Meet the LowCoBio advisory board

“The advisory board is extremely important to the project,” says Linda Sandström, Project Manager of LowCoBio. "The combined expertise of the board is impressive, and our meetings help us to steer the project in the right direction. We receive input ranging from strategic guidance to detailed advice on difficult questions, and we are very grateful that the members take the time to engage with the project.” 

The experts advising LowCoBio

Magnus Zingler Stummann, Senior R&D manager at Topsoe, Denmark

Magnus has a PhD in catalytic hydropyrolysis and is leading a group called Waste2Oil Upgrading. The group works with hydrotreating first- and second-generation renewables, hydroprocessing plastic-derived oils, and hydroprocessing advanced biofuels such as fast pyrolysis oil. The group's focus is on understanding different feedstocks and supporting the development of new processes and catalysts.

In the LowCoBio Advisory board, Magnus contributes with industrial perspective on catalytic upgrading of biocrudes and knowledge about the composition of a wide range of different types of biocrudes.

Matias Ahonen, Senior Manager, Materials at Neste, Finland

Matias has a PhD in engineering materials, 11 years of experience in materials and corrosion research and research project management, and 7 years of experience in renewable oil refining in various expert and managerial roles.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to give my support in corrosion research under my expertise, especially when it supports the progress towards better construction material solutions for renewable fuel production.”

Ted Bergman, Director, Engineering & Projects, Auramarine

Ted Bergman brings solid expertise in plant design for various industries, with a particular focus on marine fuel applications. As a member of LowCoBio's advisory board, he supports the project by evaluating the business potential and market demand for marine fuels and by contributing his expert knowledge on issues relating to facilities, processes and technical feasibility. His expertise is an important asset in ensuring that the project's solutions are both scalable and industrially relevant.

Olov Öhrman, R&D Manager, Preem AB

Olov holds a degree in Chemical Engineering (2000), a PhD (2005), and served as an Adjunct Professor in Chemical Technology from 2014 to 2019. For the past 15 years, Olov has led research initiatives focused on sustainable energy, including biomass gasification, syngas cleaning and upgrading, fast pyrolysis and refinery integration, as well as catalysis and the upgrading of tire pyrolysis oil. His responsibilities include supervising and mentoring researchers, managing strategic research programs and partnerships, securing research funding, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.

"For LowCoBio, I will monitor research outcomes for possible direct industrial applications and provide feedback on the research plan and results interpretation to enhance the industrial relevance of ongoing activities whenever feasible."

Michael Kass, Distinguished Research Staff, ORNL

Michael holds a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering with over 30 years’ experience in the fields of fuels, engines, and combustion at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.   He has led several fuel-material compatibility studies for the U.S. Departments of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, and numerous industry partners.  Currently, Michael leads a 4-lab effort to explore the feasibility of biofuels for the marine sector for the U. S. DOE Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation.  He is also interested in all things Arctic, especially shipping and fuel impacts. 

 “I hope to provide guidance on fuel impacts to fuel systems and engines materials and components and, to a lesser degree, engine performance.”