Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your role and your company? 

I'm originally from Canada and have been fortunate to build a diverse career across multiple countries and industries. My professional journey has taken me through roles in operations, fabrication, construction, commissioning, and project management-each experience broadening my perspective and expertise. I owe much of my growth to the unwavering support of my family, whose encouragement has enabled me to embrace opportunities and collaborate with exceptional professionals worldwide. Currently, I serve as the General Manager of Project Delivery at JERA Americas, where I bring my international experience and passion for innovation to promote the advancement of project management throughout our organization.

What projects are you currently working on?

I manage a diverse portfolio that spans programs in low-carbon fuels, thermal energy, M&A, and renewables. Currently my team is advancing projects in ammonia production, LNG transport and regasification, solar farm development, and thermal power plant design. These initiatives are at various stages of development from early-stage conceptualization to late-stage design, underscoring our commitment to innovate energy solutions throughout North America.

Can you tell us any more about these projects – scope, partners, timelines, costs etc.? 

We cultivate strong, strategic partnerships with industry leaders throughout the value chain to deliver large-scale, world-class facilities. This approach is integral to our corporate strategy and propels us towards our goal of achieving net 0 by 2050

What are the key challenges you are facing in project development? 

One of the key challenges we face is managing the inherent risks associated with the large scale of our projects. Given the significant consequences of any misstep, we maintain rigorous risk management processes to continuously identify, assess, and mitigate potential issues. Additionally, the complexity of our project designs and the intricate interfaces involved demand that we adopt innovative and practical solutions. This dual focus on robust risk mitigation and creative problem-solving not only help us overcome challenges but also position us to capitalize on new opportunities as they arise.

How much of a constraint are workforce shortages likely to be and what can be done to address this? 

Workforce availability is a critical factor in our planning process. Given our global presence, we actively leverage our international networks to identify available labor pools and innovative solutions. This approach allows us to integrate labor considerations into every stage of project design and planning, ensuring that our choices do not inadvertently exacerbate workforce constraints. Ultimately, by making informed designed selections and strategically utilizing our global resources, we can better manage and mitigate potential labor shortages.

How have you found the response from the engineering, procurement and construction industry to your project development plans? And what would you love to see from this industry to help support the roll-out of these projects further? 

The response from the EPC community has been exemplary. They have shown genuine enthusiasm for the opportunities we present, taking the time to thoroughly understand our requirements. We greatly value their collaborative approach, drawing on their extensive expertise to navigate uncertainties and chart a realistic, achievable path towards successful project completion.

Looking forward as technological advancements accelerate, we would welcome an even greater focus on integrating innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and bolster environmental performance. By proactively embracing emerging technologies, our EPC partners can further support the rollout of our projects and help ensure that we consistently exceed expectations.

How do you navigate regulatory uncertainty and what would you want from the incoming administration in the US in order to help the hydrogen and ammonia industry? 

Navigating regulatory uncertainty is a complex challenge that we address head on through our dedicated regulatory team.  They closely monitor policy developments and engage proactively with regulatory bodies to ensure our strategies remain both relevant and prudent.  This agile approach not only mitigates risk but also positions us as leaders in the delivering clean energy projects, even amid rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes.

The new U.S. administration could take several steps to support the hydrogen and ammonia industry.

• Incentives: Provide tax credits and subsidies for investment in hydrogen and ammonia technologies.
• R&D Funding: Increase funding for research and development in production and storage technologies.
• Infrastructure: Invest in infrastructure for distribution, including pipelines and refueling stations.
• Regulatory Framework: Establish clear regulations for safe production and use.
• International Collaboration: Engage in global partnerships to promote hydrogen and ammonia technologies.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between government and industry to accelerate commercialization.
• Workforce Development: Invest in education and training programs for a skilled workforce.
• Market Development: Promote hydrogen and ammonia use in various sectors to create demand.
• Climate Goals Alignment: Ensure initiatives align with national climate objectives.
• Public Awareness: Increase public understanding and support for hydrogen and ammonia as energy sources.

• These actions could help position hydrogen and ammonia as key components in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Where globally have you seen the greatest success in the build-out of hydrogen and ammonia projects? And what lessons do you think can be applied in the US? 

In recent years, we've observed significant advancements in hydrogen and ammonia projects globally. Europe has been a leader, with countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway pioneering green hydrogen initiatives, supported by the European Union's comprehensive hydrogen strategy. The key takeaway here is the importance of government support, clear policy frameworks, and strong public-private partnerships.

Australia has also made remarkable progress, leveraging its renewable resources to position itself as a major exporter of green hydrogen. This highlights the value of utilizing natural resources and developing export-oriented strategies.

In Asia, Japan and South Korea have been at the forefront of hydrogen technology, focusing on fuel cell development and hydrogen infrastructure. Their success stems from strong government commitments to decarbonization, technological innovation, and collaboration with the private sector.

The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is investing heavily in blue and green hydrogen projects, integrating existing oil and gas infrastructure with new hydrogen technologies.

From these global examples, the U.S. can learn several lessons:

• Establishing a clear and supportive regulatory framework is crucial, with incentives and subsidies to drive investment.
• Public-private partnerships can accelerate technology advancements and infrastructure development.
• Investing in infrastructure like pipelines and refueling stations is essential.
• Encouraging research and innovation can position the U.S. as a leader in the hydrogen economy.
• Leveraging abundant renewable resources, such as solar and wind, can aid in producing green hydrogen, establishing the U.S. as a major global player.

By adopting these strategies, the U.S. can effectively contribute to a sustainable energy future through successful hydrogen and ammonia projects. 

What is your outlook for the future and what do you want from the industry as you look ahead? 

Looking ahead, I believe that advancements in AI will drive unprecedented efficiency, spark innovation, and catalyze new business models across our industry. One significant opportunity lies in the growing demand for clean, reliable energy to power AI technologies, a demand that could accelerate the expansion of the clean energy sector on a scale we've never seen before.

At the same time, companies poised to benefit from this trend must remain agile. They need to integrate AI into their operations to enhance project delivery, optimize processes, and maintain competitiveness.  My hope is that the industry will proactively embrace these technological shifts, investing in AI driven solutions and collaborating across sectors to not only meet the rising energy demands but also to redefine how projects are planned and executed for the future.