How a philosophy degree and years of personal equity work catapulted Marco Alvera into the CEO chair of E-NG producer Tree Energy Solutions

Marco Alvera will be the most considerate CEO I’ve ever met. In some ways, that is not surprising: Alvera, who was born within the United States to Italian parents, studied philosophy at university. He still thinks in regards to the morality of business today, as evidenced by a TED talk on fairness he gave in Milan just a few years ago that has been viewed over 3 million times.

However, considering Alvera’s current and past employment, his philosophical inclination is fairly surprising. Alvera began his profession working within the M&A and personal equity department of Goldman Sachs after which moved to major Italian energy corporations equivalent to Enel, Eni and Snam, where he served as CEO.

Today, Alvera stays on the forefront of the energy sector: he’s co-founder and CEO of Tree Energy Solutions, a Brussels-based company that produces and transports so-called “electric natural gas” (definition and use), and of Zhero, an Amsterdam-based company that owns and operates large-scale renewable energy projects.

But the philosopher and idealist in Alvera isn’t distant. The Milan-based businessman often speaks about justice and fairness, as he did once we met for this interview. He can also be a well-balanced one who commonly takes a break from work to read, enjoy good food and spend time together with his family.

This interview has been edited for brevity.

Down to business

Assets: What is a very powerful project you might be working on together with your company?

Marco Alvera: An organization I co-founded in 2022, TES, is constructing large-scale projects to supply e-NG, a very green fuel created by combining green hydrogen and recycled CO2. We then ship this fuel and deliver it to customers all over the world using existing infrastructure. As I often say: #PPWS, Put the Panels Where it’s Sunny, e-NG is the best strategy to deliver low cost renewable solar and wind energy produced within the Sunbelt to a factory in Germany or a house in Japan.

We are currently developing several E-NG projects in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. We are also advancing the development of one among the biggest import terminals for green energy projects. The terminal might be in-built Wilhelmshaven (Germany) to facilitate the import of each conventional LNG and green fuels.

Which long-term trend for society and the economy as a complete makes you most optimistic?

I’m most optimistic in regards to the trend towards ever cheaper renewable energy. In sunny and windy regions, the price of renewable energy is already 1 / 4 of that of fossil fuels, and this gap is widening. This shift will significantly reduce the price of the energy system, boost economic growth and – if projects are implemented quickly – help tackle the climate crisis.

If you were an economic policymaker, what could be your top priority?

Every war is won or lost by manufacturing capability, and the climate war is not any exception. While I support free markets, I imagine that policymakers should now prioritize reducing the prices related to the energy transition. This may be achieved by supporting the development of recent factories to extend the manufacturing of energy transition equipment, much like the approach taken with vaccine production throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Be productive

When do you stand up and what a part of your morning routine prepares you for the day?

When I’m traveling (which happens far too often), I get up at 5:30 a.m., otherwise at 7:00 a.m. I get the most effective insights while shaving or while taking a walk in Parco Sempione, which is near where I live in Milan.

Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images

What time do you’re employed until? Do you continue to send emails at night and/or on weekends?

I do not work nights, but I do send emails on weekends, especially during special projects or deals. I imagine a healthy work-life balance is crucial for creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. Our best ideas and most inspired work come once we are connected to our inner selves.

What apps or methods do you utilize to be more productive?

I take advantage of voice dictation for memos and emails, depend on newspaper apps for quick news summaries, and use Yoga Nidra (which suggests sleep in Sanskrit) to loosen up, recharge, and get well from jet lag. It helps me stay focused and balanced.

Amazon.com

Who is in your “personal board”?

My wife, daughters, brother and oldsters, just a few very old close friends and maybe too many current or former partners and colleagues.

Tree energy solutions

Tree energy solutions

Get personal

What book have you ever read recently or prior to now that has inspired you?

There are far too many books which have inspired me! But recently, I used to be really struck by Breath by James Nestor. This book delves into the science and history of respiration, something so basic yet often neglected. Nestor explains how respiration properly can improve health, increase performance, and even extend lifespan. As business owners and managers, we regularly give attention to external successes and driving change, but sometimes we neglect the fundamentals, like respiration properly. Learning and practicing effective respiration techniques was a game changer for me. It’s a robust management tool that helps maintain focus, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. This book taught me the importance of embodying what you learn, not only accumulating knowledge.

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If you can ask your idol one query, who wouldn’t it be and what would you ask?

I’d ask Leonardo da Vinci how he managed to be a painter, sculptor, engineer, architect, biologist and way more concurrently, to excel in so many fields and yet remain authentic and true to his true, multifaceted self.

As a consumer, what’s your favorite company and why?

I really like handmade artisan products. There are few brands I enjoy as much and Patagonia stands out for its values, commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

And finally, on a cheerful note: What was the last costume you wore?

I wore my Azerbaijani fisherman’s hat from the Caspian Sea – it looks like a large mass of white hair.

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