, aiming to install 4 GW of production in Germany by 2030. The company is also partnering with DHL and Leipzig Airport to launch a large-scale eSAF production project in Germany. Voigt founded Solon and Q-Cells in the 1990s, pioneering Germany's PV industry. Solon AG's 1998 IPO reached a market capitalisation of €5 billion, and Q-Cells became a global PV leader. In the 2000s, he co-founded Younicos AG and Lumenion, advancing off-grid renewables and energy storage. Passionate about cooking, hosting, and fly-fishing, Voigt is also a Greenpeace member. He seeks innovative ideas and talented individuals to join the renewable energy battle.

Speaker
Maximilian von Stauffenberg, Roland Berger

Senior Consultant

Germany

Maximilian von Stauffenberg is a Senior Consultant at Roland Berger's Munich Office. Since joining Roland Berger, he has been actively involved in strategic topics on clean hydrogen as part of the company's global team in this field. Maximilian has consulted clients from both the public and private sectors on strategic questions along the whole hydrogen value chain. This includes developing comprehensive clean hydrogen investment projects, facilitating the entry of new market participants, and shaping regulatory and public support frameworks. Maximilian has co-authored multiple hydrogen-related studies for Roland Berger and public clients. His academic background is in business administration (University of St. Gallen) and Risk & Finance (London School of Economics).

Speaker
Christian Weinberger, hydrogen-advisers.eu

Strategy Adviser

Austria

Before becoming independent, he worked for more than 20 years in the European Commission. In 1999 he joined DG Enterprise and Industry in the sector for technical harmonisation in the Common Market and EN standardisation. In 2003 he was appointed Head of Unit dealing with Entrepreneurship and SME Policy and later Advisor in the same area. In 2016 he became Senior Adviser for Macroregional Strategies the Danube Region, working from Vienna. After returning to Brussels in 2018 he was named Senior Adviser for Advanced Industrial Technologies and Hydrogen Coordinator in DG GROW. Before joining the European Commission, Christian Weinberger worked in the private sector, for 10 years with a large multinational corporation in Marketing, Sales, Finance and Special Business Operations in various countries and at European HQ and then founded an international SME in Information Technology and was its CEO for 10 years. Being a European born in Austria, Christian Weinberger holds a Master of Physics in Engineering, an MBA and a Ph.D. in Economics.

Speaker
Marcel D. Werner, SENCO Capital

Partner

Germany

Marcel Werner is an awarded clean tech entrepreneur and company founder. Before setting up SENCO, sustainability and clean energy solutions have long been the focus of his professional interest. He shares his insights as a guest speaker at various industry events. He started his career in the financial industry working for a small cap asset management firm in Hanover and a Berlin based real estate holding company. During his international studies of business administration Marcel attended the Otto-Friedrich-University in Bamberg and the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Gujarat, India.

Speaker
Tilman Wilhelm, DVGW e.V

Head of Communication and Political Affairs

Germany

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Speaker
Christian Wolff, Ramboll

Senior Consultant

Germany

Christian Wolff works as a Senior Consultant in the Energy Transition department at Ramboll. He is a systemic process consultant and agile coach and has several years of project management experience in the energy industry. With a focus on power-to-X, hydrogen and innovative heat and power supply systems with low CO2 emissions, he develops, analyses and optimises sustainable energy systems. This includes scenario-based energy system planning for cities and municipalities as well as conceptual design and feasibility testing for the integration of PtX and renewable energies into existing systems. Sector coupling and the generation of green hydrogen as well as the analysis of its use with a focus on mobility and in the industrial sector are also increasingly becoming the focus of activities. Christian Wolff is involved in project management of green hydrogen planning and construction projects. Christian holds a degree in Energy and Process Engineering from the Technical University Berlin.

Speaker
Frank Wouters, MENA Hydrogen Alliance

Chairman

UAE

Frank Wouters has been leading renewable energy projects, transactions, and technology development for more than 30 years and played a lead role in the development of renewable energy projects valued at over $5 billion. He served as Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) from 2012 to 2014. Mr. Wouters has served on the board of energy companies in Europe, Asia, the US and Africa and currently serves as: - Senior Vice President Energy Transition at Reliance Industries, - Director of the EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network, a platform that fosters partnerships between Europe and the Gulf, - Fellow, Payne Institute, Colorado School of Mines, - Chairman of the MENA Hydrogen Alliance, - Chairman of the Dii Advisory Board, - Non-Executive Board Director of Gore Street Capital, London, and - Non-Executive Board Director of Vast Solar in Australia. Frank has authored several books on renewable energy and green hydrogen and lives in Abu Dhabi. He has a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University.

Speaker
Stephen Zhang, Sungrow Hydrogen

Director of the European Region

U.S.

Stephen Zhang, graduated from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Master degree. He used to work in CNPC and has many years of experience in oil & gas industry. At the beginning of 2021, he joined Sungrow Hydrogen Sci.&Tech Co., Ltd., and was in charge of flexible green hydrogen production system solutions, responsible for and participated in many large-scale green hydrogen production projects. He is currently Director of the European Region of Sungrow Hydrogen, in charge of regional sales and marketing in Europe.

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