Can you explain Haldor Topsoe’s vision to become the global leader in technologies to reduce carbon emissions by 2024?

Our vision is to become recognized as the global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies by 2024. Today, the biggest global challenge is climate change. Carbon emissions must be reduced in a joint effort between countries, companies and citizens. We believe we need to accelerate these efforts. The energy transition is crucial for the company and with our recognized strength in R&D we are in an optimal position to help industry in this challenge. The advanced technologies that we offer to industry, such as our technologies in lower sulfur content in fuels and our vast experience in hydrogen and ammonia, can complement significantly to the green agenda.

Leaving the world in a better shape for future generations is what drives us; it is our purpose.

Can you highlight some of the latest projects Haldor Topsoe is working on?

Haldor Topsoe originally focused on catalyst solutions for various industries as it still does today. For that reason, the gasoline, petrochemical and chemical industries are important for the company and now we add the commitment to the energy transition. We possess both the expertise and technologies needed to transform renewable electricity, biomass and waste into green hydrogen, green ammonia, e-methanol and e-fuels for zero emission fuels and chemicals that will power a sustainable future. A firm proof of our commitment is that we are investing in a manufacturing facility producing highly efficient Solid Oxide Electrolyzers Cells (SOEC) and with the new facility we aim to accommodate the rapidly increasing demand for competitive electrolysis technology, predominantly for green hydrogen plants based on renewable electricity.

What opportunities do you see for Argentina to monetize its Vaca Muerta resources?

There is great potential for Argentina to export Vaca Muerta resources to other parts of the region, particularly Brazil. We must take advantage of this opportunity to develop and monetize the natural gas market, which will help advance sustainable technologies and make the industry more competitive. However, the development of Vaca Muerta and Latin America’s natural resources in general needs to be done in a way that accompanies the green agenda that the world is proposing. This means that the technologies to be applied need to consider the capture or in situ re-processing of the CO2.

Dialogue between industry and government is necessary so that they are aware which issues need to be addressed. One of the main requests from industry to government has been to set clear goals and targets that continue regardless of changes in government. Stable rules and regulations are paramount for investment decisions and governments should work towards establishing these to attract and promote investment.

How has the agriculture side of Haldor Topsoe’s business evolved in recent years?

Haldor Topsoe has seen significant growth within the agribusiness over the past years as this industry goes from strength to strength. We are a strong player in the ammonia, urea and fertilizer segments, having worked closely with all fertilizer producers in the region for more than 30 years.

Latin America has enormous agricultural potential, and more fertilizer projects and plants should be established throughout the region to cover the increasing demand. Haldor Topsoe is ready to support and offer our technological and sustainable solutions, which will greatly benefit business and the environment.

Do you have a final message for fellow APLA members about the importance of maintaining dialogue?

Collaboration and conversation are fundamental for industry to grow more efficiently and sustainably, and associations like APLA are a key component of this. We cannot achieve global sustainability goals individually and therefore the industry needs to form partnerships and work together towards a common agenda.