Eurogas Annual Renewable Gas Conference & Barbecue

Building on a record-breaker first edition gathering 300+ energy stakeholders, the 2nd Eurogas Annual Renewable Gas Conference 'Renewable gaseous energy: Where is the demand?', took place on 4 July 2024 (15:00-18:00 CEST) at Le Bouche à Oreille (Brussels).
Gathering renewable gaseous energy providers and end-users, the conference discussed the challenges faced by the industry and the energy sector to deliver climate-neutrality by 2050.

The conference was moderated by Sonja van Renssen, Chief Strategy Officer at Carbon Pulse, and was followed by the 5th edition of the must-attend Eurogas Renewable Barbecue on the premises.

Stay tuned, events pictures and conference recording available soon here!

Partners

Programme
14:15 - 15:00

Registration & welcome coffee

15:00 - 15:05

Welcome speech

Speakers

Cristian Signoretto

Cristian Signoretto

President, Eurogas
Biography
Cristian Signoretto
President, Eurogas

He was appointed Deputy of Chief Operating Officer Natural Resources and also Director Global Gas & Lng Portfolio of Eni on July 1, 2020.

After graduating in Mechanical Engineering in 1999 from the Politecnico di Milano, he did his military service as lieutenant officer in the Italian Army.

In 2000, he was awarded a scholarship for a research doctorate at the Politecnico di Milano’s Department of Energy, where he was involved in research projects and teaching activities.

In 2001 he joined McKinsey.

He graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia University in New York in 2005.

After a brief stint at Citigroup in New York, he continued his career in McKinsey, mainly working on projects in the Oil & Gas and Banking & Insurance sectors.

He joined Eni in late 2007, in the Office of the CEO supporting the Top Management in defining corporate strategies and overseeing specific projects at group level.

Between 2008 and 2016, he worked in Eni’s Gas & Power business, first as Senior Vice President International Sales and later as Executive Vice President International Markets and LNG.

In November 2016, he took the position of Executive Vice President Portfolio Strategy & Long Term Gas Negotiations in the Midstream business with responsibility for managing the supply portfolio and long-term relationships with gas suppliers. In February 2018, he became Executive Vice President of the Gas Business Unit with responsibility for the entire midstream gas value chain, including marketing and trading activities.

In April 2019, he was appointed Chief Gas & Lng Marketing and Power Officer of Eni.

He is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eni Global Energy Markets S.p.A. (the wholly owned subsidiary of Eni responsible for all gas, LNG, power and CO2 trading and origination activities).

He’s a member of the Board of Directors for BlueStream.

He is President of Proxigas, the National Association of Gas Industries, and a member of the General Council of Confindustria (the federation of Italian industries).

He is President of Eurogas, the trade association for gaseous energies in Europe, as well as member of the Executive Committee of GIIGNL, the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers.

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15:05 - 15:25

Keynote speech

Speakers

Dennis Hesseling

Dennis Hesseling

Head of Gas, Coal & Power Markets Division, International Energy Agency (IEA)
Biography
Dennis Hesseling
Head of Gas, Coal & Power Markets Division, International Energy Agency (IEA)

Mr. Dennis Hesseling took up duties as Head of the Gas, Coal and Power Markets Division in July 2023.
From December 2012 to June 2023, Mr. Hesseling was Head of the Infrastructure, Gas & Retail
Department at the EU Agency for the Co-operation of Energy Regulators (ACER) where he responsible for the Agency’s activities in the areas of energy infrastructure, gas markets, and energy
retail, and was also the Agency’s representative to the Energy Community Regulatory Board.
Before joining ACER, Mr. Hesseling worked as Head of Unit in the Competition Department of Netherland Competition Authority NMa (ACM) where he had responsibility for merger control antitrust enforcement in the Dutch energy, telecommunications and media sectors. Prior to that, worked in the NMa’s Energy Regulation department from 2002 onwards working mainly on gas issues.
From 2000 he worked as a management consultant for McKinsey & Company in Brussels providing
strategic and operational advice to postal companies and banks.
Mr. Hesseling holds a PhD in Mathematics from Utrecht University, The Netherlands. He received
additional training at McKinsey, business school IMD in Lausanne and the Dutch Programme Prospective Top Civil Servants. Mr. Hesseling trained energy regulators and competition authorities Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey and Vietnam as well as political parties in various African countries.

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Kadri Simson

Kadri Simson

European Commissioner for Energy, European Commission
Biography
Kadri Simson
European Commissioner for Energy, European Commission

Kadri Simson is an Estonian politician from the Centre Party. She is serving as a European Commissioner for Energy in the Von der Leyen Commission since 1 December 2019.
She was previously the Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure in Jüri Ratas’ first cabinet from 2016 to 2019. During the Estonian Presidency in the Council of the EU, Simson chaired both energy ministers and transport ministers meetings in TTE Council and ministers of economy format in EU Competitiveness Council.
From 2007–2016 Kadri Simson was a member of the 11th, 12th, and 13th Riigikogu and in 2019 she was also elected to the 14th Riigikogu. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from University College London.

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15:25 - 15:35

Spotlight: Matching regulation and market demand towards climate positivity

Speakers

Zoltan Elek

Zoltan Elek

CEO, Landwärme
Biography
Zoltan Elek
CEO, Landwärme

Zoltan Elek graduated from the Technical University of Munich after completing a degree in Electrical Engineering, where he majored in Energy Technology. He is also a graduate of the Center for Digital Technology and Management at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, participated in an MBA program in cooperation with the University of California (Berkeley), and completed an executive program at Harvard Business School. After working for notable names such as E.ON Engineering, Stadtwerke München public utility company, and McKinsey & Company, Mr. Elek founded Landwärme in 2007 and is now the CEO of the Germany-based company. Landwärme is a biomethane supplier active in the European market. With a trading portfolio of more than 2.5 TWh, the company is the leading biomethane trader in Europe today. Besides trading, Landwärme also plans and operates biogas upgrading plants and offers services along the entire biomethane value chain. Not only is Mr. Elek’s company a pioneer in the German market, it is also building bridges between Eastern and Western Europe and doing away with obstacles that currently stand in the way of an integrated European market for renewable gas. Landwärme played a vital role in the successful implementation of the first Eastern European biomethane plant in Hungary, for example. In all, Mr. Elek offers a wealth of experience in, and well-founded knowledge of, the biomethane industry and markets in Europe. He actively participates in the discourse surrounding renewable energies and biomethane in particular and has given numerous presentations at both German and European events.

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15:35 - 16:25

Panel 1 – What is the future for renewable gases in industry?

Speakers

Biljana Kulisic

Biljana Kulisic

Policy Officer, Decarbonisation and Sustainability of Energy Sources, DG ENER, European Commission
Biography
Biljana Kulisic
Policy Officer, Decarbonisation and Sustainability of Energy Sources, DG ENER, European Commission

Biljana Kulisic, PhD, policy officer at the Unit C2 Decarbonisation and sustainability of energy sources within European Commission Directorate-General for Energy:

Biljana has over 20 years of experience in concerted policy and assessing socio-economic aspects of bioenergy. Since October 2022, she works as a policy officer at the European Commission with a focus on biomethane, GHG emissions from biofuels pathways and general role of bioenergy within the energy and bioeconomy.

Biljana is co-chair of the Task Force 1 of the Biomethane Industrial Partnership, member of the core group for the EC Bioeconomy and is representative of the EC to the IEA Bioenergy and Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) at FAO.

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Dennis Becher

Dennis Becher

Head of Energy Strategy, thyssenkrupp Steel Europe
Biography
Dennis Becher
Head of Energy Strategy, thyssenkrupp Steel Europe

Dennis Becher joined thyssenkrupp Steel as Head of Energy Strategy in 2024. Previously, Dennis Becher managed an energy consultancy for energy-intensive companies, advising on the creation of sustainable and cost-efficient energy strategies. thyssenkrupp Steel is one of the leading suppliers of high-grade flat steel and stands for innovations in steel and high-quality products for demanding applications. Steel has a good 26,000 employees and produces about 11 million tonnes of crude steel per year – making it Germany’s largest flat steel manufacturer and a significant consumer of electricity, natural gas and, in future, hydrogen.

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Giulia Cancian

Giulia Cancian

Secretary General, European Biogas Association
Biography
Giulia Cancian
Secretary General, European Biogas Association

Giulia Cancian is the Secretary General at the European Biogas association. Before joining the EBA in 2022, Giulia led Bioenergy Europe’s advocacy strategy, coordinated the delivery of policy reports, and the organization of several working groups.  She gained experience on sustainability, energy and transports working with the biodiesel, non-ferrous metals and hydropower European trade associations in Brussels. Giulia holds a MA in International Relation from the University of Rome and a MSc in European Affairs from the Free University of Brussels.

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Zoltan Elek

Zoltan Elek

CEO, Landwärme
Biography
Zoltan Elek
CEO, Landwärme

Zoltan Elek graduated from the Technical University of Munich after completing a degree in Electrical Engineering, where he majored in Energy Technology. He is also a graduate of the Center for Digital Technology and Management at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, participated in an MBA program in cooperation with the University of California (Berkeley), and completed an executive program at Harvard Business School. After working for notable names such as E.ON Engineering, Stadtwerke München public utility company, and McKinsey & Company, Mr. Elek founded Landwärme in 2007 and is now the CEO of the Germany-based company. Landwärme is a biomethane supplier active in the European market. With a trading portfolio of more than 2.5 TWh, the company is the leading biomethane trader in Europe today. Besides trading, Landwärme also plans and operates biogas upgrading plants and offers services along the entire biomethane value chain. Not only is Mr. Elek’s company a pioneer in the German market, it is also building bridges between Eastern and Western Europe and doing away with obstacles that currently stand in the way of an integrated European market for renewable gas. Landwärme played a vital role in the successful implementation of the first Eastern European biomethane plant in Hungary, for example. In all, Mr. Elek offers a wealth of experience in, and well-founded knowledge of, the biomethane industry and markets in Europe. He actively participates in the discourse surrounding renewable energies and biomethane in particular and has given numerous presentations at both German and European events.

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16:25 - 16:35

Story: The biomethane & hydrogen potential in the spirit industry

Speakers

Maria Pia De Caro

Maria Pia De Caro

Global EVP Operations & Sustainability, Pernod Ricard
Biography
Maria Pia De Caro
Global EVP Operations & Sustainability, Pernod Ricard

Maria Pia De Caro, the EVP Integrated Operations and S&R at Pernod Ricard, is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of international experience in Supply Chain and Operations. Her journey has taken her across continents, from the bustling streets Rome to the vibrant markets of Shanghai, shaping her into the dynamic professional she is today.

Servant Leadership: Maria Pia’s leadership philosophy centers around servant leadership. She believes that true leadership lies in serving others, empowering her teams to thrive and achieve their full potential. Her approach fosters collaboration, trust, and a shared sense of purpose.

Safety and Sustainability: Maria Pia is unwavering in her commitment to safety and sustainability. Whether optimizing production lines or implementing eco-friendly practices, she ensures that every decision aligns with the well-being of people and the planet. Her dedication extends beyond boardrooms—she actively participates in initiatives that promote workplace safety and environmental stewardship.

Diversity and Inclusion: As a champion of diversity and inclusion, Maria Pia recognizes that a diverse workforce drives innovation. She celebrates differences, creating an environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Her passion for inclusion extends to her personal life as well—she’s a devoted wife, a proud mom to a 20-year-old, and shares her home with a spirited border collie named Wonka.

Maria Pia’s journey is a testament to resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of leadership. Her impact at Pernod Ricard reverberates far beyond spreadsheets and supply chains—it’s about shaping a better future for all.

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16:35 - 16:50

Coffee break

16:50 - 17:00

The future of imported hydrogen

Speakers

Marcel Steinbach

Marcel Steinbach

Senior Vice President, SEFE Securing Energy for Europe
Biography
Marcel Steinbach
Senior Vice President, SEFE Securing Energy for Europe

Marcel Steinbach is a financial economist and has been working as a consultant, trader and head of BDEW’s energy trading department.

Since January 2023, he is supporting SEFE’s CEO, Dr Egbert Laege, in all regulatory matters and heads the Regulatory Affairs Department.

He focusses on accelerating the group’s renewable agenda to enable SEFE’s Customers to move towards new gases and hydrogen.

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17:00 - 17:50

Panel 2 – Renewable gases: Are they more than just a battery for Europe?

Speakers

Giles Dickson

Giles Dickson

CEO, WindEurope
Biography
Giles Dickson
CEO, WindEurope

Giles Dickson is the CEO of WindEurope, a position he’s held since 2015.  WindEurope is the voice of the European wind industry.  It represents the whole value chain of wind energy, onshore and offshore, across Europe and has more than 500 members.  It engages Governments on policy and regulation – and others who have a stake in the build-out of wind.  WindEurope also organises industry exhibitions, conferences and workshops – and coordinates publicly-funded R&D in wind.   Dickson was 16 years a civil servant in the UK Government then worked 7 years for the French engineering company Alstom.

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Jens Wulff

Jens Wulff

Managing Director, Neuman & Esser
Biography
Jens Wulff
Managing Director, Neuman & Esser

Jens Wulff is the Managing Director of plant engineering company NEUMAN & ESSER DEUTSCHLAND with 10 years of renewable hydrogen experience, focusing on compression and, more recently hydrogen generation and end usage. He uses his knowledge along the H2 value chain to enhance various renewable business cases by offering integrated solutions all along the value chain while also offering the corresponding services from installation, commissioning, maintenance and operations.

Jens holds a Dipl.-Ing. Degree for Aeronautical Engineering from the Bundeswehr University Munich and an MBA from the University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management FOM. Additionally to the task stemming from running three companies in the NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP, he is holding webinars and presentations with a special focus around energy transition and sustainability projects.

In 2012 he joined NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP and started to work as a project manager for on- and offshore compressor plants for refinery, gas and chemical applications. In 2014 he moved to an Area Sales Manager position, starting the first renewable hydrogen compression projects for the company. From 2017 until the end of 2021 he headed the production companies of NEUMAN & ESSER and, with his team, completed several projects in the field of digitalization and operational excellence. In parallel he pushed the business development of renewable hydrogen in the company and also was involved in acquisitions and partnerships along the H2-value chain. Since 2022 he is, among the traditional business, responsible for the sales and realization of renewable hydrogen projects. Several of the current and nearer future projects involve the integration of wind power with the H2 economy to solve the main challenges of buffering production volatility, ensuring strategic energy reserves and the transportability of energy.

With deep practical insights from planning to final realization and operation of plants he strives to contribute to the successful transition of our energy systems towards sustainability and  carbon neutrality.

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Charlotte Roule

Charlotte Roule

CEO, Storengy
Biography
Charlotte Roule
CEO, Storengy

On 1 March 2023, Charlotte Roule took the position of Chief Executive Officer of Storengy, the European leader in underground natural gas storage.
She will continue to develop and leverage the company’s unique expertise in the storage of renewable gases and the production of natural hydrogen, while accelerating its role as a leader in the energy transition.

As part of her significant roles, she will also assume the management of the storage business in France following the departure of its Managing Director, Pierre Chambon, who has just joined ENGIE. Charlotte Roule was hitherto ENGIE Group Strategy Officer. In charge of long-term forecasting, strategic dialogue, and competitive intelligence, she participated in the review of major projects for the company. Before joining the Strategy Department, she managed Storengy UK and ENGIE in China where she coordinated projects focusing on renewable energy, clean solutions for cities and industries, such as cooling networks and electrical mobility.

She was Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in China from 2018 to 2021. Now, she represents the Chamber in Paris. Moreover, she is currently a member of the Board of Directors of France Gaz (formerly Association Française du Gaz).

In 2022, Charlotte Roule accompanied the President of ENGIE in his role as co-chair of the B20 (G20business group) Energy, Sustainable Development and Climate working group.

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Rosalinde van der Vlies

Rosalinde van der Vlies

Clean Planet Director, DG Research, European Commission
Biography
Rosalinde van der Vlies
Clean Planet Director, DG Research, European Commission

Ms. Rosalinde van der Vlies is the Director of the Clean Planet Directorate in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and Deputy Mission Manager of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.

Before her appointment as Director, Ms. van der Vlies was the Head of Coordination & Interinstitutional Relations Unit, and acting Head of the Communication & Citizens Unit.

Previously she held positions in Directorate-General Environment, Directorate-General Justice and Home Affairs, and in the private office of Janez Potočnik, the European Commissioner for the environment.

Before joining the European Commission, she worked as a competition lawyer in an international law firm in Brussels and was a part-time teacher at the Catholic University in Brussels.

Close

18:00 - 20:30

End of the conference, followed by Eurogas Annual Renewable Gas Barbecue