Power & Emissions – what does that mean, and what is the team’s role?
Arne: Putsimply , we are the central trading hub for electricity, gas and emissions allowances (PGE) within Mabanaft. We help to quantify and manage existing and future PGE commitments, for example from our ammonia plant in the US. And we support PGE hedging and risk management activities across Mabanaft’s entire value chain. Furthermore, we develop business and trading opportunities in new projects and markets, such as P2X solutions or CO₂ offsetting. We identify risks and reduce or optimise the risks that Mabanaft is prepared to take.
On the subject of emissions, could you explain in more detail why emissions are important for Mabanaft?
Arne: Let’s be honest: almost every company leaves a carbon footprint. Mabanaft is determined to tackle these emissions and take responsibility. My team supports the implementation of Mabanaft’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy as part of our day-to-day operations and our team objectives. And we mean business. For us, it’s important to push the boundaries here.
So the establishment of the PGE Desk is part of a wider initiative within Mabanaft?
Arne: That’s a very good point! The liquid fuels business and the energy markets in general are currently undergoing one of the biggest transformations in recent history. Electricity and gas are increasingly becoming key factors in fuel production. Reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases is of the utmost importance and is receiving the highest level of political attention – and rightly so! Mabanaft not only recognises this paradigm shift but is also determined to play an active role in the energy transition, and is already doing so. I’ve already mentioned our ammonia plant, P2X, hydrogen production and investments in infrastructure that support the energy transition – Mabanaft is strongly committed to investing in sustainable business models.
What does this mean for Mabanaft’s traditional fuel business?
Arne: We have a very loyal customer base across the entire sector, ranging from industrial customers to private end-users via our retail brands. We want to supply these customers in line with their respective businesses and needs. What we offer: a broad and flexible product range that serves the conventional market. And at the same time, we’re developing innovative low-carbon fuel solutions.
In fact, it is often our customers who explicitly ask for innovative products: e-fuels, CO₂ offsetting in fuel supply, ammonia as a bunker fuel – we do not want to dictate to our customers how they should adapt their businesses to the energy transition. Rather, we want to support our customers on their journey and develop products that suit both them and the environment.
It sounds as though the timing of your move to Mabanaft couldn’t have been better. Why did you choose Mabanaft?
Arne: I was impressed by Mabanaft’s ambition to play an active role in shaping the energy transition. Many steps have already been taken, but there is still a lot to do in some areas. That’s a major challenge. And, of course, the people at Mabanaft also made a great impression on me … and still do! When I look at what I bring to the table, I have skills that complement the company’s very well. I can fill a gap whilst also adding to the wealth of expertise that’s already in-house. All in all, a very good match!
You’ve been here for a few months now – what are your first impressions?
Arne: What I really like is that everyone wants to make a difference. Whenever someone has a good idea, people are ready to find solutions. Mabanaft is simply an organisation that’s open to new ideas. I’ve never heard anyone say, ‘No, we don’t want that.’ I get the feeling that everyone understands that the energy transition is inevitable. What’s more, the working environment here is very professional. You could sum it up like this: Mabanaft is big enough to be professional, but small enough to remain agile.
A rather personal question: how do you balance your day-to-day work with your private life?
Arne: It’s important to me to do what I genuinely believe is right for the environment. Mabanaft’s ambitions and, above all, its actions are clearly in line with what I believe we need to do to bring about positive change. Of course, we’re running a business and must do what’s right for the company and our customers at the same time. However, the importance of purpose cannot be overstated. Change starts with each and every one of us – it’s fantastic to do the right thing for the environment. Not just in my personal life, but also in what I can do with my team and for Mabanaft. We’re on an incredibly exciting journey.
Thank you very much for your time!
