Clean Hydrogen Works Names Ex-ExxonMobil Exec Robert Tully as SVP for ACE
Clean Hydrogen Works (CHW) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Robert W. (Rob) Tully as Senior Vice President and Venture Executive for Ascension Clean Energy (ACE). With this appointment, CHW has secured the leadership of an accomplished energy industry veteran to spearhead the development of ACE, a transformative clean energy project designed to meet the global demand for sustainable, low-carbon energy solutions.
In his new role, Mr. Tully will oversee the first phase of the ACE project, focusing on strategic ventures and accelerating activities that lead to a successful final investment decision (FID). His decades of expertise in managing large-scale energy and chemical projects will be instrumental in ensuring the project’s seamless development and implementation.
I am pleased to join CHW and look forward to contributing to the successful development and implementation of the ACE project,” said Mr. Tully. “This is a remarkable opportunity to lead a transformative project that will help to shape the future of clean energy and a sustainable world.
A Distinguished Career in Energy and Chemicals
Mr. Tully brings with him an illustrious 40-year career at ExxonMobil, Clean Hydrogen where he held a wide range of leadership roles across manufacturing, projects, technology, sales, and marketing. Throughout his tenure, he gained extensive experience in steering complex projects and initiatives to success.
His leadership portfolio includes serving as Technical Manager and Site Manager of the Beaumont Chemical Plant, Europe Regional Manufacturing Manager, Deputy to the Vice President of Engineering & Construction, and Site Manager of the Baytown Chemical Plant. In addition, he was a Board Member for the SABIC–ExxonMobil Kemya and Yanpet Joint Ventures (JV), where he played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between global stakeholders.
One of Mr. Tully’s most notable accomplishments was his role as Venture President for Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (GCGV), an $8 billion joint venture between ExxonMobil Clean Hydrogen and SABIC on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Under his leadership, the venture achieved a successful FID and emerged as a benchmark for petrochemical projects in the region. GCGV was the first major petrochemical project on the Gulf Coast to be built using maximum mega modules, a feat that enabled exceptional cost efficiency, adherence to project schedules, and high performance.
The Ascension Clean Energy (ACE) Project
The ACE project is CHW’s flagship facility, located in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. Designed as a world-class clean energy hub, ACE aims to address the growing global demand for low-carbon energy while supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.
In its initial phase, the facility will produce 2.4 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) of clean ammonia, with plans to expand production Clean Hydrogen capacity to 7.2 MTPA in subsequent phases. Clean ammonia, a hydrogen-based energy carrier, is increasingly seen as a critical component of the energy transition, offering a low-carbon solution for industrial applications, transportation, and energy storage.
The ACE project stands out due to its strategic partnerships and robust infrastructure planning. Key elements include:
- CO2 Services Agreement with ExxonMobil: A collaboration to ensure effective carbon capture and sequestration, minimizing the facility’s carbon footprint.
- McDermott as FEED/EPC Partner: McDermott will oversee front-end engineering design (FEED) and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phases to ensure technical excellence.
- Regulatory Approvals: CHW anticipates securing necessary approvals by early 2025.
- Advanced Off-Take Agreements: Negotiations are underway with key partners for the sale and distribution of clean ammonia.
- Goldman Sachs as Financial Advisor: With Goldman Sachs providing financial guidance, ACE is well-positioned to achieve FID by late 2025 and commence production by 2029.
Clean Hydrogen Works: Driving the Global Energy Transition
Clean Hydrogen Works is a clean energy development company dedicated to providing low-cost, low-carbon energy solutions on a global scale. Through its innovative approach to creating integrated clean hydrogen and ammonia value chains, CHW is addressing the urgent need for sustainable energy alternatives.
The company leverages partnerships with industry leaders, including ExxonMobil, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Hafnia, to ensure that its projects align with global sustainability goals and deliver measurable environmental benefits.
CHW’s flagship project, ACE, exemplifies its commitment to innovation and collaboration in the clean energy sector. By combining cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and visionary leadership, CHW is at the forefront of the global energy transition.
Rob Tully’s appointment as Senior Vice President and Venture Executive further reinforces CHW’s mission to lead transformative energy projects. His proven track record of delivering large-scale ventures and his deep understanding of the energy and chemical industries will play a crucial role in advancing the ACE project toward its ambitious goals.
