The Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) has reached a significant milestone in the execution of its flagship KETH project with the appointment of Reinoud Blok as Chief Executive Officer of the holding company, Luth Eolas Pty Ltd.
Chair of Luth Eolas, Tim Shanahan, said that Mr Blok’s appointment was a key milestone for the company on its roadmap to deliver the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub. Reinoud’s extensive experience in development, financing and delivery of major energy projects will create significant momentum towards reaching a Final Investment Decision on the project this year.
Reinoud has 30 years experience in the international oil & gas industry with senior management roles in Africa, Europe, the UK and Australia with Shell, Woodside and INPEX. He gained extensive experience in decarbonisation of energy projects, including LNG, renewable energy and hydrogen. He holds a MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and an MBA Certificate in Finance from Heriot-Watt University in the UK.
Mary Hackett, Chair of the Future Energy Exports CRC, said that with the addition of Reinoud as CEO, having both large scale industry skills and entrepreneurial intelligence, the KETH facility and associated FEnEx CRC research and development programs could not be in better hands.
Mr Blok said that he is delighted to join the company and lead such an important energy transition project as KETH. This project is a missing piece in WA’s energy strategy as it will allow demonstration of key technologies to transition the A$50 billion energy export industry to net zero emissions at limited capital investment. The project will be a breeding ground for innovative solutions to decarbonise LNG production, as well as demonstrate production, storage and utilisation of green hydrogen.
Professor Eric May, FEnEx CRC CEO and WA Scientist of the Year, welcomed Reinoud into the role as a crucial member of the team needed to deliver the KETH project, which continues to gather momentum. “KETH has the potential to elevate Western Australia to a world leading position when it comes to actually demonstrating how to decarbonise energy production.”
About the Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub
Luth Eolas Pty Ltd was established in 2021 as a subsidiary of the Future Energy Export CRC to commercialise the Kwinana Energy Transition Hub (KETH). The project will consist of a 10 tonnes/day demonstration scale LNG production facility and a 2 MW electrolyser located in Kwinana able to produce 800 kg/day of green hydrogen. The facility is on track for a final investment decision this year and will start production in 2024. It will provide unique opportunities for clients to test, demonstrate and qualify new technologies, as well as deliver training and conduct research in a live and highly controlled production environment. The project enjoys strong support from the WA government and industry as a key enabler on the roadmap to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.