Dr. Christoph Gebald

Christoph Gebald is the co-founder and co-CEO of Climeworks, a global leader in high-quality carbon removal, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with holistic carbon removal solutions. Climeworks is creating a clear pathway to making carbon removal a reality by offering diversified portfolios of high-quality carbon removals across engineered and nature-based solutions. With more than 15 years of experience in direct air capture, Christoph is considered an expert and among the creators of this growing and crucial industry. In 2023, he was recognized by TIME among the 100 most innovative leaders driving business climate action. Christoph has given keynotes and spoken on panels at high level global events such as the World Economic Forum, COP and Microsoft’s CEO Summit. For three years in a row, he has been selected as a Digital Shaper by Swiss newspapers, BILANZ and Handelszeitung. Christoph is a mechanical engineer by training, holding a master’s degree with distinction, and a Ph.D. from ETH Zurich. During his Ph.D. he researched direct air capture technologies and founded Climeworks on this basis together with Jan Wurzbacher in 2009. As co-CEO, Christoph oversees the financial, commercial, project development, communications and human resources side of the business.

Session Overview

Thursday, 6 November

11:40

Decarbonisation ICC Hall B 11:40 - 12:20

Advancing carbon management in the modern era

The global energy landscape is shifting, focusing on a strategic approach that focuses on developing low-carbon solutions through carbon management and advanced processing. Recent policy developments, such as the European Union’s (EU) Clean Industrial Deal and the U.S. Department of Energy’s $1.3 billion investment in carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS), signal a growing commitment to reducing emissions while ensuring energy security – harnessing every available energy source in the most carbon-efficient way possible. Further innovations in low-carbon hydrogen, chemical recycling and CCUS look set to enable the integration of hydrocarbons into net-zero strategies, opening up new pathways to unique and decarbonised energy mixes. Nevertheless, policy uncertainty, investment risks and cost barriers continue to challenge the scalability and commercial viability of various decarbonisation solutions. As industry leaders and policymakers align on the need for technology-driven emissions reductions, the global energy sector must balance economic viability, regulatory demands and sustainability commitments if it is to drive progress on decarbonisation.

Attendee insights:

Understand how the energy sector is advancing carbon management through innovation, responding to policy shifts and redefining the role of hydrocarbons in a low-carbon, high-growth future.