The Green Steel Challenge

The Willy Korf Foundation
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED DAILY

The Green Steel Challenge podcast aims to invite a conversation, ignite innovation and accelerate change within and around the steel industry, contributing significantly to the decarbonisation of this crucial material. Drawing inspiration from Willy Korf, the German entrepreneur known as a steel rebel and pioneer of the mini-mill and DRI, this podcast challenges the steel industry. Produced by The Willy Korf Foundation and Kallanish Commodities, both neutral entities deeply connected to the steel industry yet without direct commercial interests, we aim to be a platform for transformative ideas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Season 3/Episode 9: Pete Johnson, Koloma,Inc.

    1D AGO

    Season 3/Episode 9: Pete Johnson, Koloma,Inc.

    Pete Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Koloma, based in Denver, Colorado. Koloma is focused on exploring and developing geologic (or “natural”) hydrogen as a new low-carbon energy source.If Koloma succeeds, it could transform the economics and availability of hydrogen – this could be a game-changer for decarbonising heavy industry. We’ll discover what geologic hydrogen is, how it’s found, and what it could mean for the future of green steel. Pete is offering us a fascinating glimpse into the future of clean hydrogen and its potential to transform the way we think about energy and industrial decarbonisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  2. Season 3/ Episode 8: TV Narendran, Tata Steel

    JAN 27

    Season 3/ Episode 8: TV Narendran, Tata Steel

    T. V. Narendran, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel, based in Mumbai in India. Tata is one of the world’s most respected steel companies. We’ll discuss how Tata Steel is reimagining steelmaking through innovation, electrification, and new technologies. His perspective reminds us that the road to green steel is not just about new technology—it’s about rethinking systems, partnerships, and the economics of sustainability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  3. Season 3/Episode 7: The Journey So Far

    JAN 13

    Season 3/Episode 7: The Journey So Far

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  4. Season 3/Episode 6: Andy Marsh, Plug Power

    12/16/2025

    Season 3/Episode 6: Andy Marsh, Plug Power

    Andy Marsh has served as CEO of Plug since April 2008, guiding the company’s transformation into a global leader in the hydrogen economy. Under his leadership, Plug has built the industry’s first vertically integrated green hydrogen ecosystem—spanning production, storage, delivery, and power generation—to help customers decarbonize at scale and achieve energy independence. A forward-thinking executive with deep technical expertise and a strong commercial focus, Marsh has led Plug’s strategic evolution from a fuel cell pioneer to a full-spectrum hydrogen solutions provider. His vision and leadership have positioned Plug at the forefront of the global energy transition, delivering breakthrough technologies and building long-term partnerships with industry leaders like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. Prior to Plug, Marsh was co-founder and CEO of Valere Power, a power solutions company serving the telecommunications industry. Under his leadership, Valere grew into a profitable global operation with more than 200 employees and $90 million in revenue, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Eltek ASA in 2007. During his tenure, Valere earned numerous accolades, including the Tech Titan Award and Red Herring’s Top 100 Innovators. Marsh is a recognized thought leader in the hydrogen and clean energy sectors. He is the former Chair of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), a member of the Hydrogen Council, and serves on several boards, including GEVO, the UAlbany Economic Advisory Board, and the Northern Ireland Delegation. He holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Duke University, an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Temple University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  5. Season 3/Episode 5: Alex Tancock, Intercontinental Energy

    12/02/2025

    Season 3/Episode 5: Alex Tancock, Intercontinental Energy

    Alex Tancock is the CEO of InterContinental Energy, a global leader in large-scale green hydrogen development who has been at the forefront of the industry for more than 10 years. Under his leadership, the company has pioneered a portfolio of groundbreaking projects, with its three flagship projects attracting partnerships from some of the largest names in energy. With backing from major institutional investors like GIC and Hy24, InterContinental Energy has established itself at the forefront of the green molecule sector. The company’s innovative team and approach extends beyond project development, and into giga scale enabling technology through its patented P2(H2)Node TM architecture. Alex's expertise and strategic insights make him a significant voice in the energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  6. Season 3/Episode 4: Olivier Vassart, ArcelorMittal Steligence

    11/18/2025

    Season 3/Episode 4: Olivier Vassart, ArcelorMittal Steligence

    Steligence is ArcelorMittal’s science-backed construction philosophy that treats buildings as holistic, “living” entities—promoting integrated collaboration between architects, engineers, and developers to optimize flexibility, cost, and sustainability. It leverages a tailored suite of steel products and modular design to deliver measurable benefits like faster construction, lighter foundations, and reduced embodied carbon. Ultimately, Steligence accelerates demand for green steel by providing concrete design frameworks that enhance economic and environmental performance in buildings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  7. Season 3/Episode 3: Berk Birand, Fero Labs

    11/04/2025

    Season 3/Episode 3: Berk Birand, Fero Labs

    Berk Birand, Ph.D. is the co-founder and CEO of Fero Labs, an industrial AI software company helping global manufacturers cut costs and emissions through explainable machine learning. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Columbia University, Berk has published and patented research in IoT and network optimization. At Fero Labs, he leads the company’s mission of “Profitable Sustainability,” enabling factories to reduce waste, energy use, and CO₂ emissions while boosting efficiency and profitability. Under his leadership, Fero Labs has raised over $20M in funding, saved clients tens of millions of dollars, and prevented more than 100,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  8. Season 3/Episode 2: Sebastian Langendorf, Meranti Green Steel

    10/21/2025

    Season 3/Episode 2: Sebastian Langendorf, Meranti Green Steel

    Meranti Green Steel, based in Singapore, is developing a 2.5 Mt/year HBI plant in Duqm, Oman, using renewable hydrogen to supply CBAM-compliant green iron to Europe by 2029. At the same time, it is building Southeast Asia’s first green flat steel mill in Rayong, Thailand, producing up to 2 Mt/year of low-carbon hot-rolled coil with DRI + EAF technology. Together, these projects create an integrated green steel value chain linking Middle Eastern hydrogen resources with Asian and European demand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
See All (43)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Green Steel Challenge podcast aims to invite a conversation, ignite innovation and accelerate change within and around the steel industry, contributing significantly to the decarbonisation of this crucial material. Drawing inspiration from Willy Korf, the German entrepreneur known as a steel rebel and pioneer of the mini-mill and DRI, this podcast challenges the steel industry. Produced by The Willy Korf Foundation and Kallanish Commodities, both neutral entities deeply connected to the steel industry yet without direct commercial interests, we aim to be a platform for transformative ideas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    The Willy Korf Foundation
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Astrid Korf-Wolman
  • Show Website
    The Green Steel Challenge

You Might Also Like