In this episode of The Hydrogen Leader Podcast, we sit down with Pierre-Etienne Franc, CEO and Co-Founder of Hy24, which manages the world’s €2B Hydrogen Fund.

Widely recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the global hydrogen industry, Franc shares how hydrogen, sustainability, and clean energy investments are shaping the future of the energy transition.

From his early leadership at Air Liquide to building Hy24, Franc offers unparalleled insights into the hydrogen economy, covering green hydrogen projects, hydrogen production, fuel cells, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen infrastructure.

He explains how collaboration between industrial gas suppliers, financial investors, and policymakers is essential to accelerate the shift toward decarbonization, carbon neutrality, and net zero goals.

The discussion spans Europe, the US, and China, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in scaling the hydrogen economy. From Plug Power and mobility projects to hydrogen stations, trucks, and buses, Franc shares his perspective on where the clean hydrogen market is headed, and why regulatory support and innovation are key to success.

Beyond technology and investment, Franc reflects on the societal impact of the energy transition, underlining the need for visionary leadership, sustainability-driven decisions, and timely action to ensure a cleaner and more equitable future.

He also shares advice for young professionals pursuing careers in hydrogen, pointing to the exciting opportunities in building the hydrogen economy and contributing to a global clean energy transformation.

The conversation closes with a preview of Franc’s upcoming book on sustainability, leadership, and collective action in tackling climate change.

In this Episode of The Hydrogen Leader Podcast, Steven welcomes Jens Wulff, a key figure at Neuman & Esser, known for his leadership in the hydrogen sector. Jens shares his personal journey, insights on leadership, and detailed perspectives on the global hydrogen economy. Discover how Neuman & Esser is revolutionizing hydrogen compression and generation, the company's strategic vision, and the importance of fostering strong business relationships. Jens also dives into the role of hydrogen in energy transition, providing a global outlook and practical advice for young professionals eyeing the hydrogen industry. Don't miss this deep dive into the untold stories and growth hacks within the hydrogen economy.

In this episode of The Hydrogen Leader, we speak with Lucretia Löscher, Chief Operating Officer of Thyssenkrupp Uhde.

We delve into her leadership approach, her perspective on the hydrogen economy, and the core values that guide her decisions.

Lucretia also shares her impressive journey from Siemens to her current role, providing insights into project management, the importance of technology in EPC services, and the future of green hydrogen and ammonia.

Additionally, she offers advice for women aspiring to leadership in the energy sector.

Visit us to gain valuable knowledge from a successful businesswoman dedicated to innovation and impact.

Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:38 Getting to Know Lucretia Löscher01:36 Core Values and Passions03:35 Career Journey and Leadership03:58 Role and Responsibilities at Thyssenkrupp Uhde07:59 Mentorship and Lessons Learned10:17 Challenges and Proud Moments13:31 Thyssenkrupp Uhde's Business Model16:58 Unique Technology and EPC Competence20:12 High-Profile Projects and Innovations22:30 Building an Ammonia Cracker in Germany23:01 Understanding Green Ammonia24:18 Transporting and Cracking Ammonia29:09 Investment and Project Scale31:24 Challenges in Hydrogen Economy41:10 Global Progress and Future Outlook44:27 Encouraging Women in Energy Sector46:04 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsInterview Partner: Lucretia Löscher (Member of the Executive Board, COO,thyssenkrupp Uhde GmbH)

In this episode of the Hydrogen Leader Podcast, we welcome Zhijie Duan from To High in China. She delves into the evolving hydrogen economy, sharing the journey of her company, which provides test services and equipment, safety consulting, and hydrogen training. Zhijie talks about her career transition from carbon trading to hydrogen and her role as a female leader in a predominantly male industry. The discussion covers the major trends and challenges in hydrogen technology, the importance of balancing safety and cost, and the supportive role of the Chinese government. Zhijie also offers advice to young professionals and highlights the importance of happiness and embracing challenges in the workplace.Interview Partner: Zhijie Duan (General Manager of To High Hydrogen Testing (Baoding) Co., Ltd.)

In this episode of The Hydrogen Leader Podcast, Cornelius Matthes, CEO of DII Desert Energy, discusses the unstoppable rise of hydrogen and its critical role in achieving zero emissions, particularly in the steel industry and long-term storage. The conversation covers Cornelius' background, his passion for tackling big challenges, and how his sniper training in the German military honed his ability to stay calm under stress, which has been valuable throughout his career. Cornelius shares his leadership philosophy of leading by example, empowering people, and learning from mistakes. The discussion also delves into the foundation and evolution of DII Desert Energy, its mission, and Cornelius' role in expanding the consortium to nearly 50 companies across different countries. The episode highlights the significant advancements and ambitious projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, such as the Neom Green Hydrogen Project, which is on track to become the largest green hydrogen facility in the world. Cornelius explains the importance of reducing hydrogen production costs and the need for introducing a CO2 price to make green hydrogen competitive. Additionally, the conversation touches on the potential of natural (white) hydrogen and the role of regulatory frameworks in accelerating the adoption of hydrogen technologies. Cornelius envisions the MENA region becoming a global powerhouse for green energy, establishing strong partnerships and infrastructure links with Europe. He also introduces the Zero Emission Trader Alliance (ZETA) and other initiatives aimed at creating a tradable market for green hydrogen and other low-emission molecules. The podcast concludes with Cornelius' optimistic outlook for the future and his commitment to making significant contributions to the energy transition.

In this Hydrogen Leader Podcast episode, we speak with Florentin de Loppinot, the CEO of Teal Mobility. Florentin opens up on his personal and professional journey, starting with a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety following the loss of a friend in a road accident in East Africa, a cause he has actively championed. He shares his extensive experience in the energy sector, notably with Total Energies, and his leadership philosophy centered around team-building, nurturing talent, and critical listening. Florentin emphasizes the value of role models and how they have shaped his career, and discusses the multicultural influences from his work spans across multiple countries, particularly Africa. The conversation delves into the motivations and operations of Teal Mobility, a joint venture between Total Energies and Air Liquide aimed at accelerating hydrogen mobility in Europe, particularly for long-haul transportation. Florentin outlines the joint venture's business model, strategic operations, and the current and future landscape of hydrogen mobility, including partnerships, market responses, and regulatory environments in various European countries. He underscores the critical interplay between hydrogen as a cleaner energy source and the logistics industry, the importance of building a robust refueling infrastructure, and the technological developments among truck manufacturers. Florentin also touches on the broader hydrogen economy, discussing regulatory mandates like the EU’s alternative fuel infrastructure directive, the cooperative efforts of his company's shareholders, and the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship in advancing the hydrogen agenda. As he envisions the future, Florentin hopes to make hydrogen more affordable and accessible while building a motivated and effective team. He concludes with valuable advice on maintaining humility and gratitude throughout one’s career journey.

In this Hydrogen Leader Podcast episode, we talk to Dr. Sunita Satyapal, a notable figure and subject matter expert in the hydrogen industry, with 3 decades of experience including as a researcher, industry manager, and government program director, to discuss her career, the state of the hydrogen economy, and her future endeavors. Dr. Satyapal acknowledges public information on the administration's intent to reduce the federal workforce and reflects on progress as well as the ups and downs of hydrogen funding and policies over the past two decades. Björn introduces Dr. Satyapal, highlighting her significant contributions, in her prior roles including coordinating approximately $10 billion in hydrogen programs at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and her role in advancing hydrogen on a global scale. Dr. Satyapal describes public information on the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), a voluntary program she opted for which would help provide opportunities for junior federal workers to avoid termination, reflecting her commitment to the next generation of leaders. Despite stepping down from DOE after nearly 22 years, Dr. Satyapal maintains her passion for hydrogen. The conversation shifts to the state of the U.S. hydrogen economy, noting significant legislative boosts like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The 45V hydrogen production tax credit is highlighted as crucial for making hydrogen cost-competitive, particularly for the U.S. which has very low-cost hydrogen from natural gas. Dr. Satyapal stresses the importance of sustaining momentum, managing infrastructure challenges, and ensuring commercially viable offtake to scale hydrogen effectively. The discussion includes global hydrogen strategies and Dr. Satyapal emphasizes that hydrogen is part of a broader portfolio of solutions for decarbonization and also offers energy security and resiliency. As for challenges, she points out high costs and the lack of infrastructure, sustained investment, and offtake. She shares her leadership philosophy, which includes focusing on people, collaboration, and maintaining high standards. She discusses the traits she looks for in hiring, such as integrity, passion, technical competence, and the ability to deliver results, as well as the importance of a team-oriented mindset and perseverance. As for her future, she says she is still considering options and how she may be able to provide maximum impact for the hydrogen industry.

In this Hydrogen Leader Podcast episode, we speak with Erik Schäfer, an experienced entrepreneur with a passion for green technology and the hydrogen economy.

Erik shares insights from his extensive career as a founder, having started approximately 20 companies over the last 30 years.

His journey began in Silicon Valley in 1988, and over the years, he transitioned from the internet and medical device industries to focus on natural resources and green technology.

Erik is currently involved in the natural hydrogen space, an emerging sector where hydrogen is extracted from the earth in its natural form, commonly referred to as natural, white, or geological hydrogen.

He discusses his work on projects in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Oman, where significant quantities of hydrogen have been identified.

Erik highlights the advantages of natural hydrogen, such as lower production costs and a smaller ecological footprint compared to traditional or green hydrogen.

He also talks about the regulatory challenges and the steps needed to make natural hydrogen a viable part of the global energy transition.

Additionally, Erik touches upon his engagement with the Hydrogen Europe organization and his efforts to promote natural hydrogen in Europe.

He shares his involvement in a hydrogen fund called Zenko, which aims to bridge the financing gap in the hydrogen industry by investing in later-stage companies.

Erik emphasizes the importance of collaboration among investors, project developers, and regulators to create a sustainable hydrogen economy.

Throughout the podcast, Erik's enthusiasm and dedication to making the world a better place through innovative green technologies are evident, and he encourages others to join him in this mission.

In this episode of the Hydrogen Leader, we speak with Frederik Zohm, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and board member at MAN Truck & Bus. The discussion kicks off with an introduction to Frederik, including his background in mechanical engineering, economics, and his professional journey through various truck and bus companies, culminating in his current role at MAN since 2017. Frederik shares insights into his leadership style, emphasizing strategic thinking, involvement in problem areas, and team-oriented performance culture.The conversation moves to the challenges and opportunities within the zero-emission industry, specifically focusing on battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Frederik elaborates on the impact of regulatory requirements and the significance of these technologies in reducing CO2 emissions, given the substantial footprint of diesel-powered trucks.Frederik underscores the role of regulatory frameworks in driving transformation, pointing out that significant changes in infrastructure are required for the widespread adoption of new propulsion systems. He also discusses the financial implications and technological readiness of hydrogen versus battery-electric solutions, explaining that while batteries currently offer higher efficiency and more substantial investment returns, hydrogen technology still holds potential, particularly for applications requiring longer ranges and heavier loads.The podcast also covers MAN's approach to decarbonization, including the development of both battery-electric and hydrogen combustion engines. Frederik explains the strategic decisions behind focusing on battery-electric vehicles while continuing pre-development work on hydrogen systems to meet various customer needs.Finally, Frederik shares personal reflections on leadership, crisis management, and the importance of continuous learning. He advises aspiring leaders to remain curious, leverage the experience of others, and stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry. The episode concludes with a discussion on the broader societal impact of decarbonizing the heavy-duty sector and MAN's commitment to leading this transformation.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:30 Welcome, Frederik Zohm1:57 Changes2:55 Leadership Style4:23 DNA of a Board Member4:54 Biggest Challenges6:19 Result Driven Leadership7:24 Impressive Leadership Moments9:20 Crisis Situations11:17 Learnings from Failures14:06 Importance of Decarbonization17:08 EU Regulations19:39 Raising of CO2 Prices23:52 Plans of the new Government27:09 Priority of MAN32:27 Battery- vs. Hydrogen Trucks39:56 Serious Hydrogen Production42:30 Ski Slopes Piston Bullys44:07 New Technologies47:49 Outlook49:17 Recommendations of Frederik51:12 Thank youInterview Partner: Dr. Frederik Zohm (Executive Board Member for Research and Development at MAN)In this Podcast, the following topics are discussed: electric truck,hydrogen powered truck,MAN Truck & Bus,Frederik Zohm interview,battery-electric trucks,hydrogen fuel cell technology,clean mobility solutions,hydrogen combustion engines,battery vs hydrogen trucks,electric mobility industry,sustainable logistics,green transportation technology,MAN zero-emission strategy,energy transition in trucking,clean energy infrastructure,hydrogen fuel infrastructure,electric truck development,heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles

In this episode of the Hydrogen Leader, we speak with Klaus Bonoff, an influential figure in the hydrogen economy, often referred to as 'Mr. Hydrogen'. Klaus shares his journey, beginning with his PhD on autonomous solar systems incorporating hydrogen, to his various roles in research, industry, and his significant contributions to hydrogen fuel cell technology. As the managing director of NOW (National Organization for Hydrogen Fuel Technologies), Klaus played a pivotal role in developing Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure and strategy.The conversation explores Klaus’s professional milestones, including the establishment of a hydrogen refueling station network and the creation of NOW, which was started to manage hydrogen programs and later expanded to include recharging infrastructure and renewable fuels. Klaus reflects on the evolution of hydrogen technology, the importance of adapting energy policies in light of new developments, and the crucial role Germany plays in the global hydrogen market.Klaus provides insights into the challenges and successes of establishing a hydrogen economy, noting the initial underestimation of lithium-ion technology's advancement and its impact on hydrogen fuel cell vehicle adoption. He emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the necessity for a hydrogen core network in Germany to support both domestic production and imports of hydrogen.The interview also addresses the controversy Klaus faced during his tenure in the Ministry of Transport. Despite baseless allegations leading to his dismissal, a thorough investigation later cleared his name, reinstating his reputation and integrity. Klaus discusses the impact of these events on both his personal and professional life, and the broader implications for the hydrogen industry.#hydrogentechnology #greentech #hydrogeneconomy #hydrogen #fuelcell #technology #tech #hydrogenpodcast #thehydrogenleader Chapters:0:00 Intro0:35 Welcome Klaus1:07 Who is Mr. Hydrogen?4:22 Biggest Achievement5:62 Vision for 2025 Failed?9:16 Hydrogen Strategy for Germany11:18 End of NOW?13:26 Advice for new Government15:12 Hydrogen Infrastructure18:35 Germanys Role in Hydrogen20:47 Global Hydrogen Strategy25:43 Advice for CEOs in Hydrogen29:07 Allegations and Investigation34:07 Consequences40:47 European System42:29 US Tarrifs48:21 Why to get involved in Hydrogen50:47 Thank youGuest of Episode: Klaus Bonhoff - Mr. HydrogenIn this Podcast, the following topics are discussed: hydrogen economy,Klaus Bonhoff interview,Mr Hydrogen,hydrogen fuel cell technology,hydrogen infrastructure Germany,hydrogen refueling stations Germany,hydrogen future Europe,lithium-ion vs hydrogen fuel cells,future of hydrogen energy,hydrogen import and production Germany,hydrogen network development,European hydrogen strategy,hydrogen leadership insights,hydrogen market Europe,building a hydrogen economy,renewable energy infrastructure, energy, Investigation of Klaus Bonhoff