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IN THIS ISSUE

EDITA

Exolum

Dirección y coordinación

Mavi de Lamor
José Antonio Galán

CONSULTANCY, EDITING AND DESIGN

ATREVIA Publicaciones

In this issue

Claudia Bello
Kevin Dessi
Agnès Estay
Marta Fernández
Cristina Jaraba
Curtis Johnson
Sarah Knight
Mavi de Lamor
Steve Land
Marcelo Massicot
Gorka Penalva
Manuel de la Peña
Pilar Pereda
David Pizarroso
Jennifer Strijder

Tribuna

The talent that is driving us towards the future

‘We share initiatives that reinforce key aspects of our identity as a company’

In this issue of ConneXion, we continue sharing stories that show how Exolum is continuing to move forward in an energy environment in the midst of transformation. Our sector is going through a time of profound change marked by innovation, a search for more sustainable solutions, and the need to respond to new global challenges. It is in this context that the role of our infrastructures, our logistics capabilities and, above all, the talent of our people are proving to be more relevant than ever.

Throughout these pages, we’ll find out about initiatives that demonstrate how we keep on contributing to the development

of energy solutions that are more and more efficient and sustainable. Projects linked to new fuels, technological advances and collaboration with strategic partners illustrate how our logistics capabilities can help boost the energy transition, and open up new opportunities for the sector.

But this issue also focuses on the people who make all of this possible. We acknowledge the work and dedication of our colleagues who, from their different departments and countries, help strengthen our company every single day.

Their stories, experiences, and achievements reflect

a culture based on collaboration, commitment, and operational excellence.

Plus, we share initiatives that reinforce key aspects of our identity as a company: promoting talent, diversity and inclusion, the wellbeing of our teams, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability as drivers of our growth.

All of these initiatives, projects, and forms of recognition are a part of a single purpose: continuing to build a strong company that is ready to face the challenges of the present and future. A road that is only possible with the collective efforts of everyone who is a part of Exolum.

Mavi de Lamor

Communication Manager

Nosotros

Nos movemos

Shoring up our office in Houston

We continue working to have a greater presence on the American continent. In order to achieve this, the team at our office in Houston (Texas) has grown with the addition of Curtis Johnson as Business Development Manager, who we’d like to welcome.

Our multidisciplinary team in Houston has a strategic mission: to identify and develop new business opportunities on the American continent, with a special focus on the United States. This challenge has been taken up by AnnMarie Cunningham, Julian Franco, Andrew Tharp and Sean Lonergan, with Andrés Suárez as the American Lead. And the team has now been reinforced with the arrival of Curtis Johnson. Get to know our colleague!   

 

Curtis Johnson

Business Development Manager

‘It’s exciting to see just how many opportunities there are at this stage’

What attracted you to Exolum and what do you hope to contribute at this new stage?

I was attracted by its global platform and the opportunity to help build and expand the business in the US in a key growth phase. I hope to contribute a solid financial model, analytical rigour, and disciplined support for strategic initiatives in order to move forward with our investment decisions.

What has your professional life been like?

My career has revolved around an intersection between energy, infrastructures, and finance, combining technical fundamentals with financial analysis,
strategic planning, and transactional support.

What most surprised you over your first few days with the company?

I was impressed by the scale of Exolum’s global presence, and the importance of the US market in its long-term growth strategy. It’s exciting to see just
how many opportunities there
are at this stage.

We’d like to get to know you better. Who is Curtis Johnson off the job?

I like spending time with my family, staying active, and continuing to learn through reading and professional development. I’m also preparing myself for a new personal stage as my first child will be born this spring.

A key terminal for ammonia and LNG in the United States

Exolum and Royal Vopak hold 50% of the only maritime ammonia terminal in the Houston Channel. This infrastructure has a mooring quay in deep waters suitable for Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGC) and it’s strategically connected via pipeline to the petrochemical compound at the Port of Houston, the largest petrochemical hub in the United States and the second largest in the world. Our infrastructure currently offers ammonia and liquified natural gas (LNG) storage services.

Nosotros

SOMOS

Steve Land, one of the 100 most influential people in the sector

Steve Land, our CEO in NWE, was included in the ‘2026 Guide to the 100 Top Influencers in the Tank Storage Sector’ published by Storage Terminals Magazine. Congratulations Steve!

This prestigious magazine did an interview with Steve Land, in which he shared his vision of the period our industry is going through. ‘The sector is quickly evolving: the demand for biofuels is growing, terminals are managing more and more different types of products, and planning is becoming more long-term. All of this reinforces the role of storage as a key part of the energy system.’

He also underlined how digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence are transforming our operations, not only to gain in efficiency but also enhance people’s safety.

Moreover, he emphasized the power of collaboration. ‘In order to face the challenges of the energy transition, joining forces and working as an alliance is fundamental.’ And although he admitted the environment is complex, he trusts in Exolum’s capability and the talent of its teams. In fact, he pointed out that ‘the company’s success ultimately depends on the people that make everything possible each and every day’.

And that’s a much deserved acknowledgement that reflects the commitment and experience of our entire NWE team.

‘The company’s success ultimately depends on the people that make everything possible each and every day’

PARTICIPATING

We participated in the 23rd IESE Energy Forum

Our CEO, Javier Goñi, participated in the session entitled ‘Reforms with an Impact for an Effective and Competitive Transition’ at the 23rd IESE Energy Forum, at which he defended the need for progress towards more straightforward, stable and goals-oriented regulations, which drives decarbonization without compromising competitiveness or supply security. At Exolum, we believe the energy transition should be based on decisions that work in the real world.

Talking about AI within business in El Economista

Julio de Moreta, Global Digital Strategy Lead & Chief Digital Officer, participated in the observatory ‘From Efficiency to Decisions: The Real Impact of AI on Business’, organized by El Economista along with Oracle and the tech consulting firm Timestamp. The event focused on making AI useful, safe, and process-integrated. As was explained, the objective is to use it to enhance decision making and support people’s work, not replace them.

Recognition for our commitment to integrity and good governance

Exolum received its UNE 19601 Criminal Compliance and ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems certificates from AENOR (Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification) at an event attended by Rafael García Meiro, CEO of ANEOR, and our CEO, Javier Goñi. This certifications prove our commitment to integrity, ethics, and regulatory compliance in all countries and business areas where we operate.

OUR EXPERT

Catalysing the first commercial biomethanol supply service for maritime transport in the United Kingdom

Gorka Penalva
NWE Commercial Lead

In alliance with the companies Ørsted and Methanex, we’re demonstrating that our infrastructures and logistics at the British port of Immingham can speed up the decarbonization of maritime transport, one of the most difficult sectors to transform. Our expert explains all the details on this milestone.

A relevant role in the energy transition

With this project, we’re reinforcing our role as a key energy transition facilitator by demonstrating how our logistics capabilities and existing infrastructures can be adapted to serve new sustainable fuels and speed up the decarbonization of maritime transport. This solution can be replicated in other European markets as this transport moves forward towards low-emissions models.

Advantages of biomethanol

Methanex produces the ISCC certified biomethanol supplied to Ørsted in the United States. The process uses raw materials derived from waste and rubbish, such as organic solid urban waste. Compared to conventional marine fuels, biomethanol offers a decrease of up to 80% in greenhouse gas emissions.

Our facilities at the port of Immingham, in the United Kingdom, were chosen as the site to launch the first commercial biomethanol storage and supply (bunkering) service for maritime transport. This port is the largest in the country in cargo volume, which makes it a key entry for energy, bulk materials, and the supply of low-carbon fuels.

This service will enable the maritime supply of biomethanol, one of the alternative fuels with the greatest possibilities of decarbonizing maritime transport, which is considered highly complex given the difficulty of lowering emissions without scalable alternatives.

What we offer

Exolum is providing the bunkering infrastructure at our facilities in Immingham, backed by our extensive experience storing and transporting fuels and the strategic positioning of our assets. Methanex will supply the biomethanol while Ørsted will be the first to use the service, and it will do so to supply offshore wind power plant maintenance vessels in the North Sea.

The project proves how energy logistics capabilities can be an industrial lever to accelerate the maritime transport transition towards low-emissions operations. In the UK, maritime transport accounts for 5.5% of transport-related CO2 emissions, which is more than buses, trains and national aviation all together.

Satisfaction among all partners

All the partners involved believe this initiative is highly positive. Stephen Land, our CEO for North West Europe, has emphasized that this is a pioneer project for Exolum as it exemplifies how its energy logistics can help boost our customers’ green transition.

Mika Bärlund, Lead Category Manager at Ørsted, has expressed satisfaction at how Ørsted is the first company to fuel its vessels with methanol as part of this partnership.  ‘This project fits in well with our commitment to sustainable operations, and supports generalized decarbonization throughout the maritime sector,’ he said.

As concerns Methanex, the largest methanol producer and supplier in the world, Stuart McCall, Vice President of Low Carbon Global Market Development, ratified ‘the commitment to developing and supporting innovative solutions accelerating the transition towards maritime transport with low carbon emissions’.

 

In addition, Steven Clapperton, Head of Marine (Humber), Associated British Ports (ABP), the owner of the Immingham port, underscored how ABP is proud to back partners of the likes of Exolum, Ørsted and Methanex in efforts to drive innovation that matches the UK’s ambitions for clean energy and places its ports at the cutting edge of sustainable maritime transport.

MOVED

EXOLUM-LIVE

We’re celebrating the first Ellevate graduating class!

We’re proud of the fourteen women with potential who are part of the first graduating class of Ellevate, our female leadership programme which is a pioneering initiative to develop their talent.  Congratulations to all of you!

We’re moving forward to become more diverse and inclusive. This was the purpose behind Ellevate, an initiative to foster and accelerate the professional growth of women with potential within our company. The programme reflects our commitment to equal opportunities and our conviction that diverse leadership stimulates performance, innovation, and organizational resilience.

The fourteen participants in this first group successfully completed more than 350 hours of training. During this time, they covered key leadership competencies as well as specific challenges that women often face in traditionally male environments. Ellevate offered them an integrated, practical, and thought-provoking learning experience, which included everything from personal branding and career planning to teamwork.

Ellevate was carried out as a single, unified programme in Spain and North West Europe. This integration fosters mutual understanding and inter-regional collaboration all while reinforcing a sense of a shared purpose.

Inspiring a new kind of leadership

Sarah KnighT

Facilitator of the Raise The Bar programme

‘Ellevate has been a space for reflection, support, and sharing stories. It’s not only built potential and confidence, but also a powerful network based on connection, conversation, and community. It’s been an honour to lead this process and witness its impact.’

agnès estay

Global DE&I Lead

‘Seeing how our ambitious idea came to life was a real privilege. This programme is not only a women’s leadership initiative.  It’s also a catalyser for organizational change which questions assumptions, expands access to opportunities, and redefines how we develop leadership at all levels.’

claudia bello

COE Lead

‘The programme was designed to create spaces for reflection, confidence, and shared action. The 2025 graduating class has explored what happens when we replace ‘What if things go bad?’ with ‘What’s the best thing that could happen?’.  I trust that this change in mentality is going to drive leadership beyond the programme.’

Cristina Jaraba

Global People Lead

‘This first experience has laid the groundwork for a future full of opportunities. It’s not only a milestone for the women who’ve participated, but also a decisive step for those who will follow in their footsteps. I’m extremely proud of this pioneering group.’

Under the guidance of the Sherpa programme

The Ellevate initiative is a part of our global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) strategy and is in line with the principles of our leadership programme Sherpa. Through self-reflection, honest dialogue, and practical tools, the participants explored what it means to lead inclusively and act as catalysers of positive organizational change.

Fourteen women with potential

These are the 14 women who successfully completed the first edition of Ellevate:

  1. Silvia Álvarez Cougil
  2. Laura Burgos Martín
  3. Taylor Cuthbertson
  4. Ana Ferriz Quílez
  5. Carmen García Algora
  6. Marta García Soria
  7. Hatti Heritage

 8. Alejandra Martínez Bengoa

 9. Raquel Moreno Paniagua

10. Carrie Moss

11. Tanya Riches

12. Ban Riwayeh

13. Sandra Santamaría Arribas

14. Lara de Villalobos Herrero

GETTING TO KNOW...

‘What I most value are my colleagues, the diversity and flexibility’

Jennifer Strijder puts honesty first. She’s been working at Exolum for 15 years and, in this interview, she highlights what she believes is the most valuable asset within our company: the people. Get to know this dynamic and enthusiastic colleague.

Jennifer Strijder

HR Specialist en Ámsterdam 

With her work in Human Resources, Jennifer helps support the team at our terminal at the Port of Amsterdam. In this interview, she talks about how different her day-to-day can be —which is something she likes— and how proud she is of the great atmosphere among her colleagues, while also admitting how she continues to enjoy her work just as she did when she first joined Exolum.

What does your job involve? What is your day-to-day work like?

It’s is my every day job to be there for our most valuable assets: our people. I hope that everything little task of my job is beneficial for the people & the company. No day is the same and that is what I like. From working with numbers for audits, payroll or KPI’s to having conversations about performance, policies, development and personal stuff. I love it all!

What milestone would you highlight from your years at Exolum?

My personal highlight would be the opportunity I got to move to the HR position. The trust that was given to me back then is something I still frequently think of. Business wise; this is a continuous highlight. I am proud of the work atmosphere at the Amsterdam terminal. We are a team that wants to help each other, feel free to speak to anybody about anything and we are a flexible employer and we just get the work done.

What does working for our company mean to you personally?

Working for this company (Exolum and the companies we were before that) has always been meaningful, interesting, challenging, rewarding but most of all; fun. It has been over 15 years since I started working here and I still love doing it. The colleagues, the diversity and flexibility are things that I cherish most.

How do you imagine the future of Exolum?

As the company is doing well and has clear goals when it comes to growth and development, I can only think of a successful future.

We want to get to know you a little better. How would you describe your personality?

I consider myself to be honest, respectful, independent, accessible proactive and sociable.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I love to go to concerts with my daughter. Next ones coming up are Olivia Dean, Harry Styles and Bruno Mars. Also I can really enjoy reading a good book, preferably a thriller story. Travelling further than the typical holidays we have had in the past is a new upcoming hobby.

What would your perfect weekend be like?

A combination of relaxation, good food & wine, family/ friends and should the weather allow, be outside as much as possible.

“We are a team that wants to help each other, feel free to speak to anybody about anything”

IN FOUR LINES

One favourite place: 
I’m discovering more and more places all the time, so ask me again in another five years.

One food: 
Asian cuisine: I can never get enough.

One song:
Songs by Olivia Dean or Adele make me happy.

One film or series:              The Bridgerton.

TransformACTION

GROW

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 One Exolum awards!

We already know the names of the four winners of the 2025 One Exolum awards, which are given out to acknowledge effort, motivation and a job well done.  Congratulations to everyone!

 

The One Exolum awards are quite special to us, and we’re excited to share the news about them as those who receive them represent the values that guide us: Safety, Leadership, Innovation and Trust. What’s more, the four winners were chosen by votes from the people at Exolum, which brings special value to these awards because they reflect the respect, admiration, and appreciation that exists among our colleagues.

The 2025 winners were Marta Fernández (Safety), Marcelo Massicot (Leadership), Kevin Dessi (Innovation) and David Pizarroso (Trust). We’d like to thank all four for their commitment, professionalism, and friendliness. Get to know them better through these interviews!

Safety

Marta Fernández

COE of Global HSSE & Technology

‘At Exolum, we’re all rowing in the same direction’

Marta joined Exolum in 2008. Over the past 18 years, she’s developed a career marked by transversality, collaboration, and commitment to safety and people. She’s currently transitioning into her role as Portfolio Manager of the Global HSSE area. She particularly enjoys this transversality. ‘It allows me to work with many different areas.’

Marta really values being a part of the HSSE team, where each one contributes from different perspectives and areas of specialization, which greatly enriches everyone’s day-to-day. And the most important thing to her: ‘It’s a team with incredible human value.’ That’s why what she most likes about Exolum are the people and ‘the commitment to doing things well. ‘Irrespective of everyone’s own state of mind, in the end, we’re all rowing in the same direction.’

For Marta, this acknowledgement means something special.  ‘I feel happy and, above all, immensely grateful. I also feel a sense of great responsibility to rise to the occasion and meet the needs of those who trust in me.’ She also said, ‘I’d like to think my colleagues voted for me because they perceive a desire to help and add value in my way of working.’

Leadership

Marcelo Massicot

Head of the Tenerife airport facility

‘I really value the peace of mind my team gives me’

Marcelo is celebrating his 11th anniversary at Exolum in 2026. He began his career as a certified fuel supplier at the Barcelona airport, and is currently leading our company’s operations at the Tenerife Sur airport.

The news of the award came as quite a surprise to him.  ‘I wasn’t expecting it at all. It’s comforting and gratifying, and even more so knowing that my colleagues were the ones voting.’

Marcelo sees leadership as being based on closeness and respect.  ‘I try to look after and help my colleagues.  I have highs and lows, just like everyone else, but I try to treat others as I would want to be treated.’

What he likes most about Exolum is the team and, as far as the working atmosphere, he highlights the peace of mind he gets from his team.

Innovation

Kevin Dessi

Digital HUB team

‘I’m motivated by the fact that my work makes a positive impact‘

Having worked at Exolum for nearly five years, Kevin is a member of the Digital TaskForce, where he develops and implements Industry 4.0 projects aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency at our facilities.

This award is motivation for him to keep on growing. ‘I feel tremendously fortunate and thankful. This recognition motivates me even more to continue giving my best each and every day. Knowing that my work provides value and has been acknowledged like this is an enormous boost to keep on growing and contributing.’

Kevin highlights the role of technology as a means to support teams. ‘I put all my energy into creating solutions that help people by making their work easier, safer, and more efficient.’

He thinks his colleagues chose him because he enjoys taking on challenges. ‘I’m motivated by the fact that my work makes a positive impact on others. I always believe there’s a solution for everything: the most important thing is turning it into a reality.’

Trust

David Pizarroso

Head of the Rivabellosa facility

‘I try to make it so the team feels safe and calm’

David has been with Exolum for nearly 20 years, and has been head of the Rivabellosa (Álava) and Navarre grouped facilities since 2020. His day-to-day focuses on guaranteeing the proper operation of the terminals, and supporting the teams at both so ‘the tankers keep on leaving and the pipeline never stops’ by optimizing the available resources to achieve even more efficiency.

Receiving this award has been a source of great joy for him.  ‘It was an incredible surprise and brought immense satisfaction knowing that my co-workers value my work and my way of doing things.’ ‘This award is ‘gasoline’ to keep on giving all I have and maintain my commitment.’

Trust is key to his way of working.  ‘I try to support, listen, act with honesty, and make the team feel calm and safe when working with me.’ As far as his work environment, he underlines ‘the comradeship and respect that make us work with confidence and in constant communication’.

What he most likes about Exolum is the safety-based work culture and the solid, forward-looking project: ‘We’re prepared to face new challenges where we can offer our experience.’

We’ve renewed our ‘Top Employer’ certification!

For the third year in a row, we’ve again earned this seal which accredits us as one of the best companies to work for and emphasizes our commitment to people.  Thanks for the collective effort!

Top Employer Spain 2026’ label recognizes people management policies and an effort to provide a workplace characterized by stability and the generation of opportunities so our professionals can develop to their full potential.

This seal, which is granted by the Top Employers Institute, reaffirms our commitment to wellbeing and professional development. With this certification, we’re among the 2,500 organizations recognized worldwide and the 139 companies certified in Spain for their contributions to improving the world of work.

The evaluation process analysed 22 categories, including human resources strategy, diversity, equity and inclusion, talent attraction, wellbeing and training.

Cristina jaraba

Global People Lead

 ‘What has most surprised me is the commitment everyone shows towards their daily work. I’m motivated by a company where values are truly a part of the culture. And I’m impressed by how focused the team is on sustainability and innovation.’

Proof of our teams’ commitment

This recognition supports the results of our latest climate survey, a key listening tool. The conclusions thereof reflect a high commitment among our teams, and help us identify opportunities for improvement to keep growing together.

Sherpa: a path that keeps on transforming us

Our professionals continue to strengthen their skills to boost and guide the talent of our teams. We’ve successfully completed the first phase of our development programme Sherpa, and have started up the second.  Congratulations to everyone for their commitment!

The first phase of Sherpa, aimed at Senior Department Leaders and Operational Leaders, successfully ended a first cycle in 2025 following an enriching trail of learning and development in which the more than 200 participants were able to enjoy an integrated experience that combined workshops, meetings with experts, collaborative dynamics, and coaching processes aimed at strengthening team management in changing environments.

Moreover, in order to continue this transformation and development process, we’ve already started up the second phase, Sherpa 2.0, specifically designed for Department Leaders and Operational Team Leaders. This new edition brings together 40 participants and maintains its purpose of consolidating a leadership style based on resilience, efficacy, and adaptation to an ever more demanding context.

The impact of Sherpa is proving to be highly positive. The participants rated the programme with an overall score of 4.6 out of 5. Outside the company, Sherpa has been recognized with a 2025 Cegos Spain Award as one of the Best Practices in Human Resources.

Commitment

None of this would have been possible without the implication of our participating leaders, our partner Smart Culture and all the external experts who have accompanied us. Their commitment, generosity, and openness have been fundamental cornerstones of this programme.

We all know transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but these changes will become rooted in our people, our teams and our entire company over time. Thanks for making it possible!

NETWORKING

Defend yourself from ‘deepfakes’, manipulated images that are flooding the Internet

Is it a real photo or AI? This question is everywhere in today’s conversations, and comes up even more whenever some relevant event happens. In the era of information and with the arrival of artificial intelligence, there are more questions than answers.

Beyond just an anecdote, deepfake images –audiovisual content that is altered using artificial intelligence– have created quite the controversy by promoting disinformation 

campaigns and fraud as well as due to the creation of stereotyped or sexualized images, mostly of women.

Thanks to generative AI, it’s quite easy to create these kinds of images and share or publish them via social media. Actresses, TV hostesses and female politicians have suffered from these montages and have seen how their faces and identities have been stolen and attached to naked bodies or photos featuring sexual content.

The situation isn’t just affecting public figures: anonymous female users have also reported their images being altered using these mechanisms. This scenario is once again opening up the debate on social media and AI, and making the lack of regulations in this area obvious. Besides any restrictions and sanctions which could be imposed by law, this phenomenon demonstrates the lack of protection for one’s own image on the Internet.

How can you detect a ‘deepfake’?

It’s not easy, but there are some indications that can help you avoid believing these visual hoaxes.

Analyse the facial and body details: check if the voice coincides with the gestures.

Some software can analyse AI patterns to detect such manipulation.

Look at the duration of time: they’re often short videos due to the high cost.

Check the lighting: try to look for any strange shadows.

Pay attention to the quality and editing: if there is any odd pixelation, blurred edges or unequal resolution, it should be suspicious.

Contrast the information in traditional media, or just ask if it’s a person close to you.

Fighting the bias of AI

We’re living in an era marked by artificial intelligence, but it must be used responsibly and with a view for equality. To get the most out of it and understand how it works, always remember that AI is also filled with gender and other types of bias which it learns from what can be found online.

It’s important to defend an equality-based use of this tool so it doesn’t help perpetuate stereotypes. That’s why we celebrated Women’s Da(i) at Exolum with a webinar on artificial intelligence and bias with María Arribas, CMO & Business Development Director at Qalon, a consulting firm that specializes in ethical and sustainable AI.  Our own small gestures can create a better society!

TRENDS

“Will it be possible to live to the age of 120 in good health”

So, what’s the secret behind centenarians and supercentenarians? Dr Manuel de la Peña has studied more than 350 people who have done so, and has revealed the steps to living longer and, more importantly, living better.

MANUEL DE LA PEÑA

PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE

hortly before this interview with ConneXion, Dr Manuel de la Peña had spent time with 104-year-old Ángel Rodríguez-Sanz, one of the pioneers of television in Spain, and one of the hundreds of people he not only studies clinically, but also listens to with deep empathy. A writer, academic, researchers, doctor cum laude in Medicine, cardiology professor, the Director of the Chair of Heart and Longevity, and President of the European Institute of Health and Social Welfare, Manuel de la Peña is a deeply humanistic disseminator. His book, Guide to Living Healthy  for 120 Years (Vergara), covers an issue that arouses great interest: living longer. 

Living healthy for 120 years can seem like science fiction or a mission impossible.

It may seem so, but it is possible to reach the age of 120 healthy. The oldest-living person in history was the French woman Jeanne Calment, who lived to the age of 122. Up until two years ago, the oldest living person in the world was Spaniard María Branyas, who lived to the age of 117. In Spain, there are nearly 20,000 people over the age of 100; and nearly 700,000 throughout the world. So, they do exist.

What’s the best anti-ageing antidote?

There’s no doubt about it: knowledge. We have to understand why we begin losing our vitality and age, and know the steps to living well with enthusiasm and in good health.

What should we do to live longer, and in good condition?

Create environments where healthy decisions come naturally. Besides maintaining a healthy, balanced diet with a lot of plant-based protein, fibre and essential nutrients, you have to do regular physical exercise, keep your cholesterol and blood pressure well under control, and consume probiotics. And no smoking. I’ve not found a single person over the age of 100 who smoked.

Any other tips?

Learn to manage stress, strengthen your social environment, stay in contact with nature, have a charitable spirit, live spiritually, stay away from toxic people and, of course, put yourself in the hands of good doctors to emphasize health, something many people only value after losing theirs.

What’s the number one enemy for living a long life?

Emotional stress is this century’s major killer. The body can handle a period of time in a state of alert, but a chronic situation can lead to physical and mental exhaustion with an endless number of clinical manifestations that cause physical and psychological damage.

How much do genes affect longevity?

Genetics accounts for 25% of one’s longevity, with healthy habits accounting for the other 75%. More and more importance is being given to epigenetics: healthy habits and lifestyles have a positive impact on gene expression.

What could be our life expectancy in a few years?

Over the next five years, life expectancy is going to exponentially increase. In the year 1900, people lived around 30-35 years; and in 2026, that figure has practically tripled. Spain is at the top of the world podium for longevity. In the beginning, I would refer to those 700,000 people in the world living over the age of 100: it’s obvious to think the population of supercentenarians will increase and we’ll be reaching the age of 120 sooner than later.

AlphaGenome, the role of AI in longevity

Dr Manuel de la Peña mentioned how Google has designed AlphaGenome, an AI tool that can predict the biological function of our genes and interpret the expression of the genetic variants associated with disease.  ‘Using artificial intelligence,’ he explains, ‘they’re already studying 800,000 substances to evaluate their senolytic capacity; in other words, their efficacy in eliminating senescent cells, the ones that are no longer duplicating and have aged.’

‘Music, an ally within everyone’s reach’

‘At the age of 110, Dolores Buitrago absolutely stunned me with her copla singing,’ recalls Dr De la Peña. ‘Music is an exceptional therapeutic option: listening to it, singing, dancing, or playing an instrument.’ Music releases dopamine and endorphins, which make us more optimistic and happier because they’re neurotransmitters of happiness. ‘Listening to music 30 minutes a day significantly improves blood circulation, verbal memory, and attention span in addition to fostering creativity and decision-making, among other benefits,’ he adds.

Safety and Health

Wellness

Prescribing nature for better health

Going out for a walk in the countryside or going to a park can be much more than just a way to spend one’s leisure time. The numerous positive impacts of nature on health are inspiring a new approach and encouraging doctors to prescribe going outside as a treatment.

Moren and more studies are proving that spending time in green areas can help reduce obesity and improve vision and hearing problems. But nature not only contributes to physical health, it also benefits mental health by lowering the level of cortisol, the hormone released in response to stress.

Due to this positive impact, the trend of prescribing nature may become an even more common reality. With this idea in mind, the Canadian association BC Parks Foundation has developed an initiative to encourage healthcare professionals to prescribe connecting with nature to their patients given the multiple benefits for all ages. This organization sustains that time outside for adults can even improve their creativity, memory, and job satisfaction.

They are also focusing on childhood and assure that children who spend more time surrounded by nature are less likely to show signs of anxiety and depression, and that a 20-minute walk in the park can improve concentration in kids with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL BENEFITS

And it’s no longer just a widespread belief: scientific evidence proves that contact with nature has positive effects on health. Besides being fun, this contact with the environment can bring the following benefits:

IT LOWERS STRESS

Spending time in natural environments decreases cortisol levels and fosters mental and physical relaxation.

IT REDUCES OBESITY

Green areas encourage regular physical activity, and help people maintain a healthy weight.

IT MINIMIZES MYOPIA

Exposure to natural light helps regulate eye growth, thereby reducing the risk of developing myopia, especially in children.

 

PAEDIATRICIANS RECOMMEND MORE OUTDOOR LIVING

Spanish paediatricians are also sounding the alarm on children’s lifestyles and their ‘nature deficiency’. The abuse of electronic devices, increasing mental disorders and obesity problems are now childhood realities that could improve with something as simple as playing in the park.

Many schoolchildren live in cities, which makes it more difficult to remain in contact with nature. Nonetheless, one WHO study holds that engaging in activities in parks and public gardens is also beneficial for both physical and mental health.

Promoting healthy habits in childhood has become one of the goals of primary care paediatricians, who emphasize that walking in a forest or going to a river can reduce the problems of being overweight and depression.

Safety​

Stop, think, and ask: keys to preventing risks

Routine tasks can also lead to risks. Even if you do the same activity every day, too much confidence can fog your attention. So, we’d like to remind you: Stay aware!

Safety is a priority for us. To be fully conscious of what you’re doing, it’s best to take a step back before performing any work to consider any unexpected situations. That’s why we invite you to stop, think, and ask yourself if something seems odd.

Use this quick reminder in your day to day:

1. WHAT

Define the exact scope: what you’re going to do and what you’re not. Avoid thinking, ‘Since I’m here, I’ll…’

2. HOW

Review the procedure or work record, and confirm all critical steps.

3. RISKS

Identify the risks of any operation and the surrounding area: energy, height, traffic, climate, third parties. Adjust the plan if the context changes.

4. PPE

Are you wearing the proper PPE and adequate protection, and are they in good conditions? When in doubt, replace them.

 

5. RESOURCES

Tools, spare parts, and permits ready and checked; none of that ‘I’ll just improvise if necessary’.

6. LO TO

If there’s any power involved, isolate and lock it before doing any work. Make sure the voltage is off.

7. S.O.S.

Visualize ‘what if…?’: evacuation routes, emergency resources, and who to notify if something happens.

 

Operational excellence requires remaining aware and thinking before acting. And that’s why, if there are any doubts, reiterate the motto ‘stop, think, and ask’ to internalize and apply it.

Your safety begins with your attention. Every task counts. Every decision matters.

 

Involved

FEEL green

We’ve joined the CCSA to reduce CO2 in Europe and the United Kingdom

Moving forward with sustainability. We’ve become a member of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), the main European organization promoting the commercial deployment of carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

Joining, we’re reinforcing our commitment to the energy transition, and positioning ourselves as a key role-player in  CO2 value chain logistics management. This alliance has come about at a key moment in the development of technology that will be essential to meeting the European Union net zero emissions goals for 2050.

 Exolum will be offering our experience as a logistics operator in addition to an extensive network of infrastructures, with more than 60 terminals throughout Europe and the United Kingdom, which will offer integrated solutions adapted to CO2 transport and storage. These solutions combine both pipeline infrastructures as well as other logistics alternatives, such as railway and maritime transport, in accordance with the needs of each project.

Irene Lores, Clean Energies Lead, explains, ‘By joining CCSA, we’ll be contributing so that decarbonization projects can be feasible by developing optimized and safe transport networks. We’ll be using our operational experience to design solutions that efficiently connect industrial emitters to final usage plants and geological storage locations.’

Decisive for the European market

Exolum already has two carbon capture logistics hubs in Spain, in A Coruña and Huelva, which group the needs of many emitting companies. We also have an agreement with Adif to incorporate railway logistics solutions in its terminal network. In the United Kingdom, we operate more than 20 facilities, mainly in key port locations, which allows us to directly interact with the main British industrial clusters and facilitate the export and storage of captured carbon.

Award for our sustainability tool GreenMetrics

GreenMetrics, our internal environmental management tool, received the 2025 Iberquimia Prize for Sustainability and the Environment.  We’re pleased to share a new award on our road towards a greener future!

 

Iberquimia awards, which are given out annually by the magazine Industria Química, have acknowledged the value of this tool which was fully developed by our Technology teams. GreenMetrics automates and standardizes the calculation of our carbon footprint to offer consolidated and updated environmental information for the entire company. This innovation transforms reporting into a strategic value and reinforces our commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2040.

Miguel Ángel Sánchez Ariza, President of the National Association for the Normalization of Capital Goods and Industrial Safety, Bequinor, handed out the award, which was collected by Fernando García Rodríguez and Luis Miguel Lara, from our Technology department.

This recognition emphasizes our in-house talent and our commitment to digital solutions that can turn data into knowledge, and knowledge into sustainable action. Congratulations to the entire team and thank you to Industria Química!  

Exolum Advice

They weren’t going to hand us consumers everything on a silver platter! Energy labels on household appliances provide highly valuable information for estimating the economic savings involved with a more efficient appliance. Multiply their annual consumption by the price of your electricity and the number of years you expect to be using them, and compare the results among devices with different labels and prices using this official European website: EPREL public website

Advice from the energy management group

DE&I

We’ve launched Pride Alliance, our new LGTBI+ network around the globe

At Exolum, we’ve taken another step forward in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by implementing Pride Alliance, our network of LGBTI+ allies and people, which is now a reality around the world.

Pride Alliance came about with the goal of promoting a workplace where everyone can express themselves as they are and feel respected, safe, and valued irrespective of their sexual orientation, identity or gender expression.

This group is open to everyone, even those who wish to become allies, which means being available to listen, learn, and offer support whenever needed in order to promote a respectful and inclusive atmosphere.

To launch this network, we organized to events held in the Iberia region and NWE:

  • Representing the Iberia region were Cristina Fernández, Executive Sponsor of LGBTI+ Inclusion, Alberto Cortés, Chair of Pride Alliance Iberia, and Óscar Muñoz, Co-Director General of REDI, who offered their views on how diversity and inclusion is moving forward in business.

  • NWE gathered Jennifer Wilkinson, Chair of Pride Alliance NWE, and Laïla El Métoui, the founder and CEO of Pride in Education and Educating Out Racism, who reflected upon inclusive leadership and education as drivers of change.

As part of this commitment, NWE has joined myGwork, the largest global LGBTI+ talent and networking platform, which will allow them to access specialized resources and strengthen inclusive work environments. NWE is thus continuing Exolum’s path in Iberia: for years, we’ve been members of REDI (Business Network for LGBTI Diversity and Inclusivity).

A place for support

Think about becoming a part of Pride Alliance as a member or visible ally, and become a part of the change. Each person counts!

Sign up here

See the Iberia meeting once again here

Boosting inclusion at the workplace with our Diversity Charter

We’ve renewed our commitment to diversity and inclusion at the workplace with the Diversity Charter promoted by Fundación Diversidad, the largest movement among businesses and companies in Europe in favour of plurality and inclusion at the workplace.

The Diversity Charter is a manifesto promoting ten European principles which reflect the commitment of companies and institutions with equal opportunities in the workplace. The signatory organizations of this movement recognize and value diversity with regard to gender, age, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any other individual, social or cultural condition as a fundamental asset for business success and sustainability.

The ten principles of the diversity charter are:

1. Awareness

To raise awareness of equality and respect for diversity as company values.

2. A diverse workforce

To progress towards the creation of an inclusive workforce by integrating people of diverse profiles.

3. Inclusion

To promote inclusion and avoid any type of discrimination in the workplace.

4. DE&I as a transversal policy

To include diversity in every people management policy.

5 . Work-life balance

To promote balance between work, family and leisure time with co-responsibility for working hours.

6. Client diversity

To acknowledge the diversity of clients as a source of innovation.

7. Internal communication

To communicate this commitment to diversity to all employees.

8. Invite suppliers

To extend this commitment to vendor companies.

9. External communication

To extend this commitment to third parties.

10. Best practices

To disseminate diversity and inclusion policies, as well as the results obtained.

 

FEEL BETTER

We’ve renewed our collaboration with the social sports school organized by the Real Madrid Foundation

Our alliance with the Real Madrid Foundation and the Town Council of San Fernando de Henares drives this initiative which promotes social inclusion and a values-based education through sports.

De izquierda a derecha, Enrique Sánchez, Javier Corpa, Jorge Guillén y Emilio Butragueño.

More than 100 girls and boys between the ages of 5 and 17 will benefit once again this year from full and partial scholarships to attend the social sports school organized by the Real Madrid Foundation in collaboration with Exolum and the Town Council of San Fernando de Henares. At least half of the vacancies are earmarked for minors at risk of social exclusion. Since last season, the programme has also been serving disabled children participate in the weekly trainings alongside the other students.

The agreement was signed at Ciudad Real Madrid. Jorge Guillén, our CEO Iberia, underlined that for Exolum, ‘it’s a real success to see how generations of boys and girls, who truly need a social sports school, have been able to enjoy this project for so many years’. Javier Corpa, the mayor of San Fernando de Henares, mentioned that the school ‘is a solid project with a great future’ and emphasized, ‘It’s a source of pride to be able to rely on support from the Real Madrid Foundation and Exolum, one of the most important companies in our city.’

On the other hand, Emilio Butragueño, Director of Institutional Relations for Real Madrid, recalled how ‘the school is the result of an alliance that has remained strong for more than 10 years, and has enabled a real impact on the community’.

We’re reaffirming our commitment to sports as a social cohesion tool!

Sponsoring olive trees and protecting the environment

aring for a tree means caring for life. We’ve joined Apadrinaunolivo.org, a programme that promotes the recovery of rural areas, protects the environment, and creates new opportunities in depopulated zones. This initiative came about as a Christmas gift with a purpose: we gave out olive oils from 240 hundred-year-old olive trees in Oliete (Teruel) to which we’ve brought new life through what will now be known as ‘Olivar Exolum’.

Fundación Laberinto, a foundation that brings hope for the inclusion of people with and without disabilities

A pioneering centre in Huelva will meet the education and leisure needs of children and young people with severe physical and intellectual disabilities linked to rare or undiagnosed diseases, and offer a place for people with different capacities to be a part of a community. The priority now is to finish the work. At Exolum, we’re proud to collaborate with the Fundación Laberinto through our Social Action Plan.

Pilar Pereda, president of Fundación Laberinto, with kids and
young people from this organization.

Miguel Ángel Pereda, a patron of the foundation, and María.

P’alante’ is a colloquial and friendly contraction for the Spanish phrase ‘para adelante’ (carry on). It’s also a ‘magic word’, a motto: P’alante Popal is the name of the multi-purpose centre for which the first stone was laid on 16 January 2025, and which needs everyone’s support to become the reality dozens of families are looking forward to. Behind this comprehensive facility is the Fundación Laberinto, which was founded in 2016 out of the need and commitment but, above all, the love of Pilar Pereda for her son Jaime, who was diagnosed just before the age of 5 with type II mucopolysaccharidosis.  ‘It’s a difficult word to pronounce, and it’s even more difficult to explain how Hunter syndrome changes your life,’ says Pilar, the president of the foundation.

Hunter syndrome is a rare genetic degenerative disease. Life is completely turned upside down for families when someone is diagnosed with this or another rare disease. Young people can only attend special education school until the age of 21 (18 if attending a regular school).  ‘What happens to those people after that?  Some of them have major dependence issues.  And what happens to their families? I said to myself: ‘I have to create a centre for these young boys and girls, so they can have an opportunity to carry on with life.’

The first stone laid for the multi-purpose centre.

Inclusive care

The seven patrons of this foundation decided to raise funds to build, start up, and manage a multi-purpose centre. Pilar highlights that the key word is ‘multi-purpose’: ‘Different generations and people with different capacities will form a community here. And they’ll all be together, and that’s what sets us apart,’ she says.

In fact, the centre is real progress in inclusive care. In the mornings, they’ll serve young people aged 16 to 21 and over with special needs. In the afternoons, they’ll offer therapy and extracurricular activities for boys and girls with the same needs. But, they’ll also be open to boys and girls with no disability. Fundación Laberinto underscores the benefits of inclusion and intergenerational communal life: ‘Age doesn’t matter; what’s important is the level of development and the capacities they can encourage together.’

Over the past ten years, the foundation has done everything to get the centre built, and get everything else involved ready: equip it, allocate spots… The City of Huelva has assigned it land in a central area of the city for 75 years free of cost, and the Regional Government of Andalusia has recognized the project as a nation-wide pilot experiment, which will make it possible to test the operation of this model for a period of two years.

Recreativo de Huelva shirt. A big hug to Tomás Maldonado, a young player from the club.

Ana María Estivil and her son Tomás.

The priority: finishing the work

‘The priority now is to finish the centre as soon as possible,’ explains Pilar. The construction work began with a little over 300,000 euros in equity raised through a number of charity initiatives and with the support of local public and private entities. In order to fully finish the centre, they still need at least another 300,000 euros. ‘Jaime left us in 2022, at 20 years old, but there are many ‘Jaimes’ out there and many families who need this. ‘We just have to carry on,’ insists Pilar. She told the story of how one 12-year-old boy raised his hand when she was explaining the project at a school.  ‘He said, “Sorry, but what made you think of this at your age?” and then almost immediately answered the question himself: “That’s right! If I have a son like Jaime when I’m older, I won’t have to build the school because it’ll already be here.” That’s the legacy I owe to my son.’

Exolum: proud of human networks

Our Corporate Social Action and Volunteering Plan moves us to get involved in projects like this. Our ties to the foundation first began with our team in Madrid, and then reached Huelva, where we have a facility. Human networks, the ones that work the best, made it so Santiago Acebrón, Fernando Guerrero and Begoña Ramos, led by Elena Valero, could find out about the initiative and then raise the idea of offering economic assistance to get this multi-purpose centre going.

‘The commitment of a major company like Exolum has really been a turning point in our road. We’re so thankful for its support and the visibility its collaboration brings us,’ says Pilar.

Living labyrinths

Visibility for this project really changed with the organization of a Healthcare Congress on Rare Diseases in Huelva. The third one was held in March 2026. This makes it possible to reach more places (cities, hospitals, laboratories, entities), and for the initiative to create communication networks which Pilar refers to as ‘living labyrinths’. Because Jaime was a labyrinth: ‘You had to circle around 25 times to figure out what he wanted to say. My husband would say, “I’d sure like to get inside that kid’s head and reach the end of the labyrinth!”.’

DISCOVER

The tree that walks

Some Amazon communities tell the legend of a palm tree that moves in the jungle, adapting to difficult environments. This wonder is the Socratea exorrhiza: its lanky roots rise above the ground like long legs.

But can it really walk?

Not like an animal: this plant slowly relocates. It seeks light and stability in swampy soils. Some roots become stronger and others weaker, which creates the optical illusion that the trunk moves over time.

It’s an example of resilience that proves how nature comes up with the impossible.

3 myths in history that have come tumbling down

Cinema, art and even propaganda have made us believe certain stories from History that are nothing but inventions and fabrications.

1. Marie Antoinette once said: ‘If they have no bread, let them eat cake.’

The famous quote attributed to the queen who was beheaded in 1793, symbolizes all the frivolity and indifference in the face of the people’s poverty, which culminated in the French Revolution. It was fake news used at the time as propaganda. The quote appears in Rousseau’s book Confessions, but it was never proven to have come from the mouth of the ill-fated queen.

2. The Vikings wore helmets with horns

There is no archaeological evidence of this. Their helmets were made of iron with nasal protection but no horns, which would be dangerous in hand-to-hand combat: they can get tangled up and throw people off balance. This myth was spread in the 19th century based on the costumes used in opera, like those developed by Wagner, in addition to illustrations from the Romanticism movement.
An aesthetic lie.

3. The pyramids were built by slaves

These funerary monuments were not built by chained armies of slaves, as the cinema industry has led us to believe. They were built during the flood season by skilled labourers and peasants, who were paid with food and shelter. Their villages, tombs, and tools have been found near the pyramid of Giza. They worked in shifts and were respected.

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