LanzaTech names exec to lead China operations
Roselle-based LanzaTech recently appointed Ken C. Lai vice president of its Asia Pacific operations.
Based in Shanghai, he will oversee the development and commercialization of the company’s gas-to-advanced biofuels facilities as well as continued development of LanzaTech’s value chain partners in the region.
Lai joins LanzaTech from Shell Global Solutions International B.V., where he was general manager of licensing and sales for the Asia Pacific region. Including his 5-plus years at Shell, Global Solutions, he has more than 30 years of experience in technology licensing, sales, account management and business development in the petroleum refining and petrochemicals industry.
“LanzaTech is well on its way to fulfilling its potential to make a material impact on our energy future through the innovative use of waste gas resources,” said Lai. “With success at both Baosteel and Shougang Steel facilities in China, as well as partnerships with Global Fortune 500 companies for fuels and chemicals, LanzaTech is proving the versatility of its technology. I am excited to be part of the LanzaTech team and look forward to accelerating our growth in China and elsewhere in Asia.”
In December 2012, The National Development and Reform Commission, which regulates technology in China, reported that LanzaTech’s and Baosteel’s waste-gas-to-ethanol project met international standards regarding gas conversion rates and other technical milestones and gave clearance for the project to officially enter the commercialization phase. The two companies are currently developing the engineering for a new facility to further scale the process and make steel mill waste gas-biofuel a commercial reality in China. The full scale commercial facility with Baosteel is planned for 2014. LanzaTech is also currently operating a pre-commercial facility at a Shougang steel facility outside of Beijing.
“Ken brings an incredible combination of deep and proven experience to our leadership team,” said LanzaTech CEO Dr. Jennifer Holmgren. “China is ready for the new carbon era with a determination to make energy efficiency and renewable energy among its highest national priorities. Already a global leader in low carbon technology solutions, China is accelerating plans to introduce advanced energy efficiency technologies to emissions intensive industries, such as steel. This makes China an important market for LanzaTech’s carbon capture solutions. Having Ken on board to lead our growing China team will prove invaluable as we grow globally and continue our path to commercialization.”