Meet the Speakers
DUNCAN AUTERSON
Rolls-Royce
Hydrogen direct burn combustion – route to Gas Turbine ground test demonstration
Duncan Auterson is Chief Design Engineer of the Rolls-Royce Hydrogen Demonstrator programme. He leads a team of engineers delivering the technical definition of the Rolls-Royce hydrogen ground test demonstrator (planned to test in 2025). Duncan is a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and has been working as a Chartered Engineer for 25 years. Duncan has extensive experience in concept and detail design, test and programme management of gas turbines for civil aerospace applications. He has been involved in the design and test activities of several Trent engine certification programmes, has led concept study activities for novel gas turbine products and engine demonstration programmes for the Rolls-Royce Research and Technology Demonstrators Team.
DENIS THOMAS
Accelera by Cummins
PEM electrolysis by Accelera: technology status, lessons learnt and way forward
Denis Thomas holds a Master Degree in Business Administration and in Renewable Energy. ​He started his career in the photovoltaic (PV) sector in Belgium advising the government about the launch of a new support scheme to develop solar PV in Wallonia. Then, he has worked for the European Photovoltaic Industry Association in Brussels as solar PV market an industry analyst and participated to the SET FOR 2020 strategic study. In 2014, Denis joined Hydrogenics as Business Development Manager, which is now part of Accelera by Cummins - a world-wide leading provider of water electrolyzers for industrial, hydrogen fueling and energy storage applications.. Mr Thomas is currently Global Marketing Director for the electrolyzer business.
RUI RIBEIRO
HyLab
Hydrogen Production – The Electrolyser and Beyond
Rui Ribeiro is Lead Researcher at HyLab since January 2024.
He holds a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (2013) and was a researcher at LAQV-Requimte/NOVA School of Science and Technology between 2013 and 2023.
Rui Ribeiro’s background is focused on Chemical Engineering and, more specifically, on gas-phase cyclic adsorption-based separation processes.
Rui Ribeiro’s actual main area of activity includes the design and optimization of processes for hydrogen production, purification and storage/conversion.
BRUNO HENRIQUE SANTOS
REN
H2REN PROGRAM
Bruno Henrique Santos is a Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s degree in Energy and a PhD in Engineering and Public Policy. He began his career at afaconsult as an engineering consultant in energy projects for buildings and industry. Joined EDP Gás, managing organizational transformation projects. In 2014, became leader of Operations Center at Portgás and, then Head of Engineering and Development, leading the Decarbonization and Digitalization strategy. Since 2022, he has worked in the Renewable Gas Planning department, in projects such as H2 REN, H2 GreenValley in Sines, and H2 med. He is Board Member of Future Energy Leaders Portugal and member of Strategic Standing Committee of the World Energy Council, representing the Portuguese Energy Association. He is Chair of the Sustainability Specialization Committee of the Portuguese Order of Engineers. Married, he is the father of Tomás and Mia.
PAULO ARAÚJO
BONDALTI
Business Strategy Insights for the Renewable Hydrogen Sector
Paulo Araújo holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico and a PhD in Applied Chemistry from the University of Poitiers (France). He began his professional career at CUF, where he held various leadership roles in R&D and process engineering over more than two decades.
He is currently Head of New Projects Development at Bondalti, where he coordinates the Hydrogen Business Unit, including the large-scale H2Enable project (40 MW) for renewable hydrogen production, approved under the IPCEI Hy2Use framework.
With over 25 years of experience in the chemical industry, his work has focused on process engineering, electrolysis technologies, and innovation strategies to support the energy transition.
HELDER NUNES
EMBRAER
Hydrogen as aviation fuel - Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future
Helder holds a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering and has over 10 years of experience in hydrogen technologies. From 2014 to 2023, he was a research fellow at CEFT–FEUP, focusing on hydrogen production and storage. He later joined UH2 as a process engineer, contributing to the development of green hydrogen projects worldwide. Since 2024, he has been part of Embraer’s product development team, working on hydrogen-powered propulsion systems for zero-emission aviation. His work bridges research and industry, with a strong focus on sustainable innovation and scaling hydrogen technologies.
HENAR OLMEDO GÓMEZ
CIDAUT
Project AIHRE - Boosting the Renewable Hydrogen Value Chain in the POCTEP Area
With +20 years of experience in development of sustainable energy solutions, Henar Olmedo is actively involved in advancing hydrogen technologies at CIDAUT. As Chemical Engineer, Henar has devoted her career to bioenergy projects (from process design at laboratory scale to full industrial implementation). She is European Projects Manager for Hydrogen at CIDAUT, where she focuses on generating real impact through collaborative projects and strategic platforms, such as Hydrogen Europe Research - Clean Hydrogen Partnership, making Henar a key contributor to the renewable hydrogen ecosystem. From CIDAUT, she continues to build bridges between science, industry, and public policy to accelerate the transition towards a decarbonised economy.
VITOR VEIGA
Powerserv
Sustainable Buildings, Hydrogen and BESS solutions
With a background in economic analysis and corporate strategy, Vitor Veiga is Co-General Manager at Powerserv, bringing extensive experience in business development and organizational management. His academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of economics, innovation, and leadership in dynamic business environments.
VASCO AMORIM
INESC TEC
Beyond Hero Technologies: Building a Flexible and Resilient Hydrogen Ecosystem for a VUCA World
President of the General Assembly of the Portuguese Hydrogen Association (AP2H2), Assistant Professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), he is currently also Researcher at the Associated Laboratory – INESC TEC at the Center for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE).
CLARA GOUVEIA
INESC TEC
Project GREENSHIP_E: 'Electrification of Ships Using Green Fuels and Advanced Technologies
Clara Gouveia holds a Master’s and a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from FEUP, respectively. She is a member of the Board of Directors at INESC TEC. She has served as the head of the EMS/DMS and network automation area at the Power Systems Unit, where she was responsible for defining strategic action lines and securing national and European funding. Her work focuses on the specificaction, development, and validation of energy management solutions, particularly considering the integration of distributed energy resources (such as energy storage, distributed generation, controllable loads, and electric vehicles), as well as solutions for digitalization of the distribution grid. She also has publications in international scientific journals, books, and proceedings of international conferences.
ALEXANDRA PINTO
FEUP
Project GREENSHIP_E: 'Electrification of Ships Using Green Fuels and Advanced Technologies
Alexandra Pinto is a Full Professor at FEUP. She has long-standing teaching experience in Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Mass Transfer, and Renewable Energies. Her research is carried out at CEFT, where she is Vice-Scientific Coordinator and leads the Energy Group. Her work focuses on hydrogen-based systems and fuel cell technologies: direct methanol and ethanol, microbial , microbial desalination cells, PEM and electrolysers, as well as hydrogen storage solutions using chemical hydrides. Her recent work includes the development of off-grid hydrogen production and storage systems, with particular relevance to applications in remote areas and maritime sectors. Her current interests also include the development of PEM fuel cell systems for unmanned vehicles (drones).
LUíS BESSA
Powerserv
Sustainable Buildings, Hydrogen and BESS solutions
With nearly 40 years of experience in the industrial and energy sectors, Luís Bessa is currently Co-General Manager at Powerserv. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Luís has led multidisciplinary teams and complex projects, combining deep technical expertise with strategic management. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.
NUNO CORREIA
INEGI
Advanced Hydrogen Storage Systems
Nuno Correia is the Director of the Composite Materials and Structures Unit at INEGI, engaged in R&D in composite materials and dedicated to span material and process development, automation and computational mechanics in +40 projects. He is a mechanical engineer, doctor in Engineering Sciences and developed work in University of Delaware's Center for Composite Materials. Nuno is board member of INEGI Alentejo, Portugal's AED Cluster and XAeroSystems S.A. He is involved with the European Defence Agency and was Industry Rapporteur for the Materials and Structures CapTech, help developing research agendas for European defence and large-scale programmes. He is a technical committee member of CAJU. He has +1,300 publications and is evaluator of technical and scientific projects.
LINDERT VAN BIERT
TU DELFT
The SH2IPDRIVE project: Developing reliable, safe, scalable, and cost-effective solutions for hydrogen-based ship propulsion and energy systems.
Lindert van Biert is an Assistant Professor in the Maritime and Transport Technology department, faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Delf University of Technology. Through research and education on the application of novel drive and energy systems based on fuel cells he contributes to the maritime energy transition. The main objective of his research is to enhance the compatibility of fuel cells with marine power and propulsion requirements, through the development of new methodologies to analyse, configure, operate and monitor them from cell to system level. Research topics include experimental characterization, modelling and simulation of fuel cell components and systems, as well as the storage, bunkering and use of new fuels in shipping.
DIOGO QUINTÃO
UTIS
Hydrogen Technology with Global Impact
Diogo Quintão is a mechanical engineer from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), with over 20 years of experience in the industrial and automotive sectors. He is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at UTIS®, leading operations, technological development, and the industrialisation of innovative solutions. Founder of companies such as Ultimate Power® and Ultimate Cell®, Diogo Quintão has a strong focus on research and development, intellectual property, and production management.
Recognised as a specialist in decarbonisation solutions across various sectors, Diogo has led numerous projects aimed at optimising combustion and enhancing sustainability.
ALDO GAGO
DLR
Towards Developing Highly Efficient and Durable Water Electrolysers with Low Cost
Dr. Aldo Gago studied physics at University of Guadalajara, Mexico and earned his PhD in chemistry in 2011, from University of Poitiers, France. One year later, he joined the section of Electrochemical Energy Technology of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany under the lead of Prof. Andreas Friedrich. Since then, he has been working in R&D activities on nanomaterials and cell components for H2 generation via low temperature electrolysis with important projects in cooperation with academy and industry. He has published numerous articles in high impact factor journals. He is currently responsible for the Group Low Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells and Electrolysis. He is co-founder of the start-up Cutting Edge Nano-Materials (CENmat).
RUI COSTA NETO
IST
The economic value of implementing hydrogen stations in Portugal
Dr. Rui Costa Neto received the Technological Chemistry degree in 1997 from Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon and the Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering in 2007 from Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal. He did also a Post-Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at IST. He is currently a Researcher at IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research. His main research topics have been on hydrogen systems, lithium-ion battery systems, energy storage systems, transition to low-carbon systems, with special focus on the energy and environmental impacts of transports, energy in buildings and industrial applications, by combining experimental real-world systems monitoring and numerical tools development.
MICHIEL LANGERMAN
TNO - Innovation for Life
SOE Technology and the upscaling challenge
Michiel is an R&D Scientist at TNO, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, working on high temperature Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOE) technology for industrial application.
After obtaining a PhD in Electrocatalysis from Leiden University in 2021, he joined the High-Temperature Electrolysis group at TNO, focusing on electrochemical validation of SOE cell and stack technology developed at TNO.
Currently, as Lead Scientist he is responsible for SOE technology development for a range of different use-cases, including H2, syngas, and CO production, with a focus on upscaling of SOE cells and pressurized stacks.
PAUL McCORMACK
HYDROGEN IRELAND
Clean Hydrogen - Beyond Energy
Green Data Valeys
​Paul McCormack is the architect of Ireland’s Hydrogen Ecosystem and Pioneer of Socioeconomic Value Frameworks. Mechanical engineer and MBA graduate with 30 years of cross-sector leadership, Paul is renowned for bridging technical innovation with community-centric energy strategies and a critical voice in debates over H2’s role in equitable decarbonization. As founder of Hydrogen Ireland, he lead the €12 million GenComm project, securing 1st Horizon 2020 funding for further education college in Europe. His H2 Training Academy has upskilled over 1,200 professionals in electrolyser operations and safety, addressing a critical gap in Europe’s green workforce. His current EU projects (e.g., H2AZEL and HOST) test scalability in regions with grid constraints. Paul is the founder of the Cluster Facilitators Forum, a strategy fostering organic growth through cross-industry collaboration. He shares a philosophy of “orange light innovation”: acting before market signals turn green.
JOÃO PEÇAS LOPES
INESC TEC
Interactions of H2 on the Operation of the Electric Power System
João A. Peças Lopes is Full Professor at Porto University (FEUP) and Diretor of the Sustainable Energy Systems PhD program. He is Associate Diretor and Coordinator of the TEC4Energy initiave at INESC TEC, one of the largest R&D interface institutions of the University of Porto. He is also member of the accompanying national committee of the Portuguese recovery and resilience plan. His main research domains are large scale integration of renewable power sources, power system dynamics, storage systems and security of supply, microgeneration and microgrids, smartmetering, electric vehicle grid integration and exploitation of P2P using hydrogen. He is co-editor and co-author of the book “Electric Vehicle Integration into Modern Power Networks” and a Fellow from IEEE. He was Adjoint Professor of the Iowa State University and Visiting Professor of University Pontificia Comillas in Madrid.
PEDRO AMARAL JORGE
APREN
Renewable Power Landscape in Portugal
Pedro Amaral Jorge joined APREN in October 2018 to take the CEO position. Previously worked for AfDB working as Private Sector Expert in developing and financially structuring Projects in Africa, in Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Sanitation. With track record on EPC and Utility business development, financing, designing, building and management with more than 15 years of international work experience, having worked in Europe, USA, South America, Africa, Middle East and Southeast Asia. Pedro has 25 years’ experience in Top Management positions. Pedro has postgrad as Green Energy Finance Specialist from RENAC, an Executive MBA in Finance and Operations from IESE/AESE as well as a MsC in Mechanical Engineering from IST - Instituto Superior Técnico.
CAROLINA GUEDES
Galp
Safe and Profitable Decarbonization: H2 and Renewable Fuels
Carolina Guedes is a Chemical Engineer with a Master's degree from Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon University. She currently works as an H2 and Renewable Fuels Engineer at Galp, where she manages projects related to renewable fuels, including the study of innovative technologies and economic analysis to compare different pathways for producing synthetic fuels. Furthermore, she maintains a strong interest in regulatory developments, understanding their crucial role in driving project progress. Her previous experience includes roles at REN as a Gas Project Engineer and Asset Management and Optimization Engineer, where she worked on projects related to the Natural Gas Transmission Grid and sustainability initiatives. Carolina has a strong background in project management, technical solutions, and innovation. Finally, she is characterized by her strong belief in the power of believing.
MANUEL COSTEIRA DA ROCHA
Smartenergy
Enhancing Power Grid Services and Stability: The Strategic Role of Electrolyzer Systems Integrated with Renewables and BESS
Manuel is a green hydrogen and energy expert. Since 2019 his team developed 3GW+ and 20+ green H2, eFuel and derivatives projects in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany and Egypt. Manuel has over 30 years experience in the energy sector as Engineer and Executive Director,with expat experiences in France (with EDF), Portugal, Germany and Macau (with Siemens), Mozambique, South Africa and Southern Africa countries (with Efacec). He holds a PhD in Sustainable Energy Systems, a MBA from Oporto Business School, and a MsC in Electrical Engineering from FEUP. He is a senior member and part of Energy Comission of Ordem dos Engenheiros and Specialist in Energy. He is invited Professor and co-author of various peer reviewed publications.
PAULO BRITO
Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre
Hydrogen and renewable gases production Technologies from waste materials
Paulo Sérgio Duque de Brito has a degree in chemical engineering, Processes and Industry specialization, in the Technical Superior Institute; has a master’s degree in “Corrosion Science and Engineering” by UMIST, Manchester University; is a PhD in Chemical Engineering, by the Superior Technical Institute in the electrochemical – on fuel cells. He has also an MBA –
Master of Business and Administration. Currently, he is Full Professor of the Superior School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre (IPP). Is coordinator of the research centre VALORIZA – Research Centre for Endogenous Resource Valorization and the Coordinator of the Master Technologies for Environmental Valorization and Energy Production. The main areas he investigates are related with Bioenergy, waste environmental
treatments, materials corrosion and energy galvanic production. He has published more than 300 works, in books, articles and conferences presentations.
DIOGO COUTO
PRF
Hydrogen Infrastructure - Making the energy transition a reality
Diogo Couto has a master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Coimbra and developed his career in the construction and metal building industries, until he started working in the energy sector, specifically LNG, CNG, biomethane and hydrogen. He is responsible for business development in several countries, which gives him an overview of the sector at European level. Diogo believes that the fight against climate change takes place both in national and international political decision-making bodies and in companies, but also in the daily lives of all citizens. Anyone can, and should, be an agent of change at home, in the street or at work, through small gestures that, multiplied by millions of people, become a real wave of energy with a positive impact.
MATHEUS (THIJS) DE GROOT
Eindhoven University of Technology
Increasing performance, flexibility and durability of Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Thijs de Groot is a professor in the field of electrochemical engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology. He received a PhD degree from the same university in 2007 in the field of electrocatalysis, after which he worked for 16 years in innovation roles for companies active in the chlor-alkali and water electrolysis industry focusing on the development of sustainable solutions. In 2016 he rejoined the university in a part-time position carrying out electrochemical engineering research and education. In his research he focuses on improved cell and stack design for alkaline and anion-exchange membrane electrolysis, addressing topics such as ohmic resistance, gas crossover, bubbles, the role of additives and reverse currents on electrolyzer performance and flexibility. He also looks beyond the stack to the optimization of the complete electrochemical plant. Since 2023 Thijs is employed full-time at the university.
PEDRO MENDES
European Commission
The R&I policy of the European Commission on hydrogen
Pedro is a policy officer on clean hydrogen at the European Commission Directorate-General for Research & Innovation. He manages the relationship with the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership committing over €1 billion throughout seven years to bring hydrogen projects close to the market, from production to distribution to storage to end-use. He holds a MSc in Engineering Physics at the University of Lisbon and an MA in European Interdisciplinary Studies at the College of Europe.