Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Germany, thyssenkrupp nucera is a manufacturer and supplier of technology for producing green hydrogen at an industrial scale at high-efficiency electrolysis plants.
Having joined the company in September 2024, you are thyssenkrupp nucera’s first US CEO. Why did you decide to join, and what does this say about the growth of the U.S. market?
The opportunity to lead thyssenkrupp nucera at a pivotal time for both the company and the global energy transition was incredibly compelling. The company’s long history in building electrolyzers and its commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology stood out as a phenomenal setting to have such a significant impact on the industry. Being the first US-based CEO for thyssenkrupp nucera reflects the trust and focus the company is placing on the US market. This is a critical region for growth, both in the established chlor-alkali business and the emerging green hydrogen sector. The dual focus on innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with my leadership experience and professional goals.
The North American market is booming due to significant demand for chlor-alkali production and the drive for energy efficiency in the chemical industry. Our core business revolves around building electrolyzers that produce chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen—key building blocks for a wide range of industries, from PVC and textiles to water treatment and cleaning products.
This essential role in the chemical supply chain fuels steady demand as industrial organizations seek to optimize energy efficiency. On the green hydrogen side, U.S. policy incentives have provided a massive boost in encouraging investment in low-carbon energy technologies and accelerating the energy transition. Together, these factors are creating a dual momentum in the region—growth in the chemical industry and the sustainable energy sector.
thyssenkrupp nucera is headquartered in Germany but holds a growing global footprint. Which regions are a focus for the company going into 2025?
Globally, we see growth opportunities across most regions, though the scale and pace vary. The US market is experiencing strong growth, while Europe’s focus is on upgrading existing chlor-alkali plants for better efficiency. India is undergoing a growth spurt, China remains robust, and Japan and Australia are steadily building momentum. The chlor-alkali business is a long-standing, stable sector, but green hydrogen is a longer-term opportunity, with many projects paused or on hold until there is greater policy certainty. Our role is to remain engaged in diverse opportunities, supporting projects that align with our expertise and ensuring steady progress across regions.
We recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hydrom Tech in Oman which involves a significant green hydrogen project in the Middle East. We’re also engineering a plant with a caustic soda production capacity of 760,000 tons annually in Ta’ziz in Abu Dhabi. The project highlights the continued growth in the chlor-alkali sector, leveraging decades of expertise to meet rising demand in the region. This collaboration also underscores the global relevance of our technologies. Much like other key regions, the Middle East is seeing tremendous growth, driven by the need for sustainable industrial solutions and high-efficiency projects that align with evolving market demands.
How have your customer profiles evolved, and have you adapted your approach to support them accordingly?
Our customers vary widely in their stages of project development. Some are early-stage developers with conceptual ideas, while others are well-established with advanced planning and strong financial backing. Our approach is to tailor support based on where they are in their journey, from offering basic guidance to providing comprehensive technical expertise. This adaptability is crucial, especially as we navigate a dynamic market with parallels to the LNG boom of the past decade. The key is identifying viable projects early and aligning our resources to maximize impact and growth.
Our six decades of experience in electrolyzer technology set us apart. The expertise gained from the chlor-alkali business seamlessly translates to green hydrogen production. This foundation allows us to deliver reliable, innovative solutions backed by a robust global team. Customers consistently highlight our technical support as a differentiator. Our teams provide hands-on assistance, guiding clients through evaluations and implementations with unmatched depth of knowledge. This blend of legacy expertise and forward-thinking innovation positions us as a trusted partner in the industry.
As a new incoming US administration enters the White House, what possible policy changes are you preparing yourself for that could impact business?
While it’s still early days, we are well-prepared to adapt to evolving [federal and state] energy policies. As an organization, we remain focused on developing innovative, energy-efficient products and driving growth independently of government subsidies. While policies like the IRA can expedite progress, our strategy and R&D efforts ensure we’re on the right track regardless of the political landscape.
Ultimately, we’ll continue to work closely with industry standards and maintain a proactive approach to growth, navigating new regulations as they emerge. Whether through policy-driven incentives or our inherent capabilities, we are committed to advancing our technologies and scaling our business.
What are the main challenges or bottlenecks you expect to encounter going into 2025?
Supply chain constraints are a significant challenge, particularly as we aim to localize more of our operations and address the current logistics complexities. We are evaluating what can be procured locally versus internationally. For the chlor-alkali business, ensuring timely and efficient support for our customers is critical, whether through refurbishment services or quick parts replacement.
In the green hydrogen space, our flexible, asset-light business, strong financial position and global presence position us well to overcome the short-term market challenges and deliver growth over the mid-to-long term. Given the highly skilled and technical nature of our workforce, we need to prioritize high-potential, profitable projects while maintaining strong client partnerships and capital discipline to deliver value and gain market share in the market upturn.
