Molecules, Mandates, and the Midstream with Karlis Vasarais, Corporate Innovation Manager at Uniper

As the hydrogen economy is hitting its "industrial scale" phase, the focus is shifting from electrolyser counts and toward the complex reality of the midstream. How do we physically—and cost-effectively—connect, convert and move green molecules across the globe? In this episode, EAH sits down with Karlis Vasarais from Uniper’s Innovation team to discuss the energy major’s strategic evolution toward "Greener Gases". We explore: * The Policy Blueprint - What can 20 years of biogas policy history can teach us about the future of e-fuels and hydrogen. * Global Scale - Uniper’s landmark 2026 agreement to offtake 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia from India and their broader European production aspirations. * The Midstream Missing Link - Why global supply chains—spanning transport, storage, and conversion—are the key to turning "stranded" green molecules into bankable commodities. * Enabling Mandates - The tool kit of regulatory levers and "mandate ingredients" required to spur innovation, reduce the price gap, and unlock private sector investment About Karlis Vasarais: Karlis Vasarais works at Uniper as an Energy Transition Innovation Manager, where he’s involved in activities related to carbon capture, utilisation and carbon-tech innovation. His role includes engagement with broader energy and climate innovation networks, particularly in carbon-tech and sustainability initiatives, aligning with Uniper’s transition focus. He also engages with stakeholders around carbon capture, utilisation, and related technologies, including strategic discussions about scaling these solutions in Europe. Previously, Karlis led Valent alongside Tim Haig, both experienced entrepreneurs who have built significant expertise in fuels science, industrial process optimization, early-stage financing and technology scale-up. The team raised over $250 million for six companies, leading to the commercialization of numerous R&D-stage innovations in renewable energy and clean technologies in Canada, including BIOX (World Energy), Mara Renewables, and GreenMantra Technologies. About Uniper: Uniper is a European energy company focused on secure energy supply and the energy transition. Headquartered in Germany, Uniper operates power generation assets, energy trading, and gas infrastructure across several countries, while increasingly investing in low-carbon solutions such as hydrogen, carbon capture, and flexible power to support decarbonization and system reliability. -- Links: Uniper - Uniper Energy Transition -

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Molecules, Mandates, and the Midstream with Karlis Vasarais, Corporate Innovation Manager at Uniper is an episode from Everything About Hydrogen by Hydrogen Media Ltd.

This episode is 56:45 long.

This episode was published on Feb 19, 2026.

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