Clean Hydrogen Works (CHW) Expands European Presence with New Executive Appointments to Drive Growth and Accelerate the ACE Project
Clean Hydrogen Works (CHW) is proud to announce the strategic appointments of two key executives with extensive experience in the fertilizer and ammonia sectors. Mr. Olivier Saulnier has joined as Vice President of Sales & Marketing (S&M), and Mr. Marc van Doorn has been appointed Vice President of Business Development. With their impressive backgrounds and leadership in the European fertilizer and ammonia industry, they will spearhead CHW’s Sales & Marketing and Business Development operations in Europe, further enhancing the company’s ability to successfully bring the Ascension Clean Energy (ACE) project to fruition.
The Hydrogen addition of Mr. Saulnier and Mr. van Doorn comes at a pivotal time for CHW as the company prepares to accelerate its efforts in the European market. Both executives are uniquely qualified to lead CHW’s European expansion efforts, leveraging their deep expertise to help drive the development of the ACE project, CHW’s flagship facility located in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
Olivier Saulnier: A Proven Leader in Sales and Marketing
Mr. Olivier Saulnier brings over two decades of experience in the global fertilizer and ammonia industries. Having previously held senior leadership roles at HELM AG and Yara, Mr. Saulnier’s extensive background makes him an ideal choice to lead CHW’s Sales & Marketing initiatives in Europe. At HELM, he served as Executive Vice President for Corp Nutrition, where he played a key role in leading a successful turnaround of the business. Under his leadership, HELM achieved consistent earnings and growth, with notable mergers and acquisitions across the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
His time at Yara was equally impactful, where he was instrumental in Hydrogen driving significant revenue growth in North America while also establishing a highly successful fertilizer trading unit in Switzerland. This blend of global experience and strategic vision has equipped Mr. Saulnier with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the European market and advance CHW’s position in the region.
“I am delighted to join CHW’s distinguished team and contribute to the successful execution of this groundbreaking project,” said Mr. Saulnier. “CHW stands out as one of the most advanced independent initiatives in the U.S. low-carbon ammonia sector, thanks to its strong partnerships, including access to carbon capture technologies. With Europe urgently seeking low-carbon solutions to meet stringent compliance requirements, this project is uniquely positioned to lead the way. I look forward to working with such a talented team to shape a sustainable future.”
Mr. Saulnier’s expertise in the fertilizer sector, coupled with his proven ability to drive growth and create value through strategic partnerships, will be invaluable in enhancing CHW’s presence in Europe.
Marc van Doorn: Champion of Ammonia Innovation
Joining Mr. Saulnier in leading CHW’s expansion efforts is Mr. Marc van Doorn, who has over 30 years of experience in leadership positions at major companies such as Grupo Fertiberia, OCI, and DSM. Mr. van Doorn’s expertise in ammonia production and supply chain management makes him an exceptional fit to lead CHW’s Business Development activities, particularly as the company works to transform the clean ammonia landscape in Europe.
At Hydrogen Grupo Fertiberia, Mr. van Doorn led the development of the world’s first green ammonia facility, a groundbreaking achievement that has positioned him as a recognized leader in ammonia innovation. He was also responsible for managing a project portfolio totaling 2.5 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) of ammonia, ensuring that the company remained at the forefront of industry advancements.
In Hydrogen addition to his time at Grupo Fertiberia, Mr. van Doorn’s leadership at OCI saw him overseeing the ammonia and fertilizer trade across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where he drove significant EBITDA growth. His role as an expert advisor to Air Products further cemented his reputation in the ammonia industry, as he helped design and develop the ammonia supply chain for the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia.
“I am honored to leverage my ammonia experience to drive the adoption of clean ammonia in Europe,” said Mr. van Doorn. “CHW’s proposal is very compelling and offers the right approach to transition not only the clean but also the grey ammonia market in Europe. My personal motivation is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the shortest possible timeline, and CHW provides the world’s best and most realistic opportunity to reach this, which makes this a magnificent opportunity for us all.”
With his extensive experience in both ammonia production and supply chain management, Mr. van Doorn is poised to lead CHW’s business development efforts in Europe, forging new partnerships and driving the growth of clean ammonia adoption across the region.
The ACE Project: A Game-Changer for Clean Ammonia Production
The ACE project, CHW’s flagship facility, represents a significant step forward in the global transition to clean energy. Located in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, the Hydrogen project is being developed in collaboration with several strategic shareholders, including ExxonMobil, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and Hafnia. The ACE facility is designed to produce low-carbon ammonia, which is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions.
The facility will initially produce 2.4 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) of clean ammonia, with plans for expansion in subsequent phases that will increase the facility’s capacity to 7.2 MTPA. This expansion will significantly enhance the facility’s ability to Hydrogen meet Europe’s growing demand for clean ammonia, especially as the region faces increasing pressure to meet its carbon reduction targets.
The ACE project has already garnered significant support from key industry players, including ExxonMobil, which has entered into a CO2 Services Agreement with CHW, and McDermott, which is serving as the project’s FEED/EPC partner. Regulatory approvals for the project are expected in early 2025, with off-take agreements currently in advanced discussions. Goldman Sachs is serving as the financial advisor for the project, which is expected to reach its Final Investment Decision (FID) by late 2025 and begin production by 2029.
The importance of the ACE project cannot be overstated. As Europe faces a rapidly approaching deadline to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, clean ammonia has become a critical component of the region’s strategy to transition to low-carbon Hydrogen energy sources. With Hydrogen the expertise of Mr. Saulnier and Mr. van Doorn leading the charge in Europe, CHW is well-positioned to accelerate the adoption of clean ammonia and establish itself as a leader in the global energy transition.
Conclusion
The appointments of Mr. Olivier Saulnier and Mr. Marc van Doorn to CHW’s executive team represent a significant step forward in the company’s mission to drive the global adoption of clean ammonia and support the transition to a more sustainable future. Their extensive experience in the Hydrogen ammonia and fertilizer industries will be invaluable as CHW continues to expand its presence in Europe and works toward the successful development of the ACE project.
As CHW moves forward with the ACE project, the company remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas Hydrogen emissions and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. With the expertise of its new executive team and its strong partnerships with key industry players, CHW is poised to play a leading role in the clean energy transition and help shape the future of ammonia production.
Through these strategic Hydrogen appointments, CHW is not only enhancing its leadership team but also reinforcing its commitment to creating a sustainable and low-carbon future for generations to come.
