Rik Sneep

Rik Sneep is an accomplished strategist in the energy industry and considered an ‘energy futurist´, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Strategy and International Growth at Moeve, a company with a transformational growth strategy and leading sustainability agenda. In addition, Rik is a member of the executive committee of the Global Impact Coalition, driving strategic partnerships in the chemical industry to accelerate sustainable innovation. Prior to his current role, Rik held several executive roles within Shell, including Vice President of Integrated Gas Ventures and General Manager of Strategic Integration. In the latter role Rik was at the heart to the pivot from a product centric to a customer centric organization that he believes is critical to succeed in the energy transition. Outside of his professional commitments, Rik is a dedicated advocate for corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. He actively engages with various sustainability organizations and initiatives and serves on the advisory board of the Safe Water Gardens, bringing safe sanitation to families in SE Asia. Rik holds an MBA from Duke University and has graduated from the World Business Council of Sustainability Leadership Program at Yale.

Session Overview

Thursday, 6 November

12:00

Downstream & Chemical Conference Room B 12:00 - 12:40

Alternative fuels and bio-based chemicals: aligning production with market demand

As investment in alternative fuels and bio-based chemicals accelerates, a critical question is emerging: are these solutions being matched to where they are most viable and urgently needed? While production technologies are advancing rapidly, the downstream and chemical segments are grappling with misalignment between what’s being produced and what end markets are prepared to absorb. Asia’s capacity to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), for example, is projected to outstrip regional demand, leading to potential oversupply and export reliance. In parallel, producers of bio-based chemicals are scaling capabilities without matching uptake, as end-use sectors remain hesitant due to infrastructure constraints, pricing pressure and limited incentives for the use of low-carbon materials. While the disconnect between cost-effective production and strong demand raises commercial risks, it also presents opportunities for industries and innovators to advance in strategic offtake agreements, cross-border collaboration and targeted innovation - helping to bridge the gap between feedstock-driven supply and market readiness.

Attendee insights:

Learn how alternative fuel and chemical production can more closely align with market demand, and explore the strategies needed to better synchronise market readiness and supply.