CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 8 2022 7 Mar22259 Chemical Manufacturing CEO of the Year (Europe): Mattijs Slee Battolyser Systems is the developer of a unique technological solution that helps society implement an affordable energy transition, which is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation. The Battolyser is both a battery that never fills up and an electrolyser that is as flexible as a battery. It helps integrated energy companies and industrial companies to maximise the energy generated by wind and solar by producing green hydrogen when there is an abundance of renewable power. Battolyser Systems’ CEO, Mattijs Slee has worked in the energy industry for almost two decades and now we shine a light on him as he sees extraordinary success within the Global CEO Excellence Awards 2022. Mattijs Slee has always been motivated by the realisation that an energy transition is needed which is both affordable and practical and feeds sectors such as household and office heating and lighting, industrial applications, and transport. Battolyser Systems will play a major role in this transition, with Mattijs being delighted to have the opportunity to take charge of the company as CEO. Mattijs’ background makes him perfect for the role of CEO at Battolyser Systems. He spent 15 years working in various roles at Shell and holds an MSc and an MBA, which means he understands both the scientific and the business challenges and opportunities as the company continues to grow at a rapid pace. Mattijs says, “I am determined to devote my professional career to make clean energy available to everyone, all the time.” The Battolyser Systems team naturally started in the industry with the low hanging fruit, developing renewable power to replace the fossilderived power in our grids. Now, the more difficult part of the energy transition starts, namely the need to store surplus renewable power so it can be used when there is no sun or wind. In addition, decarbonising is needed of the sectors that cannot easily be electrified, such as chemicals and steel making. With net zero being the goal, solar and wind power will be the primary sources of energy – However, this will mean a lot of fluctuation in the supply of energy due to weather patterns that do not match with demand. A Battolyser can help balance the demand with supply, and thus bring the world quicker and more affordably towards net zero. This will be done by the Battolyser Systems team working with customers to create a Battolyser and augment its performance in various power markets. Mattijs explains, “We take a full customer perspective and optimise a Battolyser over a full energy system in which trading value, system efficiency and operational expenditures are taken into account. This way we can show the value of a Battolyser within its value chain.” In doing so, the team is constantly learning by solving new challenges, building knowledge, and strengthening team spirits. Because deeptech innovation is hard and it never goes exactly to plan. Mattijs tells us, “I often use an analogy of ‘trying to find your way through the jungle with a machete’. We know where we want to end up, but we do not always know in advance how to get there, so we have to deal with obstacles along the way.” In the end, this is hugely beneficial both for the company and its customers. Indeed, none of the company’s work could be a reality without its team. Mattijs truly believes in investing in a selection of people who have the right skills and who are truly motivated to make a difference in the fight against climate change. Such people have an internal drive which the company strives to empower as much as possible. Mattijs says, “We have created a company culture where procedures and bureaucratic approvals processes are kept to a minimum. We trust our people to make the right decisions and I have found that they rise to the challenge. This enables enormous speed and drives accountability.” Ultimately, Mattijs doesn’t want to do anything other than make Battolyser Systems as impactful as he can. He says, “It is an honour to lead this company and it is hugely fulfilling for me personally, not least because I get to work closely with some of the smartest people I have ever come across.” He also sees energy transition as a great opportunity for society to reset its practices and create new technologies and business models that not only reduce the strain on the environment, but can also improve societal wealth and sustainable prosperity. Looking at it this way may help reduce resistance to change and fuel appetite to invest. Next, Battolyser Systems needs to become a large company and support its customers to make green hydrogen affordable in order to help the world get to net zero quicker and minimise climate change. Green hydrogen is essential in a net zero world and its potential is huge. With its unique technology, Battolyser Systems expects to become a leading technology player in this vast market. Company: Battolyser Systems Contact: Mattijs Slee Web Address: www.battolysersystems.com y 540
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