How a philosophy degree and years of private equity experience led Marco Alvera to become CEO of e-NG producer Tree Energy Solutions

Marco Alvera is probably the most considerate CEO I have ever met. In one sense, this is not surprising: Alvera was born in the United States to Italian parents and studied philosophy in college. Even today, he still reflects on business ethics, as exemplified by his TED talk on fairness in Milan a few years ago, which has been viewed more than 3 million times.

But if you consider Alvera’s current and previous careers, his philosophical leanings are even more surprising. Alvera worked in the mergers and acquisitions and private equity departments of Goldman Sachs early in his career, and later moved to large Italian energy companies, including Enel, Eni and Snam, where he served as CEO.

Today, Alvera remains at the forefront of the energy sector, as co-founder and CEO of Tree Energy Solutions, a Brussels-based company that produces and transports so-called “gas for power” (read its definition and use), and Zhero, an Amsterdam-based company that owns and operates large-scale renewable energy projects.

But the philosophers and idealists of Alvera were never far away. The Milan businessman often returns to talking about equity and fairness, as he did during our interview. He is also a balanced person who often leaves work to read, enjoy good food, and spend time with his family.

This interview has been edited for brevity.

Closer to home

wealth: What is the most important project you have worked on with the company?

Marco Alvera: TES, a company I co-founded in 2022, is building large projects to produce e-NG, a completely green fuel produced by combining green hydrogen with recycled carbon dioxide. We then leverage existing infrastructure to transport this fuel and deliver it to customers around the world. As I always say #PPWS, put the panels somewhere sunny, e-NG is the easiest way to deliver cheap renewable solar and wind energy produced in the Sunbelt to a factory in Germany or a house in Japan.

We are developing multiple e-NG projects in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. We are also accelerating the construction of one of the largest import terminals for green energy projects, which will be built in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, to facilitate the import of traditional liquefied natural gas and green fuels.

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Which long-term trend for society and the economy as a whole are you most optimistic about?

I’m most optimistic about the trend toward renewable energy becoming cheaper. In sunny, windy regions, renewable energy is already a quarter the cost of fossil fuels, and the gap continues to widen. This shift will significantly reduce energy system costs, spur economic growth and, if implemented quickly, help address the climate crisis.

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

Every war is won or lost based on manufacturing capabilities, and the climate war is no different. Although I advocate free markets, I believe policymakers should now prioritize reducing the costs associated with the energy transition. This could be achieved by supporting the establishment of new factories to expand the manufacturing of equipment for the energy transition, similar to the approach taken for vaccine production during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective

What time do you get up?

When traveling (which is all too often), I get up at 5:30; otherwise, it’s 7:00. I get the best insights when I start shaving or walking in Parco Sempione, which is close to where I live in Milan.

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

I don’t work nights, but I do send emails on the weekends, especially during special projects or deals. I believe a healthy work-life balance is vital to creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. Our best ideas and most inspired work emerge when we connect with our inner selves.

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

I use voice dictation for memos and emails, rely on the Newspaper app for quick news summaries, and use Yoga Nidra (which means sleep in Sanskrit) to relax, recharge, and recover from jet lag. It helps me stay focused and balanced.

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Who are your “personal board” members?

My wife, daughter, brother and parents, some very old close friends, and probably too many current or former partners and colleagues.

Tree Energy Solutions

Tree Energy Solutions

get personal

What book have you read recently or in the past that inspired you?

There are so many books that inspire me! But Breathe by James Nestor has been a big influence on me recently. This book delves into the science and history of breathing, something very basic yet often overlooked. Nestor explains how proper breathing can improve health, enhance performance, and even extend life. As entrepreneurs and managers, we often focus on external achievements and driving change, but sometimes we overlook the basics, like how to breathe properly. Learning and practicing effective breathing techniques has been a game changer for me. It’s a powerful management tool that helps maintain focus, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. This book taught me the importance of embodying what I learn, not just accumulating knowledge.

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If you could ask your idol one question, who would it be and what would it be?

I would ask Leonardo da Vinci how he managed to be a painter, a sculptor, an engineer, an architect, a biologist, etc. and excel in so many fields at the same time while remaining true and faithful to the real multiple selves.

As a consumer, which company is your favorite?

I love handmade crafts. While few brands resonate, Patagonia stands out for its values, commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

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To end on a lighter note: What was the last outfit you wore?

I’m wearing an Azerbaijani Caspian bucket hat – it looks like a big clump of white hair.

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