Our Team

Europe

Torsten Schwab
Director

Torsten Schwab

Director

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

Carolin Capone

Director

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
Lead Country Activities

Charlotte Hussy

Lead Country Activities

Based in Berlin, Germany

I am a project manager within the PtX Hub and coordinate the country activities. We promote sustainable PtX production, advise on regulatory frameworks and certification, organise workshops, implement trainings and conduct scoping studies in our 12 partner countries: Argentina, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, India, Vietnam, Uruguay, Colombia, Namibia, Algeria, Jordan and Egypt. Before joining GIZ, I worked for five years as a Senior Consultant for Energy Systems and Markets at Guidehouse and at the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto (USA).

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

Communication

Based in Berlin, Germany

I am responsible for the communication activities and outreach of the PtX Hub. I am excited to have joined the team and be working towards the common goal of limiting global warming. I believe that in catalysing PtX technologies, we can make defossilisation in all sectors possible and enable countries to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement.

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.

Nora Ziegler
Communications

Nora Ziegler

Communication

Based in Bonn, Germany

In November 2022 I joined the communications team of the PtX Hub.

Being part of this passionate team gives me the opportunity to help drive the energy transition. PtX makes it possible to defossilise high-emission sectors while advancing sustainable development around the world.

I did my Master’s in Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam specialising in sustainability communication. Prior to my position at the PtX Hub, I managed the communication activities of a GIZ project advising on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Germany, with partner countries and in multilateral organisations.

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.

Ruth Barbosa
E-Learning

Ruth Barbosa

E-Learning

Based in Frankfurt, Germany

I joined the PtX Hub in September 2022 to support the trainings team. Before, I worked for two and a half years with GIZ Brazil. In the partner project ProQR I got in touch with the exciting topic of Power-to-X and developed academia training measures for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

Holding a Master Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Duisburg-Essen, I bring along didactical expertise from the language and vocational training sectors. After living and working in Poland, Italy, Canada and Brazil, I am now based in Frankfurt and excited to continue my professional journey with the PtX Hub trainings.

Elisabeth Kriegsmann
Training Organisation

Elisabeth Kriegsmann

Training 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

I advise the PtX Hub on Power-to-X in the chemical industry.

I am passionate about sustainable development solutions and inspired by every action that contributes to tackling one of the major problems of current society: Climate change.

Before joining the Hub, I gained in-country experience in developed and developing countries in positions where I worked on capacity building and technical support around the topic of energy transitions and energy statistics.

I worked at the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA in UAE and in the biochemical industry in Colombia.

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.

Christoph Michel
Funding & Investment

Christoph Michel

Funding & Investment

Based in Brussels, Belgium

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 and focusing in particular on sustainable finance along the entire value chain with a holistic end-to-end approach.

My role as Advisor in Funding and Investments is to liaise and partner with international institutions, initiatives, financial industry and individuals engaged in financing in Power-to-X projects or R&D from end-to-end. Prior to working with GIZ, I was Senior Partner at KPMG providing global advice to the financial industry.

My educational background is financial engineering and Socially Responsible Investment Advisor (SRI-Advisor).

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.

Mascha Kuzay
Country Cooperations Chile, Colombia, Uruguay & Vietnam

Mascha Kuzay

Country Cooperations Chile, Colombia, Uruguay & Vietnam

Based in Berlin, Germany

I focus on cross-cutting issues among the our partner countries Argentina, Morocco and South Africa such as knowledge exchange, methodologies, export markets and sustainability. With the PtX Hub, my aim is to disseminate best practice approaches and to inform the political debate in Germany, the EU and regional markets.

My personal interest and motivation lies in supporting efficient allocation of resources by enabling sustainable production and application of PtX products. Hereby, I consider local added value and close cooperation with our partners in the countries as key factors for favourable outcomes.

Previously, I worked for the International Climate Initiative at the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety where I focused on climate mitigation and adaption in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Sun-Min Kim
Country Cooperations Algeria & India

Sun-Min Kim

Country Cooperations Algeria & India

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.

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 EU and its institutions. 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

Since joining the PtX Hub in May 2022, I am part of the technology team, where I support with regards to PtX technologies and value chains. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time and I am convinced that PtX will play a major role in defossilising sectors like transport, the chemical industry and many more. I am excited to be part of this movement and to advance the topic of PtX globally within the PtX Hub.

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.

Jana Summa
Trainings Assistant

Jana Summa

Trainings Assistant

Based in Bonn, Germany

After joining the PtX Hub in March 2022, I currently support the organisation and implementation of the Power-To-X Trainings.

I hold a Master of Science in Global Sustainability Science from Arizona State University and Leuphana University. During my studies I focused on socio-ecological systems resilience for climate change mitigation, with a special interest in sustainable urban food systems as well as socio-ecological restoration of urban greenspaces. Previous to this, I studied International Culture and Management at Cologne Business School.

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.

Thanaphat Traiyong
Technology Assistant

Thanaphat Traiyong

Technology Assistant

Based in Bonn, Germany

Since joining the PtX Hub in August 2022, I have been enthusiastic about being part of the technology team and providing technical expertise as the Hub’s resource.

Power-to-X, the missing link in the energy transition, plays a crucial role to achieve defossilisation in several industry sectors such as chemicals, transportation, and more.

Prior to joining PtX Hub, I worked for the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), Thailand, for six years as an electrical engineer with a focus on distribution, transmission, high-voltage substation, and renewable technology.

Ranim Munshi
Communications Assistant

Ranim Munshi

Communications Assistant

Based in Berlin, Germany

Since joining the PtX Hub in May 2022, I have grown and learnt significant lessons about sustainability, along with the importance we need to place on sustainibly growing the green energy sector in developing countries. Learning more about PtX, especially in regards to the benefits it brings to the table has been valuable, especially in order to become more self aware about my own sustainability pratices.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from SVKM’s Usha Pravin Gandhi college, based in Mumbai. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in International Affairs with a specialisation in International Security from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.

South America

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
Fertiliser Industry Argentina

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 specialisation 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.

Veronica Vukasovic
Senior Advisor Chile

Veronica Vukasovic

Senior Advisor Chile

Based in Santiago, Chile

Accelerating the energy transition by defossilising those sectors that are difficult to electrify is crucial to comply with the Paris agreement, therefore being part of this transformation through the PtX Hub motivates me.

After working for more than 15 years on the promotion of renewable energies and the development of technical and professional capacities in Chile, Argentina and Germany, I am now responsible for the implementation of the PtX Hub’s activities in Chile and Uruguay.

I have a degree in social sciences, and I am a certified project manager.

Jorge Andres Roncancio Gomez
Technical Advisor Colombia

Jorge Andres Roncancio Gomez

Technical Advisor Colombia

Based in Bogotá, Colombia

Since I joined the PtX Hub in April 2022, I have been responsible for the PtX Hub activities in Colombia. Our main strategy is focused on the development of technical studies to facilitate the establishment of PtX technologies and capacity building, involving the most relevant actors of the country.

I do believe that implementation of PtX technologies is a fundamental step to expand the hydrogen industry.

A Mechanical engineer by training, I also completed both a Masters degree in combustion, and a Masters degree in Renewable Energies.

Africa

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.

Before joining GIZ in March 2021, I worked in the energy industry, mostly for TotalEnergies. I hold degrees from both Sciences-po and UCL.

Frank Renken
Lead Algeria

Frank Renken

Lead Algeria

Based in Algiers, Algeria

I am coordinating all activities of the PtX Hub and other projects of GIZ on green hydrogen in Algeria.

Algeria is committed to develop sustainable energy production and reduce green house gases. With a team of highly motivated colleagues, GIZ helps to achieve these goals with technical expertise.

Having worked in the aviation industry, I finished my doctorate in political sciences in the 2000ies with a thesis on Algerian international relations.

Mounir Zerroukhat
Junior Technical Advisor Algeria

Mounir Zerroukhat

Junior Technical Advisor Algeria

Based in Algiers, Algeria

Based in Algeria, I am working for Power-to-X technologies (PtX) as well as green hydrogen promotion and development since November 2022. Our main goal is to implement a suitable framework for a sustainable PtX infrastructure in the country. This could be achieved via organizational and regulatory advice, technical support, knowledge exchange and networking platforms, which we are working for.

I have started my career at GIZ in August 2021, working in a project to enhance waste management systems on a municipal level. I hold a master’s degree in waste management and treatment processes, and graduated in process engineering at Blida university, Algeria.

I believe that the energy transition plays an essential role to assure a sustainable development.

Tuliikeni Ndadi
Senior Technical Advisor Namibia

Tuliikeni Ndadi

Senior Technical Advisor Namibia

Based in Windhoek, Namibia

I am the Project Manager for the PtX Hub in Namibia. My goal is to ensure that the framework conditions for production in Namibia are sustainable, to secure financing, to build international networks and partnerships, to generate knowledge, and to tap country and market potential.

By profession, I am a Mining Engineer with a Master’s in International Mineral Resources Management from the UK. Additionally, I hold a certificate in Project management and a diploma in Development Finance.

Kevin Mwangi
Advisor Kenya

Kevin Mwangi

Advisor Kenya

Based in Nairobi, Kenya

I am responsible for implementation of the PtX activities in Kenya that focus on the analysis of the potential for PtX concepts in the country, building technical capacity of stakeholders and supporting to build an enabling environment for privates sector involvement in PtX.

Kenya is a renewable energy resource rich country and this provides an opportunity for the defossilisation of our economy through PtX.

Previously, I have been involved in promotion of an enabling environment for the development of variable renewable energy in Kenya. I have a Bachelors in Energy Engineering and am a Certified ReGrid Manager.

Asia

Philip Miltrup
Assistant Kenya

Philip Miltrup

Assistant Kenya

Based in Nairobi, Kenya

I support the PtX Hub in Nairobi and, in parallel, I am writing my master thesis on a techno-economic evaluation of hydrogen production using photovoltaics.

During my studies and an internship in the Project Development Program of GIZ, I first collected practical experiences with hydrogen. Since then I am convinced that hydrogen and PtX are the missing link to achieve net zero emissions and the 1.5°C target.

Before joining GIZ, I worked as an environmental consultant at ecoprotec GmbH in Germany.

Asia

Markus Bissel
Project Director Vietnam

Markus Bissel

Project Director Vietnam

Based in Hanoi, Vietnam

I joined GIZ Vietnam in July 2019 as the team leader of the energy efficiency component. In the meantime, I am also heading the Smart Grid for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Project and the PtX Hub activities in Vietnam.

As a holder of a German diploma in plant engineering and having more than 20 years of professional experience in the municipal and industrial energy sector, I strongly believe that the next step on the global energy transition path will be based on the green hydrogen economy.

Gaurav Sharma
Technical Advisor India

Gaurav Sharma

Technical Advisor India

Based in New Delhi, India

I see green hydrogen and PtX products as vital links in the larger decarbonisation chain and a sustainable alternative for industrial use.

Defossilising the industrial segment through green hydrogen and PtX would require a multistakeholder, shared goals approach to address capacity enhancement, technology, financing and sustainability aspects.

Responsible for implementing the PtX Hub activities in India, I focus on regulations, technologies and sustainability for green hydrogen and PtX products.

My professional experience is a mix of industrial sustainability and management consulting. Before joining PtX Hub, I worked for GIZ India in the Private Sector Development cluster. I am a graduate in Mechanical Engineering with Post Graduate Certification in Energy Management.

Alina Tetzlaff
Private Sector Advisor India

Alina Tetzlaff

Private Sector Advisor India

Based in New Delhi, India

I joined the PtX Hub in India as Private Sector Advisor in September 2022. I am responsible for facilitating collaboration between the private sector, policymakers and research institutes in India and Germany. As part of its efforts to decarbonise its economy, India has ambitions to grow into a global green hydrogen hub.

My goal is to promote knowledge exchange through dialogue and networking platforms and ensure that perspectives of partner countries, such as India, are heard globally. I hold a master’s degree in political science and public administration from the University of Konstanz. I look forward to being part of the PtX Hub and working towards achieving the global energy transition.