WMC 2025 – Day 2

14 – 16 October 2025 · Lisbon, Portugal

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Session Details

WMC 2025 – Day 2

Thursday, October 16
7:45 am - 5:00 pm CET
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Day 2 of WMC 2025 starts with refreshments and networking before Session 5.
Mike Nash, Vice President, Syngas, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Session 5: Low-Carbon Methanol

Third-party experts will outline what it takes to make a methanol project bankable, with a focus on specific projects from various regions. They will cover key aspects such as feedstocks, stakeholders, offtake agreements, logistics, and the challenges of producing methanol at a competitive cost that supports a viable return on investment.

Christian Schweitzer, Managing Director, bse Methanol GmbH
The speech will focus on conclusions and lessons learned from more than 20 Power-to-Methanol projects in the scale of 8,000 MTPA to 1,200,000 MTPA. Advantages and disadvantages of different concepts in different regions and markets – Challenges, solutions, and business cases. The speaker holds academic degrees in engineering and business administration and is looking back to 35 years of industrial plant construction. Milestones are the commissioning of biofuel plants worth 200 MEUR respective 550 MEUR. All plants he has taken care are still under operation. Special emphasis of the speech is Power-to-Methanol and its requirements to success. 
Markus Speith, Head of Solution Development Power-to-X bei, Siemens Energy
Pedro Melo, Developer Renewable Methanol, Capwatt, SGPS, S.A.
A presentation outlining a pioneering renewable methanol project targeting a massive market. As a first-mover, we’re leveraging an endogenous opportunity to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. We’ll detail our approach and key figures driving this advanced project, acknowledging the inherent challenges of being an early innovator. Ultimately, success hinges on forming strong partnerships to win this uphill battle and lead the change in renewable energy.
Andrei Akzhigitov, Director, EMEA Methanol, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Make new connections or join familiar faces during this dedicated break. Sessions to resume at 1035.

Session 6: Advances in Technology and Economic Considerations

The economics, and pros and cons of different production routes to methanol will be analysed in detail, highlighting both challenges and market opportunities. There will be a focus on state-of-the-art and emerging technologies that help reduce the cost gap between grey and green methanol production.

Shoji Matsukawa, General Manager, Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals
Carbopath™ is an environmental recycling platform that generates energy and materials using methanol produced from CO2, waste and biomass. MGC, leveraging methanol synthesis technology and deploying the business throughout the entire methanol value chain, aims to develop the platform to achieve circular economy in collaboration with all entities involved in the methanol value chain.
Jussi Rämä, Technical Sales Manager, P2X Solutions
The headlines are dominated by large-scale several hundred megawatt e-Methanol projects which attracts attention. Why has P2X Solutions selected a different scale-up strategy?  A strategy that is based on scaling up the plant size project by project. The topic will be approached from multiple angles including e.g. technology, bankability, offtake, economies of scale and risk management.
Nobuhiro Yoshida, Chief Engineer, Engineering and Technology Unit, Toyo Engineering Corporation
TOYO’s g-Methanol™ integrates SUPERHIDIC™, an innovative energy-saving distillation technology. This system optimizes methanol-water distillation using a unique distillation concept, achieving substantial energy savings compared to conventional methods. Integration of g-Methanol™ and SUPERHIDIC™ can reduce carbon intensity by minimizing steam usage (normal zero steam import) and maximizing renewable power, applying proven distillation and heat transfer technologies.
Riya Sethi, Process Manager Methanol, Air Liquide Engineering & Construction
Backed by an innovative R&D approach, Air Liquide’s Lurgi™ Methanol technology has a strong focus on sustainable solutions. Through dedicated pilot plants at its Frankfurt Innovation Campus, the company has developed and validated processes for e-methanol and biomethanol. By leveraging its deep expertise – from pilot plant tests to full-scale commercial applications – Air Liquide offers clients a proven, low-risk pathway to the future of sustainable fuels and chemicals.
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Network and interact with fellow attendees – sessions resume at 1325.

Session 7: The Hydrogen Economy

Methanol and ammonia can both be viewed as hydrogen carriers, competing with products such as gasoil, diesel and LNG. Both products are also beginning to play a key role in the shipping industry’s journey towards emissions reduction and, ultimately, decarbonization. The pros and cons of different marine fuels including ammonia and methanol will be evaluated.

Dr. Bita Najmi, Principal Engineer – Low carbon -Sustainable Solutions Consultant, Aker Solutions
The aviation industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, driven by emerging government mandates and climate commitments. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) have therefore shifted from being an option to becoming a necessity. Among the various pathways, the methanol route to SAF offers unique opportunities but also presents complex integration challenges. This work examines the methanol-based SAF production pathway, emphasizing the critical role of effective process integration in achieving both performance and economic viability. Drawing on recent industrial studies and project insights, the analysis addresses key challenges including feedstock variability, energy management, and process optimization. Particular attention is given to how integration strategies influence overall plant balance and techno-economic feasibility. The presentation will conclude with actionable recommendations to overcome integration barriers and accelerate technology readiness levels for methanol-based SAF production.
Alexander Higelin, Head of New Business Development, BASF
Green methanol and e-methanol produced from CO₂ and green hydrogen are emerging as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based methanol, but they pose new challenges for catalyst performance under dynamic, renewable-driven conditions. We provide an overview of the methanol value chain for green fuels and chemicals and present successful industrial deployments confirming our catalysts’ scalability and readiness for commercial use, supporting the transition to a net-zero chemical industry. Specifically, we introduce BASF SYNSPIRE® Methanol Catalysts, which offer high activity, selectivity, and long-term stability, even under fluctuating industrial conditions.
Dr. Fridolin Roth, General Manager of the Renewables Division, Axpo Solutions AG
Power sourcing is the dominant cost factor for electrolysis and e-fuels projects. Choosing a suitable power sourcing strategy however needs to take various aspects into account: Regulatory and technical constraints, off take obligations and production schedules (or constraints coming from subsequent processes like methanol synthesis), financer’s expectations, potential secondary revenue streams (heat, oxygen, ancillary services), sourcing options, grid free structures, project uncertainties, etc.. Target conflicts do arise. So, what is the best power sourcing strategy?
Unfortunately, there is not a general answer as each project has its own characteristics and also each electricity market has its own opportunities and restrictions. This presentation addresses the fundamental design questions when sourcing electricity for a specific hydrogen/derivatives project and then highlights some examples of projects and hydrogen related PPAs Axpo has entered.
Mike Nash, Vice President, Syngas, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Make new connections or join familiar faces during this dedicated break. Sessions to resume at 1525.

Session 8: Marine Fuel and Logistics

Methanol itself is a globally traded commodity, transported by ship in huge volumes. It is also a very fast-growing marine fuel, representing just one of many solutions available to shipowners as they look to reduce their emissions and their carbon footprint. This session will give a shipowner’s perspective on the growth prospects for methanol and other non-traditional marine fuels.  The audience will gain a clear understanding of possible marine demand growth scenarios for both methanol and ammonia, providing a rational basis for future supply negotiations.

Hector Calls, Director of the Environmental Sustainability and Energy Transition Department, Port of Barcelona
The Port of Barcelona aims to become a fully decarbonized and sustainable Smart Energy Hub, while also strengthening its competitiveness and resilience. This vision is articulated through the Energy Transition Plan, which sets out a clear strategy through to 2050 to transform the port’s energy model. One of the main pathways identified for decarbonizing maritime and port activities is the adoption of alternative fuels, including methanol, especially as a fuel for ships. Therefore, it is necessary to create the supply chain for alternative fuels, with methanol being one of the main options. 
Oleksandr Siromakha, Head of Sustainable Fuels, MB Energy Holding GmbH & Co. KG
As the maritime industry accelerates its transition to cleaner fuels, the challenge is no longer just producing low-carbon methanol—it’s ensuring it gets to the right place, in the right way, at the right time. In this session, we’ll explore how MB Energy is building a fully integrated, end-to-end supply chain for low-carbon methanol, tailored to the specific needs of shipping customers. From evaluating upstream production projects and securing long-term offtake to ensuring certification, compliance with CI scores, and developing the necessary logistics, storage, and bunkering infrastructure.
Erik van der Heijden, Business Manager – Energy Transition, Port of Rotterdam
Rotterdam is currently a leading port for the trade and storage of methanol, serving mainly the chemical industry in North-West Europe. New markets and supply chains are developing for import of biomethanol and e-methanol. This is mainly driven by upcoming regulations in the maritime industry and aviation. The Rotterdam  industrial Cluster is in development to serve this transition with some landmark projects in sustainable aviation fuel (Methanol-to-SAF) and chemicals (Methanol-to-Olefins).
Dr. Amir Habibi,  Hydrogen Technologies Branch, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Canada’s abundant wind and biomass resources and advances in small modular nuclear reactor (SMNR) technologies make it ideal for large-scale green methanol production. The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) team has developed sophisticated assessment tools to evaluate technologies, requirements and costs of various green methanol production pathways. With this tool, the CNL team also assessed the full fleet of vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) for alternative fuels including methanol. Since that assessment, the CCG has been interested in switching its fleet to green methanol, pending technology demonstration, and a feasibility, logistics, methanol propulsion and fuel demand assessment.
Christian Schweitzer, Managing Director, bse Methanol GmbH
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
 
Session Speakers

Hector Calls

Director of the Environmental Sustainability and Energy Transition Department Port of Barcelona

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Amir Habibi, Ph.D.

Research Scientist Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)

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Erik van der Heijden

Business Manager Energy Transition Port of Rotterdam

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Alexander Higelin

Head of New Business Development BASF

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Dr. Bita Najmi

Principal Engineer at Entr Aker Solutions

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Shoji Matsukawa

General Manager, Carbon Neutral Project Department Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.

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Pedro Melo

Business Development Manager Capwatt, SGPS, S.A

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Mike Nash

Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead | Americas Acetyls Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

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Jussi Rämä

Technical Sales Manager P2X Solutions Oy

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Dr. Fridolin Roth

General Manager of the Renewables Division Axpo Solutions AG

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Christian Schweitzer

Managing Director bse Methanol GmbH

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Riya Sethi

Senior Process Manager Methanol Air Liquide Engineering & Construction

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Oleksandr Siromakha

Head of Sustainable Fuels MB Energy Holding GmbH & Co. KG

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Markus Speith

Head of Solution Development Power-to-X bei Siemens Energy

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Nobuhiro Yoshida

Chief Engineer, Engineering and Technology Unit Toyo Engineering Corporation

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Hector Calls Director of the Environmental Sustainability and Energy Transition Department Port of Barcelona

Hector Calls has a Bachelor’s in Marine Sciences and Master’s in Engineering and Port Management, specialized in Port Dredging, with over 24 years of experience in environmental consulting and marine surveys. From 2000 to 2005, he worked at CEDEX Ports and Coasts Centre. His expertise spans environmental aspects of port and marine projects, hydrographic surveys, geophysics, oceanography, and maritime engineering, participating in national and international projects. He has contributed to sectors such as port infrastructure, marine renewable energy, submarine cables, offshore oil & gas, desalination, submarine outfalls, gas pipelines, dredging, marine habitats, cartography, coastal engineering, and aquaculture. He has held roles as Department Director and Project Manager in leading companies. Since January 2022, he has been Director of the Environmental Sustainability and Energy Transition Department at the Port of Barcelona, leading strategic efforts in decarbonization and energy transition.

Amir Habibi, Ph.D. Research Scientist Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)

Dr. Amir Habibi is a Research Scientist in the Hydrogen Technologies Branch at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), where he leads research on the integration of low-carbon hydrogen into future energy systems. With over 15 years of experience in reaction engineering and process development, he brings deep expertise in catalytic technologies for emissions reduction, clean hydrogen and the production of alternative fuels. Over the past seven years, Dr. Habibi has driven innovation in electrolytic hydrogen and synthetic fuels, contributing to technology development in biofuel upgrading, e-methanol synthesis, and nuclear-driven fuels. His work has supported the strategic integration of hydrogen with emerging energy infrastructures. At CNL, he leads multidisciplinary efforts in process modeling, techno-economic analysis, lifecycle assessment, and infrastructure planning to advance the deployment of hydrogen-enabled energy systems. His work bridges scientific research with real-world applications, helping shape Canada’s clean energy transition.

Erik van der Heijden Business Manager Energy Transition Port of Rotterdam

Erik graduated with a Master of Science in Applied Physics at Delft University of Technology in 2000. He has worked for 15 years at Siemens/Siemens Energy, mainly in the field of Energy, in several positions in the Netherlands and internationally; he lived and worked for 4 years in the Middle East. After that Erik has been active as an independent advisor in the Energy sector. Since 2019, he has been working with the Port of Rotterdam as the Business Manager - Energy Transition. Here he has been instrumental in the strategy and business development supporting the energy transition in the industrial complex of the Port of Rotterdam. In addition to that, he has been setting up new international supply chains for renewable hydrogen and derivatives. Erik currently lives in The Hague together with his wife and 3 children.

Alexander Higelin Head of New Business Development BASF

After obtaining his PhD in inorganic chemistry, Alexander started his industrial career with a major German energy utility in innovation management. He went on to work as a business development manager for the high throughput experimentation company – catering to the research needs of global oil and gas industry as well as major chemical companies. Since 2022 he has been heading the new business development for BASF Chemical Catalysts and Adsorbents as well as overseeing the development and commercialization of new catalysts to support the sustainability transformation in the energy and chemical industries.

Dr. Bita Najmi Principal Engineer at Entr Aker Solutions

Dr. Bita Najmi is a Principal Engineer at Entr, part of Aker Solutions with more than a decade of combined industrial and academic experience in energy and chemical process systems engineering. She specializes in hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and the synthesis of bio- and electro-fuels. Her expertise spans technology evaluations, techno-economic assessments and system design and engineering, with a proven track record of supporting clients across the entire project lifecycle, from early-stage concept development to FEED and EPC planning for execution. Bita has worked extensively with international clients on pioneering projects, including several first-of-a-kind plants in the hydrogen and CCUS space that integrate multiple technologies. Through her experience and technical insight, she is committed to accelerating the deployment of innovative low-carbon energy solutions that enable a more sustainable future.

Shoji Matsukawa General Manager, Carbon Neutral Project Department Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.

After obtaining Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Shoji joined Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) in 2003 and has worked on a variety of derivative chemicals of methanol and ammonia such as methacrylates, polyols, high-performance resins etc., in terms of R&D and business development. Since 2024, he has lead the Carbon Neutral Project Department of C1 Chemicals Division, overseeing the development of renewable methanol business throughout the methanol value chain by utilizing the circular carbon methanol platform CARBOPATHTM that MGC deploys to realize circular economy. The activities range from developing manufacturing projects for renewable methanol to creation of the green chemical market in collaboration with various partners in the value chain.

Pedro Melo Business Development Manager Capwatt, SGPS, S.A

Pedro is a 25 year experienced engineer with expertise across multiple domains and industries, with a strong focus on supply chain management, sustainability, contracts and partnerships management. Throughout his career, has overseen multiple international projects, operations and deals.

Mike Nash Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead | Americas Acetyls Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Mike Nash is the Vice President for Syngas Chemicals (including the methanol and acetyls practices) at Chemical Market Analytics. Mike Nash is the vice president of Syngas Chemicals, which includes methanol and acetyls, at Chemical Market Analytics. He works with a global team of regional consultants and overlays their analyses with a worldwide perspective. His responsibilities include the weekly World Methanol Report and monthly World Methanol Analysis, as well as the weekly and monthly Global Acetyls Market Reports and the related World Analyses for methanol, acetyls and formaldehyde. Before joining the IHS Markit base chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics) in September 2012, Mr. Nash worked for BP’s petrochemicals division for 19 years before a two-year stint in Total’s UK fuels business. He held various commercial roles within BP, including international business management, marketing, project management, and logistics, based in London, Duesseldorf, and Kuala Lumpur. His last role in Total UK was logistics director for specialties. Mr. Nash holds a Master of Arts in English language and literature from the University of Edinburgh and an MBA from Kingston University, both in the United Kingdom.

Jussi Rämä Technical Sales Manager P2X Solutions Oy

Jussi Rämä works as a Technical Sales Manager at P2X Solutions Oy. Jussi has recently joined the company and comes from biomethane project developer company, where he worked as Head of Technical Sales Support with the responsibility of techno-commercial topics throughout the biomethane project development cycle. Before that Jussi was working for Metso mining business in various sales and sales support positions in the field of services, equipment and plant deliveries. Jussi holds M.Sc. degree in technology from Helsinki University of Technology.

Dr. Fridolin Roth General Manager of the Renewables Division Axpo Solutions AG

Dr. Fridolin Roth worked as General Manager of the Renewables Division at Axpo Solutions AG for almost 10 years. During that time, he headed the Business Development of the Division and took responsibility for the operation of on- and offshore windfarms in various European countries, the construction of a geothermal power plant as well as several M&A projects. After Axpo adopted Hydrogen as one of its strategic growth fields, Fridolin switched his focus to Business and Project Development in Hydrogen. He always strives to implement new business models and to optimize existing assets with his excellent team and partners. Fridolin’s interest in Renewable Energy goes back to his youth where he built his first small scale aero-generator from his bicycle and produced Hydrogen on his parent’s kitchen table. He went on to study mathematics, physics and Music before working as a Strategy and Management Consultant in the Energy Sector and later taking operational responsibility at Axpo.

Christian Schweitzer Managing Director bse Methanol GmbH

Christian Schweitzer, born July 1964 in Aachen, Germany successfully completed his engineering degree at the Fachhochschule Aachen. In addition he obtained a Bachelor in Business Administration at the SGMI St.Gallen. Since 1995, he is acting managing director of the bse brand in the industrial plant construction. Throughout various ethanol related projects, thermo-chemical and anaerobic gasification were successfully implemented, ultimately building Europe´s largest bioethanol plant at the time of its establishment. In 2008 early experiences in factory planning of bio-methanol production were gained as part of the active business area. Seeking the potential of e-fuels® by conversion of Carbon Dioxide in 2014 process development and catalyst research in the field of electrical-based methanol production started, which was to lead to BSE’s FlexMethanol® Process. Christian Schweitzer is founder and managing director of the bse group and it’s bse Methanol which supplies proprietary process, catalysts and pre-fabricated technical process skids to its clients of the Power-to-Methanol Industry.

Riya Sethi Senior Process Manager Methanol Air Liquide Engineering & Construction

Riya Sethi is Senior Process Manager Methanol in the Syngas & Methanol Product Line at Air Liquide Engineering & Construction, located in Frankfurt am Main in Germany. Her experience covers solution development and early client support for Methanol. Before joining Air Liquide in 2021, she had an eight year career with Topsoe working with different syngas technologies like Methanol, HyCO and Ammonia. She holds B.E. in Chemical Engineering and M.B.A. in Marketing & Operations from Panjab University, India

Oleksandr Siromakha Head of Sustainable Fuels MB Energy Holding GmbH & Co. KG

Oleksandr Siromakha is the Head of Sustainable Fuels at MB Energy, a leading independent fuel supplier. With over 17 years of expertise in energy trading and logistics, project development, and strategic planning, he is driving MB Energy's shift towards CO2-neutral solutions, including e-fuels, advanced biofuels, green hydrogen, and hydrogen derivatives. Before joining MB Energy, Oleksandr was an Integrated Business Development Manager at the Marquard & Bahls Group, where he focused on strategic corporate growth. He also led the marketing and market analysis department at Oiltanking. Oleksandr holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Konstanz, where he specialized in climate-related studies, enhancing his understanding of sustainable energy management.

Markus Speith Head of Solution Development Power-to-X bei Siemens Energy

Markus Speith studied mechanical engineering at the University of Hanover with a focus on energy and process engineering and has been working in the field of power generation projects since 1993. 1996 he joined Siemens, where he has gone through leading roles in research and development, commissioning, project management, sales and business development. Since 2019, he is globally responsible for project development in the field of power-to-x based on Siemens Energy's hydrogen technology.

Nobuhiro Yoshida Chief Engineer, Engineering and Technology Unit Toyo Engineering Corporation

Nobuhiro Yoshida joined Toyo Engineering Corporation in 1999 and brings over twenty years of experience in process engineering. He has played key roles as Lead Process Engineer and Process Manager across projects involving synthesis gas, fertilizer, gas processing, and oil production facilities. In 2015, he was appointed Team Manager of the Gas Chemical Team within the Process System Engineering Division, overseeing synthesis gas and fertilizer operations. His responsibilities expanded in 2020 to include Oil & Gas, leading the Gas Chemical and Oil & Gas Team. Since 2025, he has served as Chief Engineer at the Engineering and Technology Unit, directing process engineering and syngas technology. In response to the global push for carbon neutrality, he has actively contributed to technical sales, feasibility studies, and Pre-FEED and FEED work for blue and green ammonia, as well as green methanol projects.
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