At the forefront of climate innovation, Audun Sommerli Time, Chief Marketing Officer of NextFuel AB, is helping transform the global energy landscape. Known for unveiling a groundbreaking CO₂-negative fuel at the COP24 climate summit, Audun’s mission is clear—replace fossil fuels with clean alternatives that work seamlessly in existing infrastructure.
With a background spanning politics, corporate communications, and sustainability advocacy, Audun combines strategic vision with real-world results, positioning NextFuel as a disruptor in the renewable energy sector.
From Political Insight to Climate Action
Audun’s career path began in Norwegian politics before he transitioned to the corporate world. After earning a Master’s degree from the Norwegian School of Economics, he spent ten years at Geelmuyden Kiese, Scandinavia’s largest PR agency.
There, he managed campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, governments, and startups—eventually earning a SABRE Gold Award in 2013 for one of Europe’s most impactful PR campaigns. His work introduced him to numerous innovative startups, including the group of entrepreneurs and engineers who would later form NextFuel.
Launching NextFuel’s Vision
In late 2016, NextFuel was founded to commercialize a breakthrough technology developed through an industrial consortium supported by Andritz and EU/Austrian state funding.
Audun joined as one of five co-founders, bringing his expertise in communicating complex technology to a global audience. After years of behind-the-scenes development, NextFuel debuted its torrefaction-based CO₂-negative fuel at the COP24 climate conference in 2018.
Since then, the company has attracted international interest, secured its first large-scale project financing, and begun moving toward global deployment.
Keys to Success and Core Values
Audun attributes his success to creativity, persistence, and strong collaboration. While innovation drives the company’s technology, teamwork ensures its delivery.
NextFuel’s culture is built on two principles:
- Underpromise and overdeliver – taking the time to ensure quality before scaling.
- Step-by-step growth – focusing on building credibility through successful pilot projects before accelerating expansion.
What Sets NextFuel Apart
NextFuel’s patented process can transform crops, grasses, and other biomass into a clean, coal-like fuel in under 30 minutes. This fuel can be used directly in existing coal-fired plants and industrial systems—making adoption faster and far more cost-effective than traditional renewable infrastructure.
In some applications, the process can even create a carbon-negative cycle, helping companies achieve aggressive climate goals.
The company’s vision is embedded in its name: NextFuel—a clean successor to fossil fuels that can scale globally.
The Role of Innovation
Innovation is the foundation of NextFuel’s business. For Audun, disruptive technology is essential to solving the climate crisis:
“Every major global challenge has been solved by new ideas backed by bold investment. If we can execute our vision, we can give the world a realistic chance of meeting the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.”
Teamwork vs. Individual Contributions
Audun believes success at NextFuel has come from a blend of strong individual expertise and team-driven execution. The early-stage core team carried the company far with minimal resources, but scaling up will require building larger, specialized teams to meet global demand.
Life as CMO and Co-Founder
As CMO, Audun’s role is centered on one mission: build long-term global demand for NextFuel’s product. His favorite part of the job is engaging directly with potential partners around the world:
“Every week we speak with organizations eager to collaborate on climate solutions. It’s inspiring to work with people on every continent who share our commitment to a cleaner future.”
Advice for New Leaders
For professionals stepping into leadership roles, Audun offers practical guidance:
- Be patient – growth takes time, especially with complex products.
- Listen to your team – internal alignment is essential to success.
- Avoid rushing – scaling too quickly or launching prematurely can compromise quality.
By prioritizing precision and long-term planning, leaders can ensure sustainable growth that meets both market and environmental expectations.
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