In this Hydrogen Leader Podcast episode, we speak with Erik Schäfer, an experienced entrepreneur with a passion for green technology and the hydrogen economy.
Erik shares insights from his extensive career as a founder, having started approximately 20 companies over the last 30 years.
His journey began in Silicon Valley in 1988, and over the years, he transitioned from the internet and medical device industries to focus on natural resources and green technology.
Erik is currently involved in the natural hydrogen space, an emerging sector where hydrogen is extracted from the earth in its natural form, commonly referred to as natural, white, or geological hydrogen.
He discusses his work on projects in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Oman, where significant quantities of hydrogen have been identified.
Erik highlights the advantages of natural hydrogen, such as lower production costs and a smaller ecological footprint compared to traditional or green hydrogen.
He also talks about the regulatory challenges and the steps needed to make natural hydrogen a viable part of the global energy transition.
Additionally, Erik touches upon his engagement with the Hydrogen Europe organization and his efforts to promote natural hydrogen in Europe.
He shares his involvement in a hydrogen fund called Zenko, which aims to bridge the financing gap in the hydrogen industry by investing in later-stage companies.
Erik emphasizes the importance of collaboration among investors, project developers, and regulators to create a sustainable hydrogen economy.
Throughout the podcast, Erik's enthusiasm and dedication to making the world a better place through innovative green technologies are evident, and he encourages others to join him in this mission.