Hydrogen in its infancy or with big steps forward?
Hydrogen is causing a lot of controversy. You have optimists, skeptics and you have Statkraft that will do it. Still without clear government support or fully hedged risks. It is clear: anyone who dives into the world of green hydrogen is on the pioneering path. A path on which you can move forward with realism rather than idealism. Because you have to use hydrogen smartly: "It's up to us to prove that it can be done," says project developer Max.
Statkraft has manpower, a mandate and already has a concrete plan in the port of Rotterdam. So it's high time to catch up. We do this with Rob Smit and Max Tönis, involved from the very beginning.
Lost chemist
Rob has been responsible for all of Statkraft's hydrogen activities in the Netherlands since the beginning of this year. Because he studied Chemistry - a long time ago - and immediately ended up in the energy world afterwards, he jokingly calls himself 'a lost chemist'. You could say, one who is back at the nest after a long career: "I finally have a job that is about chemistry, because hydrogen is about molecules."
Max still has his career path ahead of him. He has been working for Statkraft for two years and is setting up hydrogen development projects. Before that, he was involved in other technologies related to sustainable energy, such as battery storage. He also feels at home in the brand new hydrogen business unit, because he believes in it: "It's nice to enter this curve, because I think green hydrogen is future-proof."
I finally have a job that is about chemistry, because hydrogen is about molecules.
It is nice to enter this curve, because I think green hydrogen is future-proof.