Our Team
Meet the people
making it happen.
Torsten Schwab
Director PtX Hub
(Focus Technology)
Torsten Schwab
Director PtX Hub (Focus Technology)
Based in Berlin, Germany
Torsten Schwab is the coordinator of the “PtX Hub”. The last years, he managed the IKI-project “Climate Neutral Alternative Fuels” in Brazil – BMU’s first PtX project within the PtX Action Program. He has been with GIZ since 2004, promoting the use of renewable energies, first in rural electrification, then in energy planning for specific technologies (solar, wind, bioX), and lately renewables as a source for clean aviation fuels. He holds MSc degrees in both Engineering Cybernetics and WASTE („Water, Air, and Solid Waste Treatment Engineering“), both from the University of Stuttgart.
Carolin Capone
Director PtX Hub
(Focus Policy)
Carolin Capone
Director PtX Hub (Focus Policy)
Based in Berlin, Germany
Since March 2021 I have led PtX Hub activities, focusing on cooperation with our partner countries: Argentina, South Africa and Morocco. I have worked in different positions in and outside of GIZ, mostly in research and consulting on clean transport and renewable energy. For the last three years, I was responsible for the GIZ‘s clean transport projects in Thailand and in the ASEAN region.
I studied Environmental Engineering and Environmental Resource Management at the Brandenburg Technical University in Cottbus and Saitama University in Japan, and have since worked in Thailand, Japan, Colombia and Peru.
Charlotte Hussy
Country Outreach
Charlotte Hussy
Country Outreach
Based in Berlin, Germany
I advise on sustainable e-fuels and feedstocks and support the implementation of the PtX Hub. With our partners, we identify PtX business cases and initiate projects. My goal is a sustainable production, sourcing and allocation of PtX inputs, processes and products, as well as global win-win partnerships. I’m passionate about sustainable transport and love to use my bicycle for commuting regardless of weather conditions and baggage dimensions. Before joining GIZ, I worked for five years at Ecofys/Navigant – a consultancy for the energy transition – and at the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto (USA) on energy storage.
Frank Mischler
Policy & European Cooperation
Frank Mischler
Policy and European Cooperation
Based in Brussels, Belgium
We are entering the decisive decade to mitigate the harshest effects of climate change and – so my conviction – we will only be able to manage if hydrogen and PtX from renewable energy sources play an important role. I am leading the Brussels Team of the PtX Hub, follow policies and regulations of the European Union closely and their implications for developing and emerging countries. I am concerned with building a global system that allows for frictionless trade in renewable hydrogen and derivatives, with a particular focus on setting up a book & claim system for sustainable aviation fuels.
Before joining the PtX Hub, I supported the European Union’s climate diplomacy efforts with G20 countries.
Maren Schöttler
Communications
Maren Schöttler
Communications
Based in Berlin, Germany
Prior to starting in the PtX Hub, I worked for the GIZ in fostering collaboration between the private sector, political actors and researchers to create sustainable business models addressing developmental challenges. Before that, I supported the energy dialogues between the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy and partner countries at adelphi consult in Berlin.
Heino von Meyer
Sustainability & Global Relations
Heino von Meyer
Sustainability & Global Relations
Based in Berlin, Germany
I enjoy being part of the highly competent and creative start-up team of the PtX Hub. Our mission is to catalyse green hydrogen solutions on a global scale, focussing in particular on sustainability along the entire value chain. My role as Head Global Relations and Networking is to liase and partner with international institutions, initiatives, and individuals engaged in Power-to-X development advancing S4F: Sustainable fossil-free fuels and feedstocks. Prior to working with GIZ, I was a Senior Economist at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for three decades. From 2002 to 2019, I served as Head of the OECD Berlin Centre.
Elmar Schuppe
Training Development
Th. Elmar Schuppe
Training Development
Based in Bonn, Germany
As I was always interested in environmental and climate protection and fascinated by related questions of how the world can adequately secure energy supplies, I have found the perfect job here at GIZ targeting comprehensive and long-term decarbonisation solutions for the whole economy. At the moment I am working to build up a secretariat for sustainable synthetic fuels, otherwise known as PtX. Before joining GIZ in 2015, I supported a renowned Indian think tank in New-Delhi and practiced energy economics both in the German energy industry and at the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (EWI). As an economist, I am convinced that effective climate protection is not possible without putting a reasonable price on GHG emissions.
Elisabeth Kriegsmann
Training Organisation
Elisabeth Kriegsmann
Trainin Organisation
Based in Berlin, Germany
In May 2021, I joined the PtX Hub, since then I form part of the PtX trainings team. I’m holding a master’s degree in International Economics from the Berlin School of Economics and Law. During my studies I dealt with socio-economic and ecological sustainability issues and the green transition of the German automobile industry. After my graduation, I collected working experience in the UNECE prior to join the PtX Hub.
Climate change is a multi-faceted issue that all of us are facing. I believe that only a holistic approach can tackle this challenge. With Power-to-X we can transform renewable energy into a broad range of products for agriculture all the way up to cosmetics, using mostly – but not exclusively – hydrogen as a vehicle to produce these end products. The goal is to not stop here, but to also consider environmental prerequisites and social aspects of each location and hence trigger an overall improvement of the environmental, social and economic situation in the respective regions.
I am happy to have joined the PtX Hub Team and contribute to the spread of knowledge about the possibilities of Power-to-X technologies around the world while simultaneously learning a lot every day myself.
Sonia Rueda
Aviation & Chemical Industry
Sonia Rueda
Aviation & Chemical Industry
Based in Berlin, Germany
Philipp Wittrock
Shipping & Country Outreach
Philipp Wittrock
Shipping & Country Outreach
Based in Bonn, Germany
I joined the PtX Hub Berlin in May 2022, focusing on the cooperation with our partner countries Egypt and Kenia as well as advising the PtX Hub on Power-to-X in the shipping sector. I have worked in different positions in GIZ on international energy and climate topics, gained in-country experience in various countries worldwide and was senior advisor to the Managing Director at GIZ.
Sustainability is an integral part of my professional and private life, contributing to the big picture with small steps. Currently, I am completing a part-time MBA in Sustainability Management at the Centre for Sustainability Management at Leuphana University in Lüneburg.
I studied European Studies with a focus on International Studies at Maastricht University in the Netherlands and the University of Oslo in Norway, and have since lived and worked in Uganda and Georgia.
Manuel Andresh
PtX Innovation
Manuel Andresh
PtX Innovation
Based in Bonn, Germany
I advise the PtX Hub on Power-to-X in the chemical industry.
In the past years, I have been working on the sustainability assessment of Power-to-X technologies and developed a special interest in their social and ecological sustainability aspects in the context of locations around the world.
I studied Life Cycle & Sustainability at Pforzheim University and currently pursue my doctorate at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Eleonora Moro
PtX Sustainability & European Policy
Eleonora Moro
PtX Sustainability & European Policy
Based in Brussels, Belgium
At the PtX Hub, I aim to channel momentum on renewable hydrogen towards achieving climate neutrality. As an advisor, I work on developing a sustainability framework for PtX projects and follow relevant EU policy, as well as their implications for developing and emerging economies.
Before joining the PtX hub, I led the EU hydrogen work at E3G, a climate think tank in Brussels. I previously worked for REN21, a renewable energy NGO in Paris, and the Council on Energy Environment and Water, a think tank in New Delhi. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Social Science from the University of Bolzano, I completed my Master’s in Environment and Development at the London School of Economics.
Jan-Hendrik Scheyl
PtX Sustainability & Certification
Jan-Hendrik Scheyl
PtX Sustainability & Certification
Based in Bonn, Germany
Defossilising various industries with PtX can effectively contribute to reaching international climate targets. The integration of PtX in supply chains across the world is a challenge that can be tackled best by cooperating on a global level with the many stakeholders involved.
As part of the Brussels Team of the PtX Hub, I engage at the intersection of certification, sustainability, and standards.
Before I joined the PtX Hub, I worked in sustainability consulting as a project manager for two years, where I advised international clients on EU regulations, developed certification concepts, and conducted greenhouse gas emission calculations for fuel supply chains.
Johanna Friese
PtX Certification
Johanna Friese
PtX Certification
Based in Bonn, Germany
I am motivated in my work by the goals of the Paris Agreement and have always regarded hydrogen in this context. It is therefore my strong belief that sound sustainability standards are needed to ensure the positive climate impact of this energy carrier. As part of the Brussels Team of the PtX Hub, I am working to strengthen the multilateral dialogue with the EU and G20 countries towards reaching global agreement on sustainability criteria and certification schemes that will facilitate a global market for green PtX products.
Prior to joining GIZ, I spent two years working as an Expert in International Energy Policy at the German Energy Agency, focusing on European energy and climate policy. I am an Economist by training and completed my Master’s degree in Economics at Peking University.
Carla Reihle
PtX Country Potentials
Carla Reihle
PtX Country Potentials
Based in Bonn, Germany
Meeting the commitments under the Paris agreement, innovative and sustainable solutions like Power-to-X are needed. Therefore, I am very excited to work for GIZ. I will support the team by analysing the PtX potentials of selected countries to target a sustainable and long-term decarbonisation of all sectors. Before joining the Changing Transport team, I gained experience in the transport sector supporting Daimler AG with the implementation of Well-to- Wheel analyses. Additionally, I wrote a concept study for GIZ on a solar powered E-Bike rental to improve the mobility in rural Namibia.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering and am currently a Master’s student at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna. I am very happy to join the team and contribute to a sustainable development where no one is left behind.
Sun-Min Kim
Country Cooperation
Sun-Min Kim
Country Cooperation
Based in Bonn, Germany
Since joining the PtX Hub in July 2022, I focus on support activities to our partner countries Algeria and India.
Having worked on governance challenges in the extractives sector for the last five years, my personal interest lies in shaping frameworks and systems that enable countries to balance economic, social and environmental considerations when it comes to large-scale investments.
Before joining the PtX Hub, I was part of the CONNEX Initiative supporting partner countries in contract negotiations in the mining and infrastructure sector.
I studied International Security at Sciences Po Paris and have since worked in Togo, Cameroon, Guinea and the US. Currently, I am completing an LLM in Oil, Gas and Mining at the Nottingham Trent University, as part of which I explore the investment law implications linked to fossil fuel exit scenarios.
Mascha Kuzay
Business Opportunities and Allocation in Partner Countries
Mascha Kuzay
Business Opportunities and Allocation in Partner Countries
Based in Berlin, Germany
Alexander Mahler
Lead South Africa
Alexander Mahler
Lead South Africa
Based in Pretoria, South Africa
I lead the country component South Africa and advise on synthetic fuels in the PtX Hub. The Hub’s main goal is to catalyse defossilised economies globally. It is funded by the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and implemented by the GIZ.
Before joining GIZ, I was the Deputy Managing Director and Head of Transport Policy at Green Budget Germany, a German environmental think tank, where I focused on economic instruments in air and road transport.
Matthias Rilling
Lead Morocco
Matthias Rilling
Lead Morocco
Based in Berlin, Germany
At the PtX Hub, I focus on Morocco and North Africa. I am convinced that PtX can contribute to the last mile decarbonisation of the economy and that it gives the South’s countries the opportunity to establish a lasting and sustainable industrial sector.
Stephan Remler
Lead Argentina
Stephan Remler
Lead Argentina
Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina
I work on fostering the development of a local PtX market in Argentina in the mid- and long-term. With this aim in mind, I work together with local experts and institutions involved in PtX and green hydrogen. We are looking into attractive scenarios and applications for PtX in the Argentinean context and support the dialogue between different kinds of stakeholders linked to PtX in Argentina and the region.
Before joining the PtX Hub I worked several years with GIZ in Chile on strengthening renewable energies as well as with private sector companies in Germany active within the renewable energy sector.
Veronica Chorkulak
Argentina – Fertiliser Industry
Veronica Chorkulak
Argentina – Fertiliser Industry
Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina
I support the development of sustainable markets for green hydrogen and PtX as fundamental pieces for Argentina’s energy transition. With our partners, we advise on the development of allocation scenarios for selected PtX products, analyzing value chains and providing suggestions to improve the regulatory framework for the production, use and export of PtX products.
I am passionate about promoting sustainability in the energy sector and industry, and I love working as a team to achieve satisfactory results.
I have a Bachelor Degree in Economics, a Master Degree in Environmental Management and a Specialization in the energy sector. Before joining GIZ, I worked at multi-stakeholder initiatives to promote sustainability in supply chains, and at the Secretary of Energy analyzing energy projects from a technical, economic, environmental and regulatory perspective.
Jana Summa
Trainings Assistant
Jana Summa
Trainings Assistant
Based in Bonn, Germany
I am excited to work on developing the potential of PtX in the field of energy transition and reaching carbon neutrality, both in a domestic an international context.
Binura Perera
Country Activities Assistant
Based in Bonn, Germany
I am involved with the country engagement team in identifying the country potentials for the implementation of PtX technology and industry applications. Also, I am supporting the startups and research teams in the domain under the PtX-Innovate initiative.
I am currently reading for my masters in Renewable energy at the University of Oldenburg and writing my thesis on the PtX potential analysis methods.
I come from Sri Lanka and prior coming to Germany, I was involved in the capacity of a sustainable engineer attached to the textile industry where I was a part of a team which pioneered and created sustainable engineering benchmarks for the industry.
Binura Perera
Country Activities Assistant
Nibwene Mwakibinga
EU Assistant
Nibwene Mwakibinga
EU Assistant
Based in Berlin, Germany
My main task is to support the PtX Hub’s collaboration with the European Commission. As part of the Brussels Team, I assist research and planning activities relevant to our and partner countries’ engagement with the EU.
I am currently a master’s student at the Hertie School, pursuing a degree in International Affairs with a concentration on European Governance.
My professional background is mainly in climate and renewable energy. I previously interned at the UNFCCC Secretariat in the area of land-sector climate action, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in its Planning and Programme Support Unit, and before joining the PtX Hub, I worked as a student assistant at the Institute of Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) in Potsdam where I supported research on hydrogen policies and programs at the EU level.
Nelly Eisenbach
Technology Assistant
Nelly Eisenbach
Technology Assistant
Based in Bonn, Germany
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Darmstadt, where I am also currently completing my Master of Science in Energy Science and Engineering.
Ranim Munshi
Communications Assistant
Ranim Munshi
Communications Assistant
Based in Berlin, Germany
I hold a Bachelors degree in Journalism from SVKM’s Usha Pravin Gandhi college, based in Mumbai. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in International Affairs with a specialisation in International Security from the Hertie School of Governance, which is based in Berlin
