Low Carbon Fuels MENA

Dr Iman Nasseri, Managing Director - Middle East, is based in Dubai. He received his PhD in Economics in the United States, focusing on energy economics, in 2013.

In FGE, he is primarily focused on downstream oil and NGLs. Iman is responsible for Middle East oil research; he also works closely with the refining team and has been involved with FGE’s Annual World Refining Outlook since 2014.

Since Jan 2018, as MD of Middle East, Iman has been in charge of the FGE analysis and coverage of the Middle East for oil, NGLs, and power.

Iman holds a Master’s degree in Energy Systems Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He previously worked for Iran’s Institute for International Energy Studies (IIES), the research arm of the Ministry of Petroleum.

Before relocating to FGE-London in 2014 as a full-time consultant, Iman joined FGE's Hawaii office in 2009 on a part time basis, where he was involved with several refining and gas-related projects.

Graham Hoar is the Global Head, Hydrogen, Ammonia & Methanol Advisory at Poten & Partners based in London and has successfully delivered value throughout his 34-year career in plant operations, energy & chemicals advisory and technology licensing.

Graham has strengths in strategic planning, commercial and techno-economic analysis as well as extensive experience in project and business evaluations/privatisations.  He has also led commercial and technical/environmental due diligence support for many project finance and M&A activities as well as expert witness/litigation support.

Previously Graham was the vice president leading the global Ammonia, Syngas & Fertilizers business for KBR Technology.  Before KBR, he was a VP at Nexant Energy & Chemicals Advisory leading its global C1 chemicals & fertilizers activities and its West European region having previously led its Middle East region from Bahrain.  He has also worked for ICI (Petrochemicals), ICI/DuPont (Nylon Intermediates) and ICI/Terra Nitrogen (Ammonia & Fertilizers) in roles including technical and operations management as well as project and commissioning management. 

Graham holds a 1st class honours degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Birmingham, UK, and is also a chartered member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Noriyuki Ueda is the Chief Executive Officer of JERA Middle East and Africa, based in Dubai, where he leads the company’s strategic initiatives across the region.

Having spent more than three decades in the global energy industry, Mr. Ueda has extensive experience in the development of independent power projects, mergers and acquisitions, and decarbonization initiatives. He has held key roles in power generation projects and business development across countries including Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and the Middle East.

In recent years, Mr. Ueda’s focus has expanded to include net-zero technologies, such as carbon capture and low-carbon fuel, in line with JERA’s net-zero commitment. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Japan’s Yokohama National University.

Mrs. Klavers has been working in the global energy industry for 30 years and has deep experience in the entire energy chain including energy commodity markets, refining operations and vehicle engine design, petrochemicals and transportation fuels markets. Since moving to the U.S. in 1996, she has worked in energy market consulting, first launching and building the global consulting business at Hart Energy, focusing on global fuel quality, biofuels and refining. 
 

At Argus, Ms. Klavers built their Americas consulting business reflecting subject matters from crude, gas, LNG, metals, fertilizers, petrochemicals and biofuels and biomass. Prior to coming to the U.S., she worked as a process engineer, designing refineries for JGC in Japan and as an Oxygenated Fuels Specialist for Arco Chemicals (LyondellBasell) in the United Kingdom. 
 

She is from Norway and holds a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering from Twente University in the Netherlands, and Tokyo Institute of Technology holds a patent for her methane coupling catalyst. Ms. Klavers is the President of the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce, actively participates in the Executive Women of Energy, and participated in the National Petroleum Council.

Gunnar Holen is the CEO in Nordic Electrofuel since February 2016. He has successfully developed the company and funded it with seed capital. Have negotiated and secured important contracts together with his team, which includes off-take, utilities, CO2 supply, long term renewable Power, Oxygen deliveries / distribution.

He has successfully built and developed the organization with a highly qualified management team. Led the company through the Basic Engineering phase, positioning it for construction. In July 2023, secured a maximum grant of €40 million from the EU Innovation Fund, where the company achieved the highest score among all mid-sized projects, earning an impressive 82.5 out of 90 points

Mr. Gunnar Holen is a seasoned corporate and investment finance professional with 31 years of experience in investment banking. Possesses extensive expertise in fundraising and mergers & acquisitions, having led and actively participated in numerous high-profile placements.

Previously, he held a top-rated and well-recognized profile as an investment analyst across domestic and international markets.
Has shown high entrepreneurship through founding and developing an Investment Bank from 2 to 50 employees and going from NOK 0 to NOK 80 million in annual revenues in five years.

Co-founder and CEO of two investment banks, with a proven track record of advising numerous companies that have thrived and scaled under his leadership. In every role, he has been a key contributor to the success and growth of the organizations he has worked with. He is also Co-founder and former board member of Norge Mining, as well as CEO of its Norwegian subsidiary, Norge Mineraler. Under his leadership, the company made one of the largest mineral discoveries in the world in recent years

David Smith, EVP of Marubeni Middle East and Africa Power Limited, is responsible for the development and asset management of e fuel and decarbonization projects in the Middle East and Africa region. By leading the development of green hydrogen and its derivative production projects in this region Marubeni aims to supply clean energy from the region to the international market contributing to the decarbonization of heavy industry while stimulating the growth of regional economies.

During his career he has developed and brought into operation over 6,500 MW across all fuels and technologies in the US, Asia Pacific and the Middle East while working for Marubeni, Saudi Aramco and Occidental Petroleum.

David holds a Masters degree in Nuclear Energy from the University of Arizona. 

Yousuf began his career in the construction and contracting sector, where he gained practical experience in engineering, management, and accounting. He held various positions within the SS Lootah Group before establishing his own ventures. In 2010, he founded Lootah Biofuel, a bold and pioneering step as it was the first of its kind in the region. He has received numerous local awards for his achievements in biofuel production and actively participates in conferences and seminars on biofuel production, circular economy, and youth-related issues.

He also founded the Institute of Applied Expertise, which aims to equip young people with knowledge and skills by integrating them into the workforce to gain practical experience. Additionally, he contributed to the establishment of Tawaazon TV channel, headquartered in Dubai.

Yousuf received his education in Dubai and studied aerospace engineering in Germany.

Gary Hubbard is the SVP responsible for all Commercial & Operational matters at TBFCo in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.  Founded in 2022, they are now the largest producer of European-compliant net zero biofuel in the GCC. 
 

Having worked across the Middle East since 2000, his focus is on providing high quality net zero fuel to the logistics, power generation, FMCG, hospitality, maritime, events and construction industries within the Kingdom to achieve Saudi Vision 2030.
 

He was also responsible for the first maritime bunkering of biofuel within the UAE in 2020 and has been involved in almost every biofuel bunkering in region, since then. 
 

He specialises in environmental supply chain optimisation and strategic planning, reducing client costs and enhancing their sustainable business operations.  His extensive international experience has been gained in the Middle East, North and South America, Asia Pacific, Africa and Europe, holding senior leadership positions for MAERSK, DSV, DHL, Geodis, Hapag Lloyd, Transmar Line & Neutral Fuels. 
 

Married for 24 years to Julia, they have two sons, Jack & Alex, both in their twenties. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

 Mr. Kenny Kitamura is Chief Representative for the Middle East of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), based in Dubai. He covers 16 countries, including Gulf region, Pakistan and Egypt, promoting economic development and integration to bring shared prosperity.

Prior to taking the current position, he advanced his career mainly in project financing towards infrastructure projects, notably IPP and IWPPs in MENA region. Building up on his career in project finance, he served as Adjunct Professor at Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University. He earned a Master of Business Administration from London Business School and
Bachelor of Laws from KEIO University.

Sukh is the regional head of energy project financing and advisory for Société Générale based in Dubai. He has over 15 years’ banking experience in London covering transactions across Europe, Middle East and Africa. In 2024 he moved to the UAE to specifically focus on the GCC region. His career has allowed him to follow the evolution of energy transition financing; from offshore wind projects in the early 2010s to complex green hydrogen projects in the GCC more recently. Sukh’s banking pedigree is underpinned by roles at leading project finance banks including Société Générale, MUFG and Standard Chartered. He holds a Masters degree in Financial Economics.

Mohamed Ali ZEROUALI is a Moroccan-born sustainable energy advocate with a special focus on Africa and Middle-East. Ali is Executive Vice President MEA at HIF Global, world leader in Renewable Hydrocarbons. He is in charge of developing HIF activities in the region, relating to the production of eMethanol and eFuels from renewable energies.

Previously, Ali Zerouali held the position of Executive Director in charge of Cooperation & International Development at Masen with a particular focus on Africa and Middle-East.

In this capacity, he piloted Masen's projection in some twenty countries on the African continent and worked to strengthen its position with international institutions, in particular through Desert to Power with the AfDB for the benefit of the Sahel countries, the launch of an international coalition at the UN, based on the principle of South-South cooperation, or even a strategic partnership with the IsDB to support African member countries of the IsDB in exploiting their renewable potential. He also developed South-North cooperation, coordinating the SET Roadmap project integrating renewable energy markets between Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Ali ZEROUALI, through his first positions (BNP Paribas, Accenture), has acquired extensive experience in managing corporate restructuring projects and international business development. On his return to Morocco, he notably assumed the general management of the company MCS, a subsidiary of the American Holding UTC.

A graduate in engineering from Paris-Saclay University with a master degree from the Ecole des Mines de Paris and HEC Paris, Ali Zerouali is a militant of Afro-optimism, convinced that a bright future lies ahead for the African continent, particularly through energy, a fundamental factor to sustainable development and growth. As such, he is working towards a green revolution dynamic on a regional and continental scale.

As Vice-President of the Africa Commission at the CGEM (General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises), and President of GreenH2’s International Commission, he strives to promote the development of the Moroccan private sector in Africa. Ali has also been appointed in the Council of Engineers on the Energy Transition (CEET), an Independent Advisory Council to the UN Secretary-General.

Ali is married and the father of 2 children.

Nildeep Dholakia is a Senior Bunker Trader and New Fuels Advisor at Glander International Bunkering, with 8 years of experience across the company’s Mumbai and Dubai offices. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of the commercial, logistical, and regulatory aspects of marine fuel supply, with a growing focus on new fuel solutions.

In his current role, he actively promotes the company’s net-zero offerings, advising clients and suppliers on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction regulations and their impact on fuel strategies and port operations. He also conducts internal training for traders on Net Zero pathways and new fuel solutions. Leveraging his background in banking and finance, Nildeep brings a strong analytical approach to his work, helping clients manage risk and navigate new energy regulations.

As a panelist for “Sustainable Marine Fuels Adoption, Availability of Supply, Partnerships, and Supply Chain Challenges,” he will share insights and offer practical perspectives on fuel availability, supply chain readiness, and the future of alternative fuels in shipping.

Stanislav Kachevsky is a Business Development Manager for Sustainable Methanol at Johnson Matthey. He is a seasoned professional in the field of chemical industry holding a Ph.D. in Catalysis and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Strategic Management. For the last 15 years Stanislav Kachevsky held various roles within Johnson Matthey focused on developing and expanding markets first in the Former Soviet Union and later globally. Through his extensive experience, he has successfully established relationships with the engineering partners and the key industry players driving the delivery of cutting-edge JM technology solutions to clients.

Dr. Senthil Chinnasamy is an expert in algae-based carbon capture and bioinnovation, currently serving as the Director and Chief Scientific Officer of Aarksee Group in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. With over 28 years of scientific leadership, he has led pioneering research and technology deployments in microalgae cultivation, carbon capture, biofuel production, and sustainable waste valorization. His multidisciplinary expertise combines environmental biotechnology and climate-focused innovation to create nature-based carbon capture strategies tailored for desert and arid ecosystems.

He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Microbiology from the prestigious Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI-PUSA), New Delhi. Dr. Chinnasamy was instrumental in establishing one of the Gulf region’s first large-scale algae testbed facilities for carbon capture and biofuel production for Saudi Aramco in 2021. Prior to joining Aarksee, he served as Chief Technology Officer at Aban Group, where he successfully demonstrated the conversion of 41 different waste streams—including microalgae and other carbon-rich materials—into biocrude using advanced hydrothermal conversion technology. His work enabled the successful demonstration of co-processing algal biocrude with petroleum, in collaboration with Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) in India and Muradel in Australia to reduce the carbon intensity of conventional fuels.

At the University of Georgia (USA), under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Biorefining and Carbon Cycling Program, Dr. Chinnasamy led flagship projects on microalgae biofuels and anaerobic digestion from 2007 to 2010. Earlier, as Chief Scientist at Rajshree Sugars & Chemicals Ltd., his contributions led to the development of India’s first zero-effluent discharge composting technology for distillery waste—a benchmark in industrial sustainability.

A passionate advocate for climate innovation, Dr. Chinnasamy has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications on algae and holds three U.S. patents, with ten more pending across cutting-edge technologies in carbon capture, green materials, bioenergy, and sustainable resource systems. At Aarksee Group, he leads the development of next-generation biofuels from biocrude, hybrid direct air capture (DAC) systems, algae-powered carbon offset solutions, and high-impact bio-based products—strategically aligned with global net-zero ambitions.

Mr. Hasegawa is Executive Director at JETRO Dubai and special advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry(METI), Japanese government. He joined METI in 2004. Since then he has professional experience ranging from Small and Medium Enterprise Policy, Trade Policy, Public Relations at Prime Minister’s Office, National Space Policy at Cabinet Office, and Manufacturing Industries Policies.

Between 2019 to 2022, Mr. Hasegawa served as the Director for METI’s Energy Demand and Supply Policy Office, Policy Coordination Division, Agency of Natural Resources and Energy, where he spearheaded energy finance (dealt with EU taxonomy and launched transition finance), energy innovation (launched the 15-billion-dollar energy innovation fund supporting clean energies including hydrogen and ammonia) and energy regulation (amended related laws ranging from energy efficiency, electricity business permission, and energy finance for hydrogen and ammonia).

Imane Benhayoun is a Senior Manager in the Green Hydrogen Business development unit. She had a significant role in the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project, where she led the procurement negotiations for the entire power scope, and is now responsible for the development of all the green hydrogen projects of the company in North Africa as well as contributing to some pivotal projects in the Middle East region.

She has a large experience in the renewables business as she has worked on the development of several Solar PV, Wind and BESS projects, but also focused on the optimization of the operating assets.

She has also made significant contributions in public affairs and government relations, with active participation in policy negotiations at the European Commission. She is a dedicated advocate of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and has been engaging in several social projects through the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers community.

She holds a Master’s of Science from Ecole Centrale Paris, France.

RAUL MANZANAS OCHAGAVIA is the Development Director at ACCIONA NORDEX GREEN HYDROGEN for EMEA since 2023. He has been working in the Renewable & Wind Industry since 2004. First as Acciona Energia Head of International Asset Manager, then from 2007 till 2014, he was leading Technical R&D Technology within Acciona Energia, Offshore Wind Technical and Business development, with special focus on Floating solutions, Supporting Acciona Group activities in Offshore O&G, Developing BESS solutions, with 1st World Containerized 1MW BESS connected to PV (ILIS Project) in partnership with SAFT in 2008. During this period of time He was Chairman of Industrial EUROGIA+ Cluster, supported by EU Member States and EU Commission to promote Decarbonisation solutions. In 2014, he moved to Acciona Windpower as Head of O&M and After Sales, being part of the Key group driving the Merge process with Nordex during 2015 and post integration and he was Head of Services for International Division (Americas, Med, Africa and APAC.

Raul has a MSc Industrial Engineer (TECNUM – Navarra University), an Executive MBA (UPC) and a Master in Renewable Energy (CENIFER)

Sarah Raffoul specializes, within the Argus consultancy team, on oil refined products with a focus on the Mideast region. She additionally covers other regions and provides tailor-made research on markets. Her team is responsible for global fundamentals data and analytical tools, strategy reports and forward-looking price outlooks for the industry. Sarah has received a master’s degree from the University of Aberdeen and other certifications specializing in energy.

Omar is a strategic energy leader with over 20 years of experience, advising C-suite executives, private and public investors in the energy sector on initiatives like developing market-leading partnerships and ensuring the bankability of major capital intensive projects.

As a former Country Director of Baker Hughes Qatar, Omar contributed to the North Field Sustainability and Expansion project, increasing LNG production and reducing carbon footprints with low-carbon technologies. He founded Transengy Services, specializing in sustainable strategies for hard-to-abate industries through advanced technologies and innovative business models.

Omar has held senior roles, including Exectuvie Managing Director and board director at Air Liquide in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, and was responsible for investments and M&A for Air Liquide's largest business line from Paris.

An expert in energy strategies, specifically in low-carbon solutions like CCUS, hydrogen, and Power-to-X, Omar is a recognized thought leader, speaker, and author. He contributes to the hydrogen working group of the Middle East North Africa Clean Energy Business Council.

Omar holds a Master's in Physics and Material Sciences from the Grenoble Institute of Technology, a Master's in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and an MBA from London Business School. He is a leading figure in advancing clean energy solutions in MENA.

Sam Turton is Investment Director for the Mercantile & Maritime group of companies, based in Dubai. Sam is part of a team that identifies and executes opportunities of strategic significance to the group. Sam supports the trading business by securing access to long-term sources of product flows and infrastructure that offers a competitive market advantage through bespoke and targeted oil and gas financing structures. Sam is also director of MENA Terminals Fujairah, a multi-product storage terminal, currently undergoing an exciting expansion project into sustainable aviation fuel production.

Sam trained as a chartered accountant with KPMG, auditing and advising FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies worldwide. He then moved into corporate finance, advising on mergers, acquisitions and divestments, as well as financial and corporate restructuring, and debt and equity raising. Covering all sides of a transaction, Sam has advised on strategies ranging from accelerated buyouts to successful defences of hostile public takeovers. Sam has also raised funds for clients through both private capital and the public markets via Initial Public Offerings, placings, open offers and rights issues. In total, Sam has advised on corporate finance deals valued at over USD 15 billion.

Sam holds an honours degree in Physics from the University of Bath and is also a chartered member of the Institution of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

 Mr. Sasi Prabhakaran is the Director of Maritime Assets at the Maritime & Shipping Cluster of AD Ports Group, where he leads optimization initiatives across the cluster’s fleet. With over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, Sasi brings a deep understanding of both seafaring operations and strategic fleet management.

He began his career as a seafarer, serving on DFDE LNG carriers, Ro-Ros, VLCCs, tankers and containers before transitioning to shore-based leadership roles in ship management and fleet optimization. Over a 12-year sailing career, he developed hands-on technical expertise that now informs his approach to enhancing fleet performance and sustainability.
Prior to joining AD Ports Group, Sasi held several key positions at Svitzer and Maersk, where he focused on advancing fleet capabilities and driving technical innovation.

In his current role, Sasi leads efforts to implement optimization solutions, explore energy-saving technologies, and evaluate alternate fuel options. His work directly supports AD Ports Group’s sustainability goals and long-term vision for a more efficient and environmentally responsible fleet.

Dr. Alejandro Ríos is an independent consultant in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). He was the Director and Chairman of the Board of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) at Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU) for 12 years, which had as its members The Boeing Company, Etihad Airways, UOP-Honeywell, Safran, GE, ADNOC Refining, and Bauer
Resources. Dr. Ríos spearheaded the research in the use of salt water and halophytes to produce sustainable aviation fuel, and he continues to work to establish the SAF industry in the UAE by focusing on all viable pathways, including Power-to-Liquids.

Dr. Rios was Director of ASA Fuel Services in Mexico for 11 years, where he oversaw the operation and management of a network of 60 fuel farms and their 2,000+ into-plane operations.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, and Masters and Ph. D. degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering, from Cornell University, USA.

Willem-Jeroen Stevens is an entrepreneur with international leadership experience, founder of Clear Corporate Finance BV.
CLEAR is a corporate finance boutique with over 25 people, specializing in impact-driven technology companies and cross-border investment solutions. With deep expertise in fundraising and structuring, CLEAR connects high-potential funds, scale-ups, and renewable projects with the right investors to accelerate growth and innovation.

Previously built Transparent.eu, a market leading data analytics company from scratch to over 100 fte, 2 acquisitions, offices around the world, managed this as Owner/CEO and divested in 2016.

Skilled with an MBA in International Management, Master of Information Science and MM in Industrial Management, known for his abilities to discover needs and sell major solutions to customers and management, hands-on management style. Believer of Jim Collins, Good To Great and fan of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People from Stephen Covey.