CHARBONE Strengthens Leadership with Air Liquide Veteran as First Hydrogen Production Nears

CHARBONE Corporation has announced the addition of Jean Watelle to its clean Ultra High Purity hydrogen production team as the company prepares for first delivery at its flagship project in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. Watelle brings more than 25 years of experience in technical and manufacturing management, including 11 years as Director of Hydrogen and Site Operations for Air Liquide Canada's Eastern Region Large Industries division. His background also includes five years in Lean Manufacturing and as a Tier 1 specialist for automotive manufacturers Chrysler and Ford.

According to Dave Gagnon, CHARBONE's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Watelle's extensive experience in industrial gases, particularly in operations and production management, will significantly strengthen the team as the company moves from planning to execution. This leadership addition comes at a critical moment as CHARBONE transitions its first project deployment to full-scale production. The company's integrated model, which focuses on developing a network of clean hydrogen production facilities throughout North America, is designed to reduce risk, enhance scalability, and enable diversified revenue streams through partnerships in helium and other specialty gases.

The appointment signals CHARBONE's operational readiness as it prepares to generate first revenues from the Sorel-Tracy facility. Watelle will work closely with CHARBONE's executive team to support the operation and management of clean UHP hydrogen production from projects across both the United States and Canada. His operational acumen will be instrumental in managing the company's growing industrial gas distribution platform, which aims to provide accessible, decentralized clean hydrogen and specialty gas solutions while supporting underserved industrial gas customers.

CHARBONE's strategic focus on increasing shareholder value through efficient operations and strategic growth aligns with the global transition to a lower-carbon economy. The company's modular approach to hydrogen production facility development represents a significant shift toward localized clean energy solutions. As detailed in the Corporation's Filing Statement dated March 31, 2022, available on SEDAR at https://www.sedar.com, the company faces various risks and uncertainties common to emerging clean energy ventures. However, the addition of seasoned industry leadership like Watelle's represents a concrete step toward mitigating operational challenges and executing on the company's development timeline.

The timing of this leadership announcement corresponds with CHARBONE's progression toward commercial operations at its initial production facility. As the company prepares for its first revenue-generating delivery, the expertise Watelle gained during his tenure at Air Liquide—a global leader in industrial gases—provides valuable insight into large-scale hydrogen operations and market dynamics. This experience will be particularly relevant as CHARBONE expands its production network beyond the initial Quebec facility to other North American markets and select international locations.