Annual General Meeting 2022 (Oct. 13, 2022)

Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:00-11:00 am PST / 1:00-2:00 pm EST

Web/phone dial-in:                    
Microsoft Teams:  https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MmEzNTUwYjktMmQxYy00ODlhLTg3ODgtZjY0ZTAyNDVjNGVm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a417a493-cbd3-4b1c-9c05-46d89962d64b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a5190d7a-f2de-4372-9070-820e01f432ad%22%7d

In-person meeting address: 
Boardroom
2900-550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3


Nominees for Vice-Chair 2022-23

*TBD


Nominees for Board of Directors 2022-23:

 

Sponsoring and Executive Member Classes
 
Sam Suppiah - Technical Manager, Hydrogen and Tritium Technologies Directorate, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
 
Dr. Sam Suppiah is currently the Technical Manager of the Hydrogen and Tritium Technologies Directorate at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Chalk River, Ontario.  He received his chemical engineering degree and PhD from the University of Birmingham, UK, and worked for a contracting company and British Gas Corporation in the UK before joining AECL (now CNL). He is a Professional Engineer in Ontario, and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He has more than 35 years of expertise in the areas of Heavy Water and Tritium, Catalysis, Electrolysis Technologies, Fuel Cell Technologies, Nuclear and non-Nuclear Battery Technologies, Hydrogen Production from High and Medium Temperature Thermochemical Processes, Steam Electrolysis, Energy Storage and Hydrogen Safety.
 
His current focus at CNL is in supporting technology developments for successful commercialization in the areas of hydrogen and tritium including hydrogen production, storage and safety, and detritiation.
 
Sam has been leading collaborations in many of the above areas with industry, institutes and universities.  He is the Canadian delegate for the GEN IV VHTR Hydrogen Production Project Management Board.  He is also a board member of the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA).  He has been a regular presenter at IAEA’s technical meetings and other national and international meetings on hydrogen production and non-electric applications of nuclear energy.
 
Edward Stuart – Vice-President, Product Strategy, Hydrogen Optimized
 
Edward Stuart is the VP of Product Strategy and Co-founder of Hydrogen Optimized. He founded this company with his father to enable economic large-scale hydrogen production using renewable energy to power their proprietary water-electrolysis systems.
 
Dr. Francois Girard – Research Council Officer and Programs Advisor,  Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies, National Research Council (NRC)
 
As Research Council Officer and Programs Advisor, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies, Dr. Francois Girard provides strategic and technical support to National Research Council (NRC) and its research programs that include a hydrogen component in them.
 
He represents NRC and Canada on various national and international committees and manages relationships with relevant stakeholders to NRC's strategy on hydrogen technologies.
 
Dr. Girard acts as main point of contact for NRC on hydrogen technologies, including being the interface with other government departments in support to Canada's hydrogen strategy.
 
Dr. Girard received his M.Sc. Chimie at Université du Québec à Montréal in 1992 and Ph.D. Energy at Institut national de la recherche scientifique - Énergie et Matériaux in 1996.
 
Previous professional experience and activities include:
 

  • 2008-2014: Group Leader - Technology Evaluation Group (2008-2012) & Electrochemical Materials (2012-2014), NRC's Institute for Fuel Cel Innovation
  • 2003-2005: Business Development Officer, NRC's Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation
  • 1999-2003: Research Officer in Fuel Cell group at  NRC's Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation
  • 1997-1999: Staff Scientist at HPower Enterprises of Canada, Development of bipolar plates coatings for fuel cell applications
  • Past Chair of the Board for the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (2021-2022)
  • Member of the Executive for Hydrogène Québec (2020-present)
  • Chair of the Board for the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (2020-2021)
  • Vice Chair of the Board for the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (2019-2020)
  • Canada's representative ot Mission  Innovation's Hydrogen Challenge (2018-2020)
  • Canada's delegate to the International Energy Agency's Technical Cooperation Program on Advanced Fuel Cells (2020-present)
 
Jessica Lof – Business Development Manager, Hydrogen for Mobility, Air Products Canada
 
Jessica’s professional background includes more than 10 years of practical business experience in Canada’s railway and trucking sectors. Throughout her career, she has designed transportation and logistics solutions that enable economic potential and drive operational efficiency in a vast array of industries, including wind energy, oil and gas, automotive and global trade.
 
Jessica has a strong belief that Canada’s transportation systems play a crucial role in the shift to our sustainable future; she is determined to help transition our transportation industry to meet the new demands of today and tomorrow. Jessica has recently completed a master’s degree in sustainable development. She was able to merge her work experience and academic studies together by completing research that identifies possible low carbon futures for Canada’s freight transportation systems by evaluating structural, operational, and technological shifts. Jessica previously served as Research Lead-Hydrogen Economy at Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research (CESAR).
 
Jessica has a Master’s of Science degree in Sustainable Energy Development, a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and a professional designation with the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.
 
Kelly Grieves – Sector, Hydrogen Strategy Lead, Atura Power
 
Kelly is responsible for commercial and business development and project development and execution for Atura Power’s hydrogen business.  Atura Power is implementing a low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen program that will assist in the reduction of greenhouse gases, while supporting the development and adoption of a key clean-energy source on a path to an economy wide net-zero emissions future. Kelly has over seventeen years of direct experience in advanced water treatment technologies and clean energy solutions. Prior to joining Atura Power, Kelly was a member of the senior leadership team with Seven Seas Water Corporation overseeing the business development teams of Seven Seas Water and subsidiary company, AUC Group.  Kelly also managed the mergers and acquisitions activities of Seven Seas Water. Prior to Seven Seas, Kelly worked for GE Power & Water and Zenon Environmental as a Field Engineer. Kelly also sits on the Board of Directors for a National Sports Organization, Canadian Fencing Federation, and is an active mentor for young engineers in training with Engineers Nova Scotia. Ms. Grieves is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Province of Nova Scotia and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Chemical Engineering degree from Queen’s University and a Master of Business Administration from University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management.
 
Alex Savelli – Managing Director, Americas for Hydrogen Technologies, Cummins Inc.
 
Alex is currently the Managing Director of Cummins Power Generation markets, leading this $2+ Billion Line of Business globally within the Cummins Power Systems Business. Alex has been at Cummins for the last 25 years where he has held various positions in the Engine Business, former Cummins Power Generation Business as well as serving for 5 years as President - Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (fomer JV between Cummins and Mercury Marine for marine propulsion systems). During his tenure at Cummins, Alex has worked across five Cummins locations including 3 different ones in the United States, Europe (United Kingdom) and Latin America (Brazil). Alex holds a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering and Operations Management from University of Sao Paulo Polytechnic School of Engineering (Brazil), and an MBA from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA).
 
Sam McDermott – Technical Manager, Hydrogen, Enbridge Gas
 
Sam is currently the Technical Manager, Hydrogen for the Renewable Hydrogen program in
Enbridge Gas Inc’s. Business Development team. Sam is a licensed professional engineer in the province of Ontario, with over 26 years of Engineering Project Management, management and mechanical design experience in both the Manufacturing and Energy sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Ryerson University as well as a Masters of Advanced Design and Manufacturing post graduate degree from the University of Toronto. He has worked as a mechanical designer and project manager to develop highly specialized equipment for various industries, a project manager in the automotive industry and a designer and project manager of mechanical and fluids systems in the water industry. Sam then went on to work in the energy sector with Enbridge Gas Inc., where he has held leadership roles in engineering, project management, design, contract management, operational, and customer service roles managing Enbridge’s large volume customers.
 
Michel Archambault – Vice-President, Hydrogen and Clean Fuels, Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable
 
Michel Archambault is the Vice President, Hydrogen and Clean Fuels at Evolugen by Brookfield Energy. During his nearly 20-year career in the hydrogen sector, Mr. Archambault held various management positions in Europe and North America, focusing on the production of hydrogen by water electrolysis and on fuel cells. fuel cells. He hopes that his experience, coupled with his passion for the hydrogen industry, can help move Canada towards a low-carbon future.
 
Michel is a member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec and is a registered professional engineer in Ontario.
 
He is currently Chairman of the Board of Hydrogene Quebec and Co-Chairman of the Hydrogen Committee of the Quebec Association for the Production of Renewable Energy (AQPER).
 
Daniel Brock – Partner; Chair, Government Relations & Strategy practice; Co-lead, Hydrogen Energy Advisory Team, Fasken Law Firm
 
One of Canada’s top government relations practitioners, Dan provides clients with critical insights into government policy development, and political decision-making. Specializing in advisory services, policy analysis, strategic planning, political intelligence gathering, coalition-building and government advocacy, Dan is a leading and respected figure in Canadian government relations. He has held several senior advisory positions with federal Ministers of Environment, Justice, Finance, and has worked as Principal Secretary to the Leader of the Official Opposition.
 
At Fasken, Dan is playing a leadership role in understanding and advising clients on the forces moving Canada inexorably toward a full, clean-energy transition, in particular in the area of clean hydrogen. With the firm’s recently launched Hydrogen Energy Advisory Team, Dan is leading a first of its kind comprehensive expertise and service offering to advise companies participating in and profiting from the transition to clean hydrogen to displace carbon-intensive energy.
 
Daniel is also the founder and Chair of H2GO Canada, a not-for-profit corporation expressly focused on accelerating development hydrogen markets in Canada.
 
Dan is recognized among the top lobbyists working in Canada, and offers clients unique insights and access into the political sphere. With his deep understanding of the decision-making processes of governments, Dan works to develop and execute strategies that effectively manage risks to client interests, or helps exploit client opportunities associated in the decisions of governments.
 
Providing support through business coalition building and participation in parliamentary consultations, Dan also works to consistently keep clients aware of legislative changes and their impacts.
 
Beth Buckmaster – Director, Client and Stakeholder Relations, Hatch
 
Beth Buckmaster is the Client and Stakeholder Relations Director for Hatch’s Power group and develops and manages client and stakeholder engagement strategies to advance the company brand while providing key inputs into business strategies. Beth is also a member of the Hatch Diversity and Inclusion Design Toolkit team, leading the External Process task force.
 
Beth is passionate about creating positive change through a more gender-balanced clean energy sector. Beth is the Equal by 30 Champion for Hatch and is the recipient of the 2020 Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) Balance Means Business award for her advocacy for gender balance in the industry.
 
Beth is a board member of the Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association and a member of the Niagara United Way Community Investment Panel.
 
Sylvain Labonte – Head, Strategic and Transversal Projects, Research Institute, Hydro-Quebec
 
A mechanical engineer by training, Sylvain began his career at Kimberly-Clark Canada as a project manager. After obtaining a master's degree in composite materials from the University of Sherbrooke and a stay at the National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands, he joined, in 1993, the company AMF Technotransport, a manufacturer of railway equipment based in Montreal, to work on the refurbishment of Via Rail's HEP II passenger cars.
 
Sylvain then worked, from 1994 to 1999, at the Saint-Jérôme Composite Materials Center where he notably designed the front ends of Bombardier's ACELA high-speed locomotives and carried out projects that took him to the United States and Asia. . In 2000 Sylvain joined the GSM Design Production team as chief engineer. Appointed Managing Director in 2002, he managed the repercussions of the events of September 11 on the company.
 
In 2005 the call for public service made itself felt and Sylvain decided to join the National Research Council of Canada. Since his arrival at the NRC, he has participated in several pan-Canadian initiatives in the field of composites and set up several major industrial projects, some of which were carried out in collaboration with other research organizations, in particular Hydro-Québec, Transport Canada and Composites Innovation. Winnipeg Center. As Head of the Advanced Polymer Composites group from 2012 to 2016, he ensured a better positioning of the group's activities and guided its transformation.
 
Sylvain has greatly contributed to the development and implementation of the NRC's Security Materials Technologies program. He has been a member of the program's Steering Committee since October 2013 and acts as Chief Technology Officer for the personal protection sector. Sylvain has several major achievements to his credit in the field of defence, in particular the development of a modular military helmet produced in partnership with the Valcartier Defense Research Center and for which he received the Order of Merit of the NRC.
 
He has several publications to his credit as author or co-author and has given several conferences in the field of composites. Anxious to pass on his knowledge and share his experiences in order to support the growth of the sector, Sylvain has been an industry trainer across Canada and a lecturer at conferences and specialized seminars.
 
In addition to his role as Chief Technology Officer in the Security Materials Technologies program, Sylvain is currently a member of a special team responsible for establishing a new NRC research facility in Mississauga, Ontario, whose mission will focus on the development of advanced materials.
 
Greg Panuccio – Director of Merchant and On-site Business Development, Linde Canada, Inc.
 
Greg Panuccio is the Director of Business Development for Linde Canada, Inc. He and his team are responsible for sales growth in the supply of pipeline, on-site and bulk gases across the industries that Linde serves within Canada. Greg is focusing on the Clean Energy market and is working to leverage Linde’s local and global capabilities in hydrogen production, distribution, refueling, and utilization to support the development of the Clean Energy economy in Canada. Greg has been with Praxair and Linde for over 15 years working in new business development, technology development and commercialization. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.
 
Ethan Hugh – Director of Marketing, Loop Energy
 
Ethan Hugh joined Loop Energy as Marketing Director in 2021. Prior to entering the hydrogen industry, Ethan was a seasoned marketing professional for 16 years primarily in the automotive sector, having worked with many automotive brands across Asia and North America. With first-hand experience in cleaner technology adoption, Ethan has successfully managed the launch of electric vehicles and startup mobility products in the early days of the EV industry. Ethan currently leads the marketing team at Loop Energy, a hydrogen fuel cell developer and manufacturer based in Vancouver, Canada.
 
Philip Horacek – Director, Business Operations and Client Engagement, Powertech Labs
 
Mr. Philip Horacek is responsible for the business development, marketing, and communication teams for Powertech. He has almost 20 years of experience in the hydrogen and alternative fuels industry and serves as a technical expert for various CSA, SAE, UN ECE, ISO, and UN GTR committees.
 
Mr. Horacek graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria and is registered as a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.
 
Umer Farooq – Vertical Sales Manager, Hydrogen Markets, Siemens Canada
 
Energy professional with 18 years of experience in Middle East, Africa and Asian Markets. He has worked for General Electric, Woodward and Compressor Controls Corporation in technical, commercial and business development roles.
 
He is currently working as Vertical Sales Manager-Hydrogen Markets for Siemens Canada. His primary goal is to improve performance across business verticals, promoting “Low & Zero Carbon Technologies” and reinforcing existing technologies with improved efficiencies. He is advancing “Digital Enterprise Portfolio” which maximizes the potential of Data by connecting real and digital world, offering enterprises of every size and type products, end-to-end solutions, and services for integrating and digitalizing the entire value chain. He is Passionate about clean energy and Canada’s role in climate change.
Umer holds a master’s degree from The University of British Columbia (UBC) specialized in Clean Energy, during this program he had focused on Hydrogen economy, production technologies and policy framework.
 
Chris Norris – Director, Business Development, New Energy, Siemens Energy Canada
 
Chris Norris is Director, Business Development for the New Energy Business unit of Siemens Energy Canada with a focus on growing the green hydrogen economy in Canada.
 
In a career spanning 25 years, Chris has been with Siemens for six years and prior to his current role was with the Energy Business Advisory, advising utilities and municipalities on modernization strategies to achieve key objectives in the energy transition.
 
Prior to Siemens, Chris worked at a boutique consulting firm in Toronto with clients in gas and electric distribution after working in operations strategy for one of Canada’s largest financial institutions. He began his career in the gas distribution utility industry before transitioning into detailed engineering design at one of Canada’s largest aircraft engine manufacturers.
 
Chris has a B. Sc. from Queen’s University, an M. Eng. from McMaster University, an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and an LL.M. in energy and infrastructure from Osgoode Hall Law School. He is a licensed professional engineer.
 
Jamie Humphries – Director, Corporate Strategy, Toyota Canada
 
[To be added]
 
Karla Palardy – Senior Originator in Energy Origination and Development, TC Energy
 
[To be added]
 
 
 
 
 
Industry Member Class
 
Simon Fraser – Business Development and Funding Manager, AVL Fuel Cell Canada
 
Simon Fraser is the Business Development and Funding Manager of AVL Fuel Cell Canada. Before joining AVL Fuel Cell Canada, Simon spent more than seven years at AVL’s headquarters in Austria working as Business Development Manager, Product Manager, and Program Manager.
 
Prior to that he spent seven years working as Department Manager and later Director in a specialized production innovation company, and six years as Researcher and Project Manager working on PEM fuel cell projects in an academic R&D facility.
 
Simon is used to working at the interface between R&D and commercialization, and is particularly passionate about developing and growing new business.
 
Simon holds a Bachelor and a Dipl.-Ing. in Mechanical Engineering, a Doctorate in Technical Chemistry, and a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Business Administration and Economics.
 
Trevor Swan – Hydrogen Business Development, Bighorn Energy
 
Trevor Swan joined Bighorn Energy in early 2022 to oversee their hydrogen business development operations. Trevor is passionate about renewable energy and believes that transitioning to increased hydrogen usage is key to reducing industrial carbon emissions. Prior to entering the hydrogen sector, he excelled in the work-alone safety tech space as one of the foremost experts in the industry.
 
Trevor has over 15 years experience in tech, communications, high level business development, and advanced networking. He has experience creating and managing relationships with all levels of business and government - local and abroad.
 
As a well-known member of the Calgary flying community, being an owner of a respected aviation business, Trevor has a vested interest in the advancement of the energy industry in Canada as well as the communities it serves.
 
David Johnston – Project Director, CEM Engineering
 
David Johnston has experience driving market and technical developments in hydrogen, fuel cells and other clean energy systems and projects. Focused on industrial and commercial adoption since 1995, David has delivered leadership to the development and commercialization of fuel cell systems in his former role with Ballard Power, LH2 storage research and development work for BMW, cryogenic and gaseous hydrogen fueling systems for material handling vehicles, and multiple diverse nuclear, solar, hydroelectric, and integrated ‘Sustainable City’ energy network projects.
 
David leads CEM Engineering’s Hydrogen initiatives and spearheads the engineering team currently delivering the Niagara Hydrogen Centre, the 20 MW Green hydrogen production facility being developed by Atura Power in Niagara Falls, ON.  He has recently delivered project management, engineering, TSSA relationships and permitting approval for a cryogenic and gaseous hydrogen fueling system, detailed Hydrogen CHP studies and planning with Enbridge Gas, studies for a New Brunswick utility with business cases, evaluating various technology options and market scenarios for Hydrogen production and applications.
 
As Vice-President, Stationary Power at Ballard Power, David built and led a team to raise capital, develop strategic market partners and deliver the first-of-its-kind 250 KW PEM fuel cell power system. 
 
David is a Mechanical Engineer (P.Eng.) and Project Management Professional (PMP) with an extensive background in market planning, stakeholder communications, project development, management and construction of energy projects, domestically and internationally. David is multi-lingual (E/F/G).
 
David: “We have worked diligently to bring Hydrogen energy systems to reality such that it has now become a serious opportunity.  My vision of helping the CHFCA to support it to fully emerge and become embedded in our economy, domestically and internationally, is very exciting.  I offer the Board of the CHFCA my strong commitment, my understanding of practical and technical requirements for market development, and a proven ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with people.  Working together will be critical to our success. I look forward to the opportunity to work closely with Canada’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell industry leadership to help bring the Hydrogen Industry to reality.”
 
David’s other qualifications include:
-             Diverse energy industry experience (hydrogen, fuel cells, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, wind)
-             Extensive industry partnering track-record
-             Market development perspective
-             Planning and execution focus
-             Safety and Code focus
 
David Johnston
CEM Engineering
E:           David.johnston@cemeng.ca
T:           (289) 241-7297
 
 
Marie-France Gravelle – Energy and Resources Market Leader, Eastern Canada, GHD Limited
 
Marie-France Gravelle is no stranger to GHD. She is an environmental professional with more than 20 years of experience in environmental project management in the fields of waste-to-energy, waste management, environmental due diligence and environmental compliance. As Canada's Leader for Future Energy, she works collaboratively with internal teams and clients to transition energy systems towards a lower-carbon future, building on her passion for the environment and the global transition to Future Energy. This includes biogas utilization, including renewable natural gas (RNG), hydrogen, cogeneration systems, traditional renewables, energy-from-waste, energy security and planning, system integration including energy storage systems, and carbon capture, utilization and storage. In addition, she has experience in alternative waste processing, including biological treatment of organic waste via anaerobic digestion and composting, with an emphasis on the permitting aspects of such projects. For more information, contact Marie-France at Marie-France.Gravelle@ghd.com.
 
Nima Ghazi – Vice President, Energy and Climate Protection, North America, ILF Consulting Engineers
 
Nima has been leading the strategic growth and management of large engineering teams comprised of highly skilled technical personnel for about 15 years. He is a principal engineer specialized in design, development, and execution of Hydrogen, CCS/CCUS, and conventional energy systems with an industry-leading expertise in the materials and welding engineering aspects of major renewable and conventional energy projects. As an engineering specialist in CO2 pipelines and CCS/CCUS systems, he has authored and presented peer-reviewed work on CCUS systems at international conferences.
 
He is a specialist contributing member of a number of the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Canadian Standard Associations (CSA) committees and task groups concerning Hydrogen and CCUS energy systems, and welding technologies.
 
Nima has been awarded a number of international engineering awards, including prizes from UKOPA (United Kingdom Onshore Pipeline Association), TD Williamson (for Dissertation work on CO2 pipelines and CCUS systems), and Eni - Saipem Snamprogetti. Nima holds a Masters degree in Oil and Gas Pipeline Engineering (Distinction) from Newcastle University (UK), an MBA (Hon.) from the University of Calgary, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Toronto.
 
Sunny Minhas – Associate Director, Intertek
 
Sunny Minhas is an Associate Director at Intertek; an Assurance, Testing, Inspection, and Certification company with over 45,000 employees in 1,000 facilities globally. In his current position at Intertek, Sunny is responsible for Intertek’s global Hydrogen and Fuel Cell business, including all testing, certification, and global commercial activities related to the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell industry. With 10 years of regulatory and compliance experience, Sunny has helped Intertek develop into one of the world’s most trusted testing and certification agencies in the hydrogen industry. At Intertek, Sunny has helped develop innovative and customer-centric regulatory approval programs for Hydrogen and Fuel cell related equipment, including the testing and certification of Hydrogen re-fueling stations, Electrolyzers, and high-pressure-components. In addition to testing, Intertek is heavily involved in Hydrogen related standards and committees, including HGV, ISO, and IEC. Through this unique position, Sunny Minhas and Intertek can provide significant value for the CHFCA and its members by leveraging their knowledge and experience in the regulatory, testing, and certification industries.
 
Robert Artibise – VP, Technology (Corporate) and General Manager (Canada), Unilia Fuel Cells Canada
 
Robert Artibise has worked on proton exchange membrane fuel cells since 1997. This experience includes systems development, fuel cell stack testing, simulation, fuel cell stack design, unit cell design, management and architecture. He has a high level of knowledge and applied skill in the areas of thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer (fluid dynamics), and mechanics of materials. He is an experienced design and release engineer; and has a proven track record for taking products from concept to production.
 
Laurent Amram – Manager, Business Development, Xebec Adsorption
 
Laurent Amram is a mechanical engineer who has spent nearly 20 years honing his skills in sales management while working for pump and compressor manufacturers in Asia, Europe and Canada. His hands-on expertise spans leading and managing sales teams and distributor networks, developing sales & marketing, and account management. Laurent holds a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree from the École Polytechnique de Montréal.
 
 
Chris Weiland – Market Analyst, Precision Resource Canada
 
[To be added]
 
 
Small Business Member Class
 
Frank Carnevale – Chief Executive Officer, Alkaline Fuel Cell Corp.
 
Mr. Carnevale is the Chief Executive Officer of Alkaline Fuel Cell Power Corp., a British Columbia registered company (NEO:PWWR OTCQB:ALKFF). AFCP is a diversified investment platform developing affordable, renewable, and reliable energy assets and, specifically, micro-CHP, back-up and off-grid fuel cells.
 
Over the past two decades, he has developed and managed several investments in cleantech and PropTech platforms, including originating over $2.5 billion in transactions in energy and utilities sectors. Mr. Carnevale is passionate in his defense of underserved energy customers- residential and small/medium, industrial, commercial and institutional customers. In delivering in the global energy transformation, he bridges investors with opportunities to deliver customer-centric solutions.
 
Mr. Carnevale previously served as Chief Growth Officer and Chief Operating Officer of a TSXV-listed company delivering design build thermal energy systems, HVAC and Building Controls in Canada. Prior to that, he was Founder and Chief Executive Officer of a boutique consulting, advisory and development firm where, in addition to lobbying and communications mandates, he originated and developed energy and infrastructure transactions, including the development of a large wind farm, distributed energy and retrofit contracts, and mergers and acquisitions of several electric utilities.
 
Mr. Carnevale previously served on the Executive Committee and Board of the Energy Council of Canada and the Ontario Energy Association, among several industry organizations.
In 1994, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from York University. Mr. Carnevale, his wife and two boys reside in Toronto, Canada.
 
Marco Sonnessa – VP, Operations, DUMA Engineering
 
Education:
-             1998, Italy: Diploma of Building surveyor
-             2005, Italy: Degree in Industrial Engineering
-             2017, Canada: Operations Excellence Specialist & Green Belt qualification
 
Work experience:
From 2005 to 2015 I have been involved in several projects across Italy about energy efficiency for residential buildings ( I have been the main author of a Passive House & Efficient Energy Building Design Handbook for the Provincial Construction Association), energy savings engineering, green energy production from biogas, PV, wind sources. I have registered several patents of solar panel, thermodynamic solar collectors, vertical wind turbine devices. During that period I also did feasibility studies for geothermal installations in Melbourne, Australia.
 
Moved to Canada in 2015, I joined DUMA Engineering (2018) Inc. in 2018 as VP of Operations, focusing on Clean Tech opportunities in North America. That has led DUMA and myself to develop a new green hydrogen gasification system able to produce 24/7 carbon neutral syngas with hydrogen yields between 50 and 75%. At the same time, thanks to some innovative technology transfers, we are working on hydrogen recovery systems from gas pipeline (e.g. to extract hydrogen at fuel stations from the local gas line) as well as green ammonia production (e.g. Naval applications, ferries, commercial fishing boats etc.)
 
Benoit Roch – Senior Director, Alternative Energy and Special Mandates, Groupe Filgo-Sonic
 
Benoit Roch is a specialist of the management of energy and is a leading figure in this sector as the Senior Director for alternative energy and special mandates for Groupe Filgo-Sonic. He is particularly known for his vision and capacity for innovation in Quebec’s energy sector. During his career, he has sought solutions that permitted the sustainable development of Quebec. He has also been the department head of a network of service-stations and carlocks under the La Coop fédérée's Sonic banner for 30 years.
 
He was central to the introduction of ethanol to the petroleum market in Quebec in 1994. This product was often neglected by distributors, but Benoit perceived its value for the economic prosperity of Sonic and the province of Quebec as a whole, and how it would be important for reducing the carbon footprint of the province. Today, the large majority of petroleum distributors sell ethanol.
Benoit also innovated by the integration of many services in Quebec’s regions as to favor their long-term prosperity. He implemented a plan to unify gas stations, hardware stores and convenience stores at one retail location under the brands of Sonic, BMR and Sonichoix. Residents of less populous cities therefore did not have to travel far distances for essential services.
Today, Benoit is working on another project to develop Quebec: the introduction of hydrogen to the energy sector. Recognizing that climate change represents one of the world’s largest problem, implementing multi-energy service stations would permit to drastically reduce our ecological footprint in a way that also increases our economic activity. It is this vision of firms as being socially responsible that guides Benoit in each project he engages in.
 
Grace Quan, CPA, MBA – CEO, Hydrogen in Motion
 
Grace has over 25 years of experience spanning a wealth of sectors including government – Federal Government of Canada, the Provincial Government (Minister’s Office) of Alberta; Academia – University of British Columbia, and Management of a Flying School; Not-for-Profit / Research Funding Agency – Genome British Columbia; and private sector with various management positions. Grace is well positioned to lead H2M in navigating the complicated world of Federal and Provincial politics and program funding requirements. At the same time Grace’s skills and expertise in the private sector will be invaluable in providing strategic direction in the marketing, finance, human resource, and production domains.
 
Alan Tan – VP, Business Development, Next Hydrogen
 
Alan's career spans over 25 years with significant experience and expertise in waste to energy, waster water treatment and hydrogen. Alan has worked extensively with governments, universities and CleanTech companies. Alan has joined Next Hydrogen as a VP Business Development about 2 years ago. Alan holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Tsinghua University and a MBA from Queen's University. 
 
Nicolas Laroche – Global Business Development Manager, Hydrogen, Permascand
 
Nicolas Laroche is an electrochemical engineer and has followed the hydrogen sector for more than 10 years. As co-inventor of an electrochemical process, he managed an innovation portfolio and team with a successful technology demonstration at scale. Nicolas was involved in business growth and intelligence, engineering phases, demonstration plant operation strategy and technology transfer from concept to industrial scale plant engineering.
 
 
 
 
 
Start-up Member Class
 
Bob Blattler – Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Cariboo Low Carbon Fuels
 
Mr. Blattler has nearly 40 years’ experience in the petro-chemical and natural gas transmission sectors in commercial, project management and operations roles. Bob started Cariboo, with a vision to develop clean fuel projects in way that provides lasting benefits to the community. Bob’s focus has been on developing a suite of Cariboo project opportunities in strategic locations. He has brought together a team of senior executives with the experience and skills to deliver the clean fuel and hydrogen projects. Cariboo’s signature H2 Portal project; a potential scalable ~10+GW of H2 electrolysis production facility with collocated stand alone renewable energy. Portal is geographically situated to provide the highest renewable production capacity factor in Canada (lowest LCOE). Portal sits at the nexus of existing legacy hydrocarbon logistic infrastructure, rail and transport corridors; all facilitating to produce and distribute, domestically and for export, Canada’s lowest cost H2 (LCOH). Cariboo continues to ink valuable off-take intent for this H2 with Canadian entities that have a carbon mitigation targets and mandates. All of these factors providing basis for a solid business case to make the Portal project investment grade.
 
Joyce Yip – Managing Director, FTXT (Canada) Energy Technology Co. Ltd.
 
Joyce Yip, P.Eng., MBA, FCG, Acc. Dir., ACC, PMP is a passionate fuel cell technology strategist, strategic partnership and supply leader, project manager and governance adviser.  She is currently the Managing Director of FTXT (Canada) Energy Technology Co. Ltd.
 
Joyce has over 24 years experience in the fuel cell industry, in progressive roles ranging from engineering, strategic marketing, corporate strategy development, business negotiations, legal agreement development and management, strategic partnerships & supply development, IP licensing, strategic sourcing, coaching, board governance, and corporate management.
 
Being the current Board Chair for Small Business BC Board, Joyce has served SBBC Board since 2018 as a Board member, Vice-Chair, and the Strategic Advisory Committee Chair.  Joyce also served as the Board of Director and the President of The Chartered Governance Institute Canada, BC Branch Board for over 10 years. 
 
Joyce holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management of Technology from Simon Fraser University, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia.  Joyce is an Accredited Director (Acc.Dir.), and a Fellow of Chartered Governance Professional (FCG) from the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada; these are globally recognized corporate governance designations.  Joyce has been a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in BC since 2002, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a certified Lean 6-sigma Green Belt, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from International Coaching Federation since 2018. 
 
Joyce was born and raised in Hong Kong and has extensive experience in working with global fuel cell suppliers and partners.  She is fluent in both written and spoken English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Friedrich Dehem-Lemelin – CEO, Hydrolux
 
Friedrich Dehem-Lemelin is a bilingual mechanical engineering graduate from École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montréal, Québec. It was during his studies that his entrepreneurial spirit developed. Being a big fan of cars and the environment, Friedrich founded Hydrolux in early-2019 with the ambition to decarbonize the transportation industry.
 
Hydrolux is a company that develops and operates green hydrogen production projects with the primary objective to offer an economically viable alternative to fossil fuels for transportation companies. Hydrolux recently announced its first project : Project 117. This project will equip Route 117 corridor with two 5MW green hydrogen refuelling stations allowing heavy-duty trucks to connect the greater Montreal area and Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
 
Throughout its entrepreneurial journey, Friedrich had to overcome many challenges associated with starting a new company. He has also met several other inspiring startups within university incubators that each had their own challenges. This experience ensures that Friedrich is well aware of the stakes for entrepreneurs and startups.
 
Brandon Moffatt – Co-founder, Stormfisher Hydrogen
 
Brandon Moffatt is the co-Founder of StormFisher Hydrogen. He is an entrepreneurial and results-oriented leader with a track record of successfully identifying business opportunities and executing the development and construction of low carbon infrastructure including renewable natural gas and green hydrogen projects.  Brandon is a professional engineer, who has led the development, design and construction of several complex organics processing and anaerobic digestion sites across North America and has a detailed understanding of the commercial and operational aspects of power to hydrogen and power to gas projects. Brandon is a board member of the Ontario Environment Industry Association (ONEIA), has an MBA from the Odette School of Business and holds a B.A.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Waterloo.
 
 
 
Academic Member Class
 
Dr. Agatha E. Ojimelukwe, PhD., PMP – Portfolio Manager of Energy and Environment, Industry Solutions, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
 
Dr. Agatha E. Ojimelukwe is the Portfolio Manager of Energy & Environment programs in Industry Solutions at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Agatha leads the development and continuous improvement of programs focused on enabling the re-skilling and up-skilling of professionals in the energy and environment sectors and works in partnership with industries to build tailored courses that meet their needs.
 
Some projects include:
  • Micro-credentials in hydrogen fuel cell technology
  • Hydrogen handling systems for the trades
  • Development of carbon capture, use and sequestration courses
  • Launch of NAIT’s Circularity training
 
Before taking on the role of the Portfolio Manager at NAIT, Agatha served as a research specialist, providing insights that support executive and mid-management decision-making on educational program delivery, including enrolment planning. For five-plus years, Agatha worked as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Biology. She supported the learning and development of undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Port Harcourt through teaching and research leadership.
 
Dr. Agatha Ojimelukwe holds Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees in the Applied Sciences, has seven+ years of experience in post-secondary teaching, research, and leadership and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
 
 
Jojo Delos Reyes – Program Manager, Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) at Red River College
 
Jojo has been with Red River College for over ten years. Jojo has a background in electronics and information technology. He previously worked for a multinational semiconductor company (Intel Corporation), where he gained significant experience in new product development and R&D.
 
In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree, he completed a post-graduate Diploma in Technology Management and a Project Management certificate at Red River College. Jojo is currently the Research Program Manager at the office of Research Partnerships & Innovation.
 
He supports Tri-Agency (NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation-related grant applications. Jojo also leads the Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC), focused on vehicle innovation, electrification, and performance testing. He works closely with relevant Academic departments in developing training programs related to zero-emissions vehicles.
 
Jojo also sits on the board of Manitoba’s Vehicle Technology Centre (since 2020) along with industry members in the heavy vehicle and equipment manufacturing sector and supports clean technology clustering initiatives.
 
Prof. Walter Mérida FCAE, PEng. – Senior Advisor to the President & Vice-Chancellor; Associate Dean, Research and Industrial Partnerships; Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia
 
Walter began his career working with Ballard Power Systems, British Gas Investments Canada, and universities more than twenty years ago. He was a founder and Board member for General Hydrogen Corporation, and the Institute for Breakthrough Energy Technologies in Vancouver. He worked at the NRC’s Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation, and at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany.
 
At UBC, Walter led the Natural Gas Futures research consortium, the Integrated Energy Testbed, and the Transportation Futures Group supported by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.  He serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, the Academic Council for the Global Alliance on Powerfuels, and the Climate Change Advisory Board for Toronto Dominion Insurance.
 
Walter is  Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and he has served as director for the Clean Energy Research Centre.  He is currently the Associate Dean of Research and Industrial Partnerships in the Faculty of Applied Science, and a Senior Advisor to UBC's President and Vice-Chancellor. Most recently, he co-chaired UBC’s Climate Emergency Taskforce.
 
Prof. Bruno G. Pollet, Bsc (Hons), MSc, AHEA AFIChemE FRSC – Professor of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
 
Bruno G. Pollet is a Professor of Chemistry at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Director of the UQTR Green Hydrogen Lab, Deputy Director of the UQTR Institute for Hydrogen Research (IHR), Adjunct Professor of Renewable Energy at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), member of the “NTNU Team Hydrogen”. He is President of the Green Hydrogen Division of the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE). He has recently been (i) invited to join the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET): An Independent Advisory Council to the United Nations’ Secretary-General, and (ii) awarded the "IAHE Sir William Grove Award" for his work in hydrogen, fuel cell and electrolyser technologies. His research covers a wide range of areas from the development of novel materials for low-temperature fuel cells and water electrolyzers, hydrogen production from (non-)pure waters, organics, and bio-wastes to fuel cell and electrolyzer systems, demonstrators, and prototypes. His research also focuses on ultrasound and sonoelectrochemistry to produce fuel cell and electrolyser materials and to improve electrochemical processes. He co-founded and co-directed the Birmingham Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research (UK) and was Director of Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Systems Integration & Technology Validation Competence Centre (South Africa). He has worked for Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Ltd (UK) and other various industries worldwide as Technical Account Manager, Project Manager, Research Manager, R&D Director, Head of R&D and Chief Technology Officer. He gained his PhD in Physical Chemistry in the field of Electrochemistry and Sonochemistry at Coventry University (UK) and undertook his PostDoc in Electrocatalysis at the Liverpool University Electrochemistry (UK). He serves on several associations and industry boards as well as editorial boards of international journals (Elsevier, Royal Society of Chemistry, Springer, Wiley & IOP). He edited over 17 books, wrote 2 books, and published over 25 book chapters in hydrogen and fuel cells, sonochemistry and sonoelectrochemisty. He has also delivered over 200 keynote and invited talks at various international events.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Georges_Pollet
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=q9y11uAAAAAJ&hl=en
 
 
Consultant Member Class
 
Mark Kirby – Principal, Mark Kirby Consulting
 
Mark Kirby is a seasoned chemicals and cleantech executive with a decade of experience in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry. Mr. Kirby has held senior positions at Ballard Power Systems, where he managed the $100 million divestiture of the company’s automotive fuel cell business to Daimler and Ford, as well as Questair Technologies. Mr. Kirby served as the president and CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) from 2019 to 2022.
 
Former President and CEO of Fortress Advanced Bioproducts, the biotechnology division of Fortress Global Enterprises, Mr. Kirby laid the groundwork for a Canadian biorefinery demonstration project with over $30 million in government support. He also co-founded S2G Biochemicals, where he was responsible for leveraging millions of dollars in government and private funding while developing strategic partnerships to position the company’s technology for commercialization. Additionally, Mr. Kirby was responsible for integrating acquisitions and growing new global businesses for a $100 million division of Praxair.
 
Mr. Kirby is currently a member of the HTEC Board of Directors. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia.
 
Geoff Budd – Principal, G&S Budd Consulting
 
Geoff Budd has broad and deep experience in the business development of fuel cells, hydrogen production and storage related products spanning more than 20 years, including over that period work for Ballard Power Systems, business development activities for ITM-Power, OMB-Saleri and BayoTech.
 
 
 
End-user Member Class
 
Luc Séguin, Eng. , ASC – Director, Strategic Projects, ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada
 
Senior executive combining more than 40 years of Canadian and international experience (Belgium, Italy, UK) in manufacturing operations (chemicals, petrochemicals, steel), business development, investment/enterprise financing and consulting in project management. Currently responsible for strategic projects in the steel industry and holds position on a Board of Directors of a maritime terminal.
 
Experienced with operations management in multi-site environments, major capital expenditure programs, business development, sales and supply chain management . Solid experience in strategic planning, business plans execution and value creation. Participated on a few greenfield projects and got acquainted with project management challenges in plant construction environments.
 
Managed teams of investment professionals in the areas of mining, energy (electrical power, oil & gas), plastics, chemicals, steel, primary aluminium, value-added manufacturing, information technology, health sciences and agri-food. Proven Board of Directors experience including related committees (HR, operation, audit).
 
Developed and managed high caliber teams with a focus to grow people’s skills to the highest standards in multi-cultural environments.