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Zero Petroleum and Tom Smedley: The Future of the Energy Industry

Zero Petroleum and Tom Smedley
Photo Courtesy: Tom Smedley

The race to revamp the energy industry has found a new star in Zero Petroleum. As global markets wrestle with the dual challenges of energy security and environmental protection, this British company has revealed the perfect solution: synthetic fuels created from air and water. 

With the recent appointment of Tom Smedley as chief commercial officer, Zero Petroleum is projected to grow from a simple startup to a global force in sustainable energy. 

The Industry at Large

Global oil demand has reached unprecedented levels, crossing 100 million barrels per day for the first time in history. Despite this, the industry faces mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining reliable energy supplies. Traditional petroleum companies are investing heavily in production, with upstream oil and gas investment expected to reach $570 billion in 2024. As the industry grapples with geopolitical tensions and turbulent market dynamics, such a surge stands out in stark contrast.

The refining sector has also experienced a redirection, with global capacity shrinking by 4.5 million barrels per day since 2019. This reduction, coupled with growing environmental concerns, has created a need for eco-friendly alternatives that can work within existing infrastructure.

Zero Petroleum’s Solution

Zero Petroleum is one among the particularly promising contenders in synthetic fuel production, having developed a process that creates carbon-neutral fuels from water and carbon dioxide extracted from the air. The company’s Plant Zero.1, opened in 2023, is one of the world’s first fully-featured synthetic fuel facilities, with the greater green energy production field expected to feature many more in the coming years.

The company’s achievements include powering the first aircraft with synthetic fuel, earning a Guinness World Records title. Their partnership with ADNOC to explore synthetic fuel production in the UAE further solidifies the potential of the technology.

Tom Smedley’s Concept of Scale

With such high stakes on the line, the appointment of Tom Smedley as chief commercial officer brings much-needed skill in scaling businesses to Zero Petroleum. His track record includes transforming Foresight Works to a staggering multi-million valuation and driving Snappt Inc. to an even greater height in the triple-digit millions–two major feats rarely replicated by other start-up companies. Smedley’s global experience across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the United States positions him best to drive Zero Petroleum’s international expansion.

It’s not about making better or cleaner fuel. Instead, we want to make a better, cleaner future,” Smedley emphasized. “Carbon-neutral fuels should be accessible and affordable worldwide.” 

The timing couldn’t be more critical. The EU has mandated synthetic fuels in aviation, starting at 1.2% in 2030 and increasing to 35% by 2050. Zero Petroleum, under Smedley’s commercial leadership, seeks to meet this growing demand through wide-reaching upscaling of production facilities.

The company’s strategy includes deploying Plant Zero.2 by 2025, which will manufacture commercial-scale synthetic fuels. This expansion alongside Smedley’s talent for driving growth and securing major investments, has industry analysts expecting Zero Petroleum to become a major player in the global energy transition within a relatively short span of time.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

(Ambassador)

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