Herman van Wechem
EDUCATION
Master degree Physical Chemstry (1971), University of Amsterdam:
PhD in Physical Chemistry (1976), University of Amsterdam
Herman van Wechem studied physical chemistry at the University of Amsterdam and graduated in 1971. After finalizing a PhD on Molecular Dynamics simulation of molten salts he joined Shell Research in Amsterdam in 1976 and was involved in the development and implementation of the Shell Coal Gasification Process. In 1984 he joined SIPM in The Hague and became groupleader for the development of Shell’s oil shale and tarsands activities. In 1988 he became responsible for the development and implementation of the first of its kind Shell GT process (SMDS, the Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis Process, 800 MUS$ investment) in Bintulu, Malaysia. In 1994 he became Technology Manager of the large and complex Shell refinery in Pernis, The Netherlands where he managed the 1.5 billion US$ PER+ project. After an assignment as Technology Manager for Catalyst Research & Development in Shell Chemicals he became Global Manager Innovation & Research in Shell Global Solutions. Research and development areas includeda.o.: biomas conversion into biofuels, new GTL concepts and catalyst, CO2 abatement technologies, novel solar cell concepts, altenative sulphur applications, hydrogen production from renewables resources and hydrogen transport & storage. A considerable part of the research activities weree executed in collaboration with a wide variety of universities and knowledge institutes on a global basis.
Dr. van Wechem has been chairman of the VIRAN, the industrial advisory board for NIOK (Netherlands Institute for Catalysis Research) and member of the Executive Committee of the DSTI (Dutch separation Technology Institute). He is Chairman of the Executive Board of DPI. (Dutch Polymer Institute). Presently he is consultant for alternative technologies and climate change issues.