Technical Speakers

Abdullah Alghafri is a Technical Solution Specialist at ROSEN, specializing in hydrogen material testing and integrity management. He holds an engineering degree in material science and production from Austria and is an active member of the YPPE Committee (young pipeline professional Europe) and ASMET (Austrian Society for Metallurgy and Materials). Abdullah has led and contributed to projects in collaboration with Voestalpine and STIHL. In addition to his technical role with ROSEN-group, he also manages the commercial aspects of hydrogen material testing and oversees project management, ensuring seamless execution from proposal to completion combining technical expertise with commercial and project management responsibilities to deliver tailored solutions for safe and efficient hydrogen infrastructure.

Alireza Dolatabadi is an Energy Project Specialist with over a decade of experience in LNG infrastructure, natural gas systems, and economic feasibility analysis for large-scale energy projects. He has collaborated with private companies from Germany, China, Turkey, and the Middle East on business model design, investment strategies, and infrastructure development. In recent years, his professional interest has increasingly centered on hydrogen, particularly the repurposing of LNG assets for green hydrogen export. Alireza holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and is completing his M.Sc. in Energy Conversion. 

Assad Al-Alawi is a renewable energy engineer with experience in the power sector. He is currently working at Integrated Engineering & Technology (IET), where he supports projects related to solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). His background also includes involvement in the design and management of extra high voltage (EHV) and high voltage (HV) substations, as well as overhead transmission lines (OHL). 

In his role, Assad contributes to project management and practical aspects of renewable energy projects and the transmission network. He has worked on 400/132 kV and 132/33 kV substations, as well as 132 kV OHL projects, giving him exposure to both technical and project management responsibilities. His current interests are focused on renewable integration and the challenges of connecting new energy projects, including green hydrogen, to Oman’s grid. 

Ernesto Fonseca is Chief Operating Officer at GeoKiln, where he leads the development and deployment of stimulated geological hydrogen (GeoH₂) production through targeted subsurface heat injection. With over 20 years of experience in subsurface engineering, technology commercialization, and energy operations, he brings a unique blend of technical depth and strategic leadership to the emerging geologic hydrogen space. 

Prior to GeoKiln, Ernesto held senior roles at Shell, managing multi-hundred-million-dollar shale assets in Argentina and Appalachia and delivering significant production, cost, and asset value improvements. He has secured over $14 million in research and licensing deals and holds more than 15 patent applications spanning hydraulic fracturing, thermal stimulation, and downhole diagnostics. 

Ernesto holds degrees in Petroleum Technology and Chemical Engineering, with executive education from UT Austin and MIT. He offers a practical, innovation driven perspective on scaling geologic hydrogen as part of a lower-emissions energy future .

Fatema Al-Hajri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Management – Water and Energy at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. She also serves as a Research Assistant at the Oman Hydrogen Centre (OHC), where she contributes to advancing research on clean hydrogen. Her master’s thesis explores the socio-cultural acceptance of hydrogen energy in Oman, aiming to bridge technological innovation and community perspectives to support the country’s national hydrogen strategy and a just energy transition .

Dr. Guido Hora is an innovation strategist and materials scientist with a doctorate in physics from Technische Universität Braunschweig. He plays a coordinating role in the Fraunhofer HySecunda project, supporting Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy through international cooperation with South Africa and Namibia. One focus is on developing and implementing international capacity-building and training programs tailored to regional industries. These initiatives foster long-term knowledge transfer, strengthen workforce development, and prepare stakeholders for participation in the green hydrogen economy. Through this work, Dr. Hora bridges science, policy, and industry to drive sustainable transformation. 

Seasoned CEO and Board Advisor with over 30 years’ international leadership experience across the Oil & Gas, Marine, Mining, and Renewable Energy sectors. Proven track record in business transformation, operational turnaround, and scaling ventures from start-up to global presence. Expert in managing complex engineering organizations, M&A, offshore construction, and transitioning businesses toward sustainability. Entrepreneurial, people-focused leader with global mobility and a passion for innovation and excellence. 

Dr. Muhammad Abdul Qyyum is an internationally recognized researcher and Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. According to the Scopus database, he is ranked the #1 author worldwide in hydrogen liquefaction systems for energy efficiency. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed papers, holds five patents, and has consistently been listed among the world’s top 2% scientists by Elsevier and Stanford University (2022–2025). His expertise spans the hydrogen economy, LNG decarbonization, CCUS, AI-driven sustainable energy systems, and carbon governance, with a focus on advancing Oman’s Vision 2040 and global net-zero strategies. Dr. Qyyum has led and co-led numerous funded projects in collaboration with international partners, bridging research with industrial application. He frequently speaks at global forums, including panels hosted by the International Energy Agency, and advises companies in Oman, Europe, and Asia on integrating clean energy technologies into commercially viable decarbonization pathways. 

Muhammad Zaghum Riaz is General Manager Technical at Engro Technical Solutions, Pakistan, with 20+ years of experience across the petrochemical, power, and fertilizer sectors. He specializes in digital transformation, IT-OT integration, utilities, and hydrogen technologies, with a strong focus on cybersecure digital twin solutions for operational excellence and sustainability. Recognized with multiple awards in engineering and digitalization, Zaghum is passionate about advancing clean energy. At GHSO 2025, he will present on “Closed Loop Digital Twin with Cybersecure IT-OT Architecture for Optimizing Green Hydrogen Electrolyzer 

Nuha Hamed Al-Subhi is a PhD student in Information Studies at Sultan Qaboos University. At GHSO 2025, she presented her paper “Optimising Green Hydrogen Deployment through Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure: Digital Integration for Offshore Renewable Energy and Coastal Logistics.” 

Dr. Nurcan Kilinc-Ata is an assistant professor in the Department of Economics and Finance at Sultan Qaboos University. She is working in energy, environmental, and mineral economics. Her current work focuses on increasing resource utilization for energy transition technologies, identifying decarbonization drivers and challenges, including public perceptions, and evaluating the role of key policies in shaping market outcomes. She has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles that advance the use of economic modeling to address challenges in achieving a clean energy transition and market efficiency. In addition to her extensive academic contributions, Dr. Kilinc-Ata is open to proactively forming partnerships with both industry and non-industry stakeholders to bridge the gap between research and decision-making. 

Paul Kant studied Chemical Engineering at the Institute for Micro Process Engineering (IMVT) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) where he focused on sustainable processes in the evolving hydrogen economy. He obtained his PhD supervised by Prof. Roland Dittmeyer and Prof. Geoffrey Alan Ozin (University of Toronto) with a work on design and optimization of photocatalysts and photoreactors for solar fuel synthesis in 2023. He continued working on the topic of solar fuels at the Institute for Future Fuels at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and became an expert in photocatalytic and solar-thermal processes for fuel synthesis. Paul Kant is currently employed as a scientist at IMVT and supporting with his work a KIT spin-off commercializing the IMVT photoreactor concept. 

Professional career 

• Degree in Materials Science, University of Erlangen Nuremberg, Germany. 

• Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research, Ulm, Germany (5 years): Material development for batteries and fuel cells. 

• SGL Carbon, Meitingen, Germany (14 years): Development of product and series production technology for gas diffusion layers for electrolyzers and PEM fuel cells, (technical and overall) management of the business line. 

• MBA, Six Sigma Black Belt. 

• BMW AG, Munich, Germany (8 years): Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle project (iX5 Hydrogen): technology management, quality and safety management lead. 

• Freelance consultant focusing on industrial and academic qualification and training (4 years). 

Education and Training 

• Diplom-Ingenieur Materials Science, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, 1990. Focus on electronic and magnetic materials and glass/ceramics. 

• Master of Business Administration, Henley Management College, UK, 2007. 

• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, 2004, Certified Six Sigma+Lean Black Belt, 2012. 

• 12 publications, 10 oral lectures at international conferences (4 invited), 4 patents, 5 patent applications pending. 

Graduated from Ecole Centrale de Lyon (France) and Cornell University (USA), Philippe Lavagna joined SBM Offshore in Monaco in 1994 as Concept Engineer specialized in Mooring & Riser Systems. Leveraging on his wide EPCI (Engineering Procurement, Construction, Installation) experience at various functions in offshore projects, Philippe, is today Product Account Manager for New Energies Terminals. 

Imodco Terminals are the historical products of SBM Offshore, which enable fluid cargo transfer from large vessels to shore, or vice versa, without the need of ports nor jetties. 

In this function, Philippe promotes the development of Imodco’s Jetty-less solutions for the transportation vectors of Renewable Energies over long haul distances: by ship in form of liquid cargo. 

Philippe’s passion is to understand the market needs in order to develop the right products addressing these. He believes in win-win as the only sustainable way to do business, based on mutual trust relationship to contribute to a better world. 

Known for his creativity and “out-of-the-box” thinking (7 Patents out of 29 registered ideas), his contribution was decisive on a few World Firsts. 

Philippe’s preferred quote is << Any problem has solutions, The Art is to find the best one.

Ruwaida Al Hinai is a renewable energy engineer recently graduated from the University of Exeter, UK. She has hands-on experience in solar PV system design, hydrogen certification, and sustainable energy technologies. She has conducted extensive research on the certification of green hydrogen and was awarded by Regen. Ruwaida is passionate about decarbonization and policy, she is actively engaged Omani energy sectors. She is looking forward to a bright future in renewable energy in Oman. 

As the Business Head for India & MENA at Ceres, Saad leads the charge in technology licensing and commercialization of Ceres’ Solid Oxide technology for Electrolysers and Fuel Cells through international partnerships, playing a key role in green hydrogen and clean energy revolution. Saad has previously held leadership positions at Ricardo’s technical consulting business in India, where he was responsible for business development, project delivery and operations. 

Saad is a Mechanical Engineer with an MBA and over 19 years of international experience in business development, strategy and partnerships across the automotive, clean energy, and green hydrogen sectors. Saad has also completed Clean Power Program from Imperial College London. His expertise lies in commercialising clean energy technologies, forging global partnerships, and leading high value projects. Throughout his career, Saad has combined technical expertise and commercial leadership, bridging engineering and executive strategy 

Stefan Krümpelmann leads Argus Media‘s global Hydrogen and Future Fuels service. In this role, he heads up a team of five reporters and analysts and oversees the publication of daily news and analyses, modelled production costs and datasets for hydrogen and its derivatives. Stefan has presented at hydrogen industry events across the world, including in London, Rotterdam, Houston, Washington, Abu Dhabi and Marrakech. He regularly presents Argus’ views and research on the hydrogen industry to global clients. Stefan has been with Argus for nine years and covered European natural gas markets before shifting his focus to the hydrogen industry. Prior to this, he worked for an investment research company in London and studied in Maastricht, Leeds and London. 

I am a Ph.D. candidate at BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg and hold a  
Master’s in Renewable Energy Engineering. My research focuses on the  
technical, economic, and legal feasibility of hydrogen blending in  
Oman’s high-pressure natural gas pipelines. I work closely with Omani  
and international stakeholders to design a transmission-only  
regulatory framework that maintains safety, metering accuracy, and  
contractual clarity, while aligning national practice with  
international standards and ensuring GCC harmonization. 

24 years of professional experience in Hydrocarbon industry, Technology, Green Energy, Green Chemicals Projects development and EPC industry and a Management Graduate with experience of Project Management, Engineering Management, Business Development and Process Engineering. Have Project Management knowledge and experience of Process plants like Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, conventional Ammonia/Urea Plants, Hydrogen plants, Phenol Plants, LNG Terminals, Refinery units, Petrochemicals, Pipeline Pumping Stations etc. Have executed various Process Plants Projects on as Owner / Licensed Basic Designer / LSTK / EPMC Consultant basis in the capacities of Project Manager, Engineering Manager, Project Engineer and Process Engineer. Have built up contacts and strong relationship with many Industry partners, Clients in Indian/International Hydrocarbon and Chemical Industry. Have also interacted extensively with other business partners like vendors, Licensers, EPC Contractors, competitors etc. Currently developing Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia projects as Plant Owner company. In past Have prepared Bids for multiple large scale Hydrocarbon projects and executed projects from concept to commissioning and handover. Gained international exposure and experience while working with international clients and colleagues in KBR, deputed at Sunoco Refinery at Philadelphia, USA for 6 months and working in Samsung Heavy Industries at South Korea for 1-1/2 years. Over the years have developed understanding of Green Energy and Chemicals, oil & gas industry, Chemicals, fertilizer, LNG industry

Wietse ter Veld is the Green Hydrogen Subject Matter Expert for the Middle East and North Africa at AtkinsRéalis, based in Abu Dhabi. With over 25 years of international energy sector experience, he leads the technical development of large-scale hydrogen, ammonia, and desalination projects across the GCC. Wietse’s expertise covers the full hydrogen value chain, including project architecture, techno-economic analysis, and system integration with renewables. He has delivered pioneering projects such as the Netherlands’ first 1MW PEM electrolyser pilot, Spain’s “Hydrogenizing Barcelona” hub, and a 500ktpa green ammonia project in Jordan. Wietse is a frequent industry speaker and holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, executive education in energy leadership, and advanced certifications in sustainable finance and renewables. 

My name is Ghina Al-Mazrouai and I am a chemistry graduate from West Virginia University and currently working as a Laboratory Technician at the International School of Oman. I have experience in laboratory research, sustainability-focused projects, and have participated in innovation programs with Shell/GUtech and other organizations. My interests include green chemistry, renewable energy, and developing practical solutions for sustainability. 

• Gregory brings a wealth of experience from his previous leadership roles within ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. Now heading the development of the New Energy division in GF, he is spearheading initiatives to develop and deliver innovative thermoplastic flow solutions that enable safe, smart, and efficient hydrogen production facilities across the globe. His deep industry knowledge and strategic vision are instrumental in positioning GF at the forefront of the energy transition. 

Electrical technical degree and began his career as an Electrical Engineer in Industrial Engineering University of Sao Paulo – FEI. Postgraduate degree in International Business Management in Curitiba, FAE, Brazil. Started the work experience in telecommunications and then, approximately 27 years ago, changed to electrical engineering applications, in the automation field later adding almost 20 years for Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen in Brazil. In this last opportunity, acting as Sales Manager dedicated to the Central and South American market to promote the complete MR portfolio. In May 2023, moved to MR Germany with a focus on MR’s solution to hydrogen production plants, taking part from sales and technical discussions to implement our developed new solutions on MW and GW hydrogen plants already. Supporting technically already H2 projects under construction. 

Juergen Rechberger was born in Styria, Austria. He finished his Master of Industrial
Engineering at the Technical University of Vienna in 2003. During his university career,
he was also active in the international music & creative industry and involved in the creation of 3 different start-up companies. In 2003/04 he was working for McKinsey & Company in business consulting. In 2004 he joined AVL in Graz, Austria and took various roles in the fuel cell & hydrogen program till 2011. From 2012 till 2020 he was responsible for the fuel cell, hydrogen and power-to-X development activities of AVL globally. In 2021 Juergen took the position as Vice President Hydrogen & Fuel Cell at AVL, being responsible for the global hydrogen business of AVL.As Vice President he is in the global Management Leadership role for FC development from concept to start of production for passenger cars, trucks, busses, marine, power-gen, aerospace and rail. He has built up a completely new engineering division from a small research team to
500 engineers globally and three new greenfield Tech-Centers in Canada, Hungary
and Poland. Juergen has established a commercially successful business field for Fuel Cell, Hydrogen and Power-to-X. As of July 2024, Juergen has taken over the position of Vice President Hydrogen & Industrial Energy (Global Business Development, Sales and International Operations for Commercial Vehicles, Marine, Aviation & Energy). In September 2025 Juergen was appointed to Group Vice President Fuel Cell & Energy

Karthik Kamatchi Perumal is an experienced Hydrogen Consultant with over 18 years of expertise spanning technical advisory, process engineering, and strategic consulting in the energy sector. Specialising in hydrogen and ammonia value chains, he has led projects covering production, storage, transport, and downstream applications, with a focus on decarbonisation and emerging clean fuel markets. Currently based in Abu Dhabi, Karthik serves as the regional pursuit lead for hydrogen and its derivatives at Wood, driving pre-FEED, feasibility, and strategic advisory assignments across the Middle East. His portfolio includes large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia developments, integration of renewable power, and techno-economic modelling for export-oriented projects. Karthik’s career has included senior roles in engineering consulting and manufacturing at leading international firms, where he delivered complex projects from concept through execution. He is recognised for his ability to bridge technical innovation with commercial viability, enabling bankable, low-carbon energy solutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, an MBA in Financial Management, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration in Strategy and Leadership. Karthik is a Steering Committee member of the MENA H2TS Working Group, with an ambition to promote knowledge sharing, raise awareness, and support the development of the next generation of energy professionals through training and mentorship initiatives. 

As Director of Fichtner´s Hydrogen Division, Matthias Schlegel is responsible for the company´s global hydrogen activities, which cover all project phases and segments of the hydrogen value chain. Under his leadership, his division not only supports clients across the hydrogen value chain with the engineering and implementation of their projects but also advises political and corporate decision makers on the development of hydrogen projects and strategies. Matthias holds a university degree in Technology Management, a combination of process engineering and finance. Prior to the start of the market´s increasing interest in green hydrogen, Matthias accumulated over a decade of experience in the hydrogen sector by managing major engineering projects both for hydrogen production and infrastructure. 

Paul Louis Kiesow is a German-born entrepreneur and the CEO & Co‑Founder of HYTRA, a clean‑energy startup headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He met Christof Schramm and co-founded the company with him in 2023. Since founding HYTRA at the age of 17, Kiesow has led the development of next‑generation liquid hydrogen logistics solutions, with new patents in the ship design and tank design of liquid hydrogen ships. Under his leadership, the company closed a €10 million strategic investment in May 2025 to build large‑scale LH₂ tankers (≥ 60 000 m³ capacity) and supporting port infrastructure aimed at exporting hydrogen from the Gulf to Europe and Asia. Based in Dubai, Qatar and Rostock, he represents a new wave of deep‑tech founders focused on enabling the global hydrogen economy. 

Sherif Elrefaey is a climate change and green economy specialist with extensive experience across international organizations and regional youth networks. He currently serves as the Partnerships Manager at Ecocode, and previously worked as a Climate Change and Youth Engagement Consultant for UNICEF, as well as a Green Economy Advisor with GIZ. 
Sherif holds a Master’s in Climate Policy from Peking University, where he is also a Chuck R. Fellow with UNEP, and a bachelor’s in economics and political science from Cairo University. 
A committed climate advocate, Sherif is the founder of the Greenation Initiative and serves as Egypt’s representative to the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change. He is also a member of the ROLYN Network under the Council of Europe. 
His research focuses on climate-induced displacement, with his postgraduate thesis addressing “The Climate Refugees Crisis in the Horn of Africa.” Sherif has contributed to several policy and development platforms, including internships at the Egyptian Cabinet Information Office, and roles with the African Youth Bureau, Maat Foundation, and Nile for Peace Initiative. As a youth focal point, he led his organization to become one of five official COY17 co-hosts, strengthening his role as a regional voice for climate action.

Dr. Suleiman M. Suleiman is an Associate Research Scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). In his role, he takes the lead on client-funded projects and research activities focused on the digitalization, decentralization, and decarbonization of industrial gas turbines and turbomachinery. Suleiman earned his PhD in Turbomachinery Engineering from Cranfield University in 2015, showcasing his deep expertise in this field. His knowledge and skills span a
wide range of areas, including research, training, commissioning, maintenance, and supply chainmanagement within the energy industry. Suleiman is particularly passionate about industrial gas turbine digital twins for diagnostics, supercritical CO2 power cycles, Microturbine technology, and performance evaluation of process gas compressors. His multifaceted expertise and dedication to innovation make him a valuable asset to KISR and the broader energy sector. As a project and
activity leader, Suleiman leverages his extensive experience to drive cutting-edge research and
development initiatives that contribute to the advancement of gas turbine and turbomachinery
technologies. His work plays a crucial role in supporting the transition towards more sustainable and efficient energy solutions

Terje Hauan combines technical and commercial expertise in energy systems — from hydrogen and power electronics to oil and gas — with over a decade of military service, including Experience in Concept, development, and experimentation. 
He has founded 10+ companies across five countries, bringing hands-on experience in innovation, leadership, and strategy. 
Known for his evidence-driven, no-nonsense approach, Terje challenges dogma and industry narratives alike, staying technology-agnostic and forward-thinking. 
His work is guided by science, not ideology — a principle that shapes both his ventures and his views on energy policy. 

Johan holds a master degree in International Energy from Sciences Po university, Paris. With 10 years of working experience in companies like Engie, BCG and Hinicio, Johan currently holds the role of CEO of Hymatch, a hydrogen investment advisory consultancy and president of H2 Antofagasta, the green hydrogen association active in the Atacama desert, Chile. 

William Janssen is the inventor and visionary behind Desolenator, a patented solar-powered desalination technology that provides clean water using only sunlight. With 25+ years of experience across design, business development, and impact entrepreneurship, he has led Desolenator from concept to global pilot deployments. Under his leadership, the company secured strategic partnerships with DEWA, Silal, and Booking.com, and was backed by MBRIF and Katapult Ocean. William holds multiple international patents in solar-thermal desalination and salinity gradient energy recovery. His work has been recognized by the Solar Impulse Foundation and Monaco Ocean Week. Prior to Desolenator, he scaled exhibition design firms in the UAE and Asia. William combines deep technical insight with storytelling and systems thinking. A passionate advocate for water equity, he frequently speaks at climate and innovation forums. He is based in the Netherlands and the UAE, leading Desolenator’s scale-up phase. 

Joseph Furtado is the EMEA Market Development Leader for Sustainable Fuels & Chemicals at Honeywell, bringing more than 30 years (including 13 years in Oman) of expertise across oil & gas, refining, petrochemicals, MMM, and fertilizer sectors. Renowned for his visionary leadership and hands-on experience in digital solutions, autonomous operations, and technical services, Joseph has earned global recognition for delivering impactful campaigns and complex international projects. 

Currently, he drives transformative strategies and outcome-based solutions for Refining and Petrochemical customers in EMEA, with a special focus on accelerating Power-to-X and Green Hydrogen programs through Honeywell’s Grid to Gate Value Chain and Integrated Digital Enterprise Architecture. Joseph leverages AI-powered technologies to help organizations optimize assets, enhance workforce productivity, and achieve sustainable efficiency.  

Outside of work, he enjoys long road bike rides exploring the scenic landscapes of Muscat, Oman. 

Marcel Kooter is a leading energy strategist and co-founder of Holland Hydrogen Hub, a public–private partnership driving the scale-up of clean hydrogen solutions between the Netherlands and the Gulf region. Based in Dubai, he plays a central role in forging strategic collaborations and integrating technologies across the hydrogen value chain — from electrolysis and hydrogen carriers to water desalination and port logistics. 

With more than three decades of global energy experience, Marcel now focuses on accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy by connecting governments, innovators, and investors to deliver pioneering hydrogen projects. He is a driving force behind the Netherlands–Oman hydrogen corridor and the 10 MW demonstration project showcasing system integration to improve cost-competitive hydrogen production. 

Marcel holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration from Delft University of Technology and speaks English, German, and Dutch.