HDF Energy (Hydrogène de France), leading developer of large-scale green hydrogen infrastructure and high-power fuel cell manufacturer, announces the appointment of Jean- Noel de Charentenay as new chairman of certified low-carbon hydrogen project NewGen.
HDF Energy and KGL, dedicated shareholders of NewGen, have successfully concluded crucial deliberations pertaining to foreign direct investment and resource mobilization. This significant achievement sets the stage for the commencement of NewGen’s Final Investment Decision in early 2025 with construction to follow soon after. The successful development of the NewGen project represents a substantial 200 million USD (1.4 billion TTD) worth of development activities, with an impressive 500 million TTD earmarked for local contractors in Trinidad & Tobago.
Mr. Jean-Noel de Charentenay
NewGen Energy, Chairman &
Deputy CEO, HDF Energy
This milestone agreement coincides with the programmed appointment of a new Chairman, Jean-Noel de Charentenay, who serves as the Deputy CEO of HDF Energy, a prominent French global player in the hydrogen industry. Boasting over four decades of professional experience, including a remarkable 15 years at the helm of organizations specializing in hydrogen and renewable energy equipment, Mr. De Charentenay has been an integral member of NewGen’s board since HDF acquired a 70 per cent stake in the project in April 2022.
Scheduled for September 2023, Mr. De Charentenay, accompanied by Thibault Menage, HDF Vice President for the Caribbean, and other team members will embark on a high-level visit to Trinidad and Tobago. During this visit, they will present an updated business plan and timeline, underlining HDF Energy’s unwavering commitment to the NewGen project.
Commenting on these developments, Damien Havard, President of HDF Energy, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Among the 5 billion USD pipeline of hydrogen projects we are developing globally, the potential of NewGen is truly exceptional. We are thrilled to lead this monumental initiative in collaboration with KGL. Mr. De Charentenay’s steadfast involvement since the project’s inception, coupled with his wealth of experience, receives my wholehearted endorsement as we enter this crucial phase of development. I extend my gratitude to Mr. Julien for his remarkable leadership as NewGen’s inaugural Chairman throughout its critical developmental stages.”
Outgoing NewGen and current KGL Chairman Philip Julien remarked, “These strategic adjustments arrive at a crucial juncture in our project’s evolution. HDF has proven to be an exemplary partner, contributing global expertise, unparalleled connections, and invaluable insights. This synergy, combined with KGL’s local insights and experience, has fortified our project’s foundations. KGL eagerly anticipates building upon this collaboration as we continue our regional and international project development endeavors.”
Upon completion, NewGen is poised to produce approximately 20,000 tons of certified low-carbon hydrogen per annum. The project has already received its carbon certification validated by TUV Rhienland of Germany, one of Europe’s leading carbon certification bodies. This substantial output is poised to cater to the requirements of downstream petrochemical plants, significantly contributing to a sustainable and greener industrial landscape.
