Clean Hydrogen Works (CHW) announces the hiring of Dale Reppond as Plant Director for Ascension Clean Energy (ACE). With over 40 years expertise in ammonia plant operations, Mr. Reppond will oversee the commissioning, operational readiness, and long-term performance of CHW's state-of-the-art ACE project, advancing the company's commitment to deliver low-cost, low-carbon energy solutions globally.
Mr. Reppond joins CHW from OCI/Woodside’s 1.1 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) clean ammonia plant in Beaumont, TX, where he was Plant Director leading operational readiness and developed strategic plans for startup of the plant. He has held strategic leadership roles at major ammonia companies such as LSB Industries, Mosaic, CF Industries and Koch. His experience leading major ammonia projects includes developing operating strategies, plant design and reliability parameters for a $1.2 billion greenfield ammonia facility Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) study at Mosaic and an $800 million ammonia plant relocation for LSB Industries.
“We are excited to have Dale joining our team as we move forward with the ACE Project,” said Johnny Cook, Senior Vice President of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) for CHW. “His expertise in developing world-class operations and delivering high-impact projects further strengthens our team’s capability. Dale joining CHW from the very start of our FEED phase comes at the perfect time, allowing him to provide timely operations and maintenance inputs into the earliest phase of execution planning and design.”
“I am thrilled to be joining CHW at such an exciting period of growth,” said Reppond. “With my 40 years of experience in ammonia projects and operations, I am confident in contributing to a successful FEED study, establishing the foundations for world-class operations, safety, environmental excellence and reliability to propel the ACE project to even greater success.”
The ACE project is CHW’s flagship facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, designed to meet growing global demand for low-carbon energy solutions. The facility will initially produce 2.4 MTPA of clean ammonia, with expansion in subsequent phases to 7.2 MTPA. With carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) contracts with ExxonMobil, regulatory approvals expected by early 2025, off-take in advanced discussions and Goldman Sachs as financial advisor, the ACE project is expected to reach final investment decision (FID) by late 2025 and begin production in 2029.
