TES Tale: Alexandra Pieton, TES’ Chief Project Officer at TES
April 9, 2025
Reading time: 7 min
How did you get into the renewable energy sector?
I always wanted to do something that is different, out of the ordinary. Building offshore platforms seemed to be unique enough… especially for a woman. And so I started my career as a welding engineer working in the Oil&Gas industry. And although I truly enjoyed it, I was always envious of the first pioneers. How did they start the adventure, what vision and belief help them develop the needed infrastructure and technology, what hurdles did they have to overcome, that led to the oil and gas energy world as we know it?
When the renewable energy sector started to emerge, I realized I could become a pioneer myself as everything had to be invented and developed. And so, I first put my foot in the renewable industry in 2017.
Why did you make the decision to join TES? How does TES do things differently in the energy industry?
Undoubtedly, Paul van Poecke’s vision. He co-founded TES and had (and still has) a very clear vision of the future of TES and the renewable energy sector. He dreams big like no one else, but more importantly, he pushes the team to think outside the box to overcome all obstacles. So dreams become reality no matter the difficulties.
We have this unique combination of talents from various industries and sectors that is setting us apart in the energy world.
Describe your day-to-day role at TES and what skills do you find most important in your job? What’s the most exciting part of your role at TES?
No two days are alike! As a CPO I am in charge of project delivery. We’re the plants “builders”. Since we are the last chain link, our role is to ensure that each project (plant) can and will be delivered on time and on budget. This requires early involvement with TES business and technology teams as well as strong partnerships with EPC contractors.
Could you walk us through the process of building an e-NG project from start to finish? What are the key milestones or phases that every project must go through?
Like any other project, the process is divided in two phases: the development and the execution. During the development phase the site is selected, feedstocks are secured, permits are filed and the partnerships formed. Once all conditions to take a Final Investment Decision (FID) are met, the execution phase can start with detailed engineering followed by construction and commissioning.
What are some of the biggest risks or roadblocks in this process, and how do you overcome them?
Developing and executing e-NG projects is of high complexity as we still belong to the “first-of-its-kind” world. All the stars must be aligned at the right time: permitting, feedstocks, technology, supply chain, economy, finance, marketing, construction, HSE, operations,… It’s a constant act of juggling where anticipation, agility and flexibility are our best weapons.
How do you ensure that cross-functional teams (engineers, project managers, financial analysts, etc.) work together effectively on projects?
A clear vision is the key to align the teams.
We also all believe in a green energy economy and share the same pride that we’re contributing to building a clean future.
Could you share examples of the e-NG projects TES is currently working on?
We currently have 2 flagship projects under development: in the US, Live Oak which we are jointly developing with Total Energies and in Canada Project Mauricie. Pre-FEED have been completed for both projects and we’re now working towards FEED.
What part of TES’s values - We are PURPOSEFUL in winning the climate race. We are BOLD and CONFIDENT in our trajectory. We are ENTREPRENEURIAL with a heart and take ownership for doing the right things. We SUCCEED IN PARTNERSHIPS, along the whole value chain, with transparency and respect. - most resonates with you and why?
I think, I breathe, I live projects. There’s nothing I like more than overcoming the difficulties to deliver safely and consistently. You can’t deliver a project without being an entrepreneur as the journey is filled with obstacles, change of pace, change of plans, setbacks, but it also means great feeling of accomplishment.
For newcomers in the renewable energy sector, what skill sets or experiences would you recommend they pursue?
More than technical skillsets, what matters the most is resilience and stamina. The industry is still young and a lot of boundaries have yet to be pushed.
Working in this industry requires an ability to adjust and adapt constantly.