Jan Mertens

Chief Science Officer Engie

Professor Jan Mertens is ENGIE's Chief Science Officer (CSO) building ENGIE's long term vision on technologies, identifying key international research players on selected emerging technologies, and initiating research partnerships worldwide for the group. Since 2019, Jan is also part-time professor at the University of Ghent in the domain of sustainable energy. He holds a PhD in environmental engineering from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (2006). He has over 60 scientific publications and his main research topics are related to emerging energy technologies, sustainability assessment including life cycle assessment, critical raw materials, emissions monitoring, carbon capture, carbon use, and water footprinting.

Main Conference Day 1: Wednesday 26th February

8:10 AM Keynote: Setting The Scene: The Three Pathways to Energy Transition and Where Methane Fits In

Decarbonization is a mandate that dominates your everyday. But what does this truly mean? Is this an outdated term that doesn’t consider the future of the energy transition? Jan believes a more appropriate term is de-fossilization. We need to step away from the granular and understand the bigger picture; as reducing the final percentage of methane emissions will require an open mind on emerging technology, an evolution of future collaboration, and a consideration of how carbon can be used to our advantage. In this keynote session Jan will guide us through the following pathway and provide critical context for the days ahead. 


1. Energy Efficiency: Can we do it with less energy? 

2. Electrifying Everything: Not just our cars! 

3. Hydrogen and E-Fuels: What does this mean for methane? 

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Jan.

Download The Latest Agenda