Meet the Team: Johan Schönström
Johan’s driving force is to make a positive impact, he enjoys using his vast knowledge of the Swedish paper industry to support Liquid Wind.
As our Senior Energy Advisor, Johan is building a mutually beneficial collaboration with the host for our first eMethanol facility, Övik Energi, as well as identifying suitable partners for many more facilities.
What inspired you to join Liquid Wind?
When I first heard about Liquid Wind, I was impressed by the ambitious vision of the company. Sustainability is now a basic requirement for our lives and I consider Liquid Wind’s plan to produce a sustainable fuel, that is in short supply and growing in demand, a very smart approach to enable a more sustainable society.
After finding out more about the concept, it was clear that my knowledge and experience within the Pulp and Paper industry would be valuable to support the project. I enjoy the opportunity to influence and make a positive change, I have found this in Liquid Wind where our work contributes to the well-being of society. I was delighted to join the passionate team just over a year ago and to support the development of this environmentally smart product.
What experience do you bring to the team?
I am a technician and engineer with 38 years of experience from the Swedish paper industry. This experience and understanding, as well as my industry connections, supports Liquid Wind in identifying and collaborating with suitable hosts for eMethanol production facilities. The main role of the facility host is to provide biogenic CO2, which is combined with green hydrogen to form methanol. We also work closely to efficiently share other resources such as land, heat, energy or oxygen. I work with both parties to identify synergies and optimise the process to efficiently use resources and minimise costs.
Networking is another important part of my role as Senior Energy Advisor. With over 10 years of experience in energy-related topics, I have built a large network of relevant contacts. This will support in building a pipeline of suitable partners who are interested in converting their carbon dioxide emissions into a valuable resource.
During the last few years, I have also gained knowledge in topics such as contract issues, regulations, external monitoring and finance. I have noticed that it is good to have insights into other fields when working with a complex, emerging business like Liquid Wind.
How would you describe your work as Senior Energy Advisor at Liquid Wind?
My focus is two-fold, the design of our facilities and to build mutually beneficial relationships with facility hosts. This is a diverse and exciting position, and organisation is particularly important as there are many tasks waiting for me every day.
I work very closely with the fantastic team at Övik Energi, the host for our first facility, to optimise our work together. I model scenarios to calculate and analyse different approaches and identify how to make our production as efficient as possible, so collectively we can maximise resources and keep costs low for the fuel.
Övik Energi will host the first eMethanol production facility in Örnsköldsvik.
What are you focusing on for 2021?
This year, I am mainly focussing on developing the plans for FlagshipONE, our first eMethanol production facility which will be hosted by Övik Energi in Örnsköldsvik. The town is geographically well located, with access to a strong electricity network and biogenic carbon dioxide, it is also close to a shipping port which will support distribution of the fuel.
I am also working to identify suitable partners to host further facilities, such as other Heat and Power Plants or Pulp and Paper Mills. It is great to have secured our first site, however we have plans for many more. We are aiming to establish 10 facilities by 2030 and securing these site partners is an important first step. There is always a lot to do but I am eager to take these challenges.
For more information or to discuss opportunities with Johan, you can contact him at johan@liquidwind.se