From Oil to a New Purpose
Jordi Zonneveld, a concerned father of three daughters, didn’t want them growing up in a world dependent on oil, gas, and coal. He initially worked in the oil and gas industry, finding success as a project engineer in the Netherlands. Despite knowing little about the sector, Zonneveld thrived and was regularly promoted at Frames Group, a company specializing in oil and gas separation technology.
The Turning Point: 2015
By 2015, the oil industry faced a significant downturn with plummeting sales and halted projects. This was also the year the Paris Climate Agreement was signed, committing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For Zonneveld, it was a wake-up call. He realized that continuing in a 100% fossil fuel-dependent industry was no longer sustainable, especially with the world gradually moving towards cleaner energy.
Reimagining a Career for the Future
With the future of fossil fuels in doubt, Zonneveld and his colleagues began reconsidering their career paths. Zonneveld, now a father, wanted a better future for his children, one that didn’t rely on fossil fuel consumption. He didn’t believe he could single-handedly change the world but knew he could contribute to the transition toward cleaner energy.
Embracing Green Hydrogen
Zonneveld, then in top management, saw an opportunity in green hydrogen. Hydrogen, unlike fossil fuels, doesn’t produce planet-warming emissions and can be used to power trucks, planes, and even generate industrial heat. He envisioned Frames Group pivoting towards green hydrogen production, transferring the company’s expertise in gas separation to this cleaner alternative.
A New Path for Frames Group
Despite some resistance from longtime colleagues, Zonneveld pushed forward. He believed that even though the world might take decades to phase out fossil fuels, Frames Group could lead the charge toward green hydrogen. Over five years, Zonneveld successfully transitioned 10% of the company’s business to clean hydrogen.
A Merger with Plug Power
In 2021, Zonneveld’s vision caught the attention of Plug Power, a clean energy company focused on hydrogen and fuel cells. Seeing a shared mission to decarbonize industries, Plug Power acquired Frames Group. Plug Power’s CEO praised Zonneveld’s leadership and vision, noting how his push towards green hydrogen made him an ideal partner for the company’s goals.
Growing the Clean Hydrogen Market
Under Plug Power, Zonneveld faced challenges, including volatile stock prices and slow profits typical of a new industry. However, the company found major customers like Amazon, which now uses Plug Power’s hydrogen technology in 80 warehouses. The U.S. government’s financial support for clean hydrogen also helped Plug Power expand, with new hydrogen production plants under construction and plans to scale up global production.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Now a father of three, Zonneveld, 39, reflects on the journey that led him from oil and gas to green hydrogen. He shares his work with his eldest daughter, explaining the importance of moving away from fossil fuels. While the transition hasn’t always been easy, Zonneveld believes his daughters will one day be proud of the change he helped create. He remains optimistic about the future, confident that his efforts will contribute to a better, cleaner world for generations to come.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Euronews
Whether writing about complex technical topics or breaking news stories, my writing is always clear, concise, and engaging. My dedication to my craft and passion for storytelling have earned me a reputation as a highly respected article writer.