A MAN whose project has helped to lower the CO2 emissions in the Netherlands by 25 per cent has been listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Thaddeus Anim-Somuah is only 29, but he has now been internationally recognised by Forbes in the category of manufacturing and industry for his work at Croda.He now oversees engineering projects such as building a new $56 million carbon-neutral plant and when he’s not leading behavioural safety for 350 people, he volunteers with newly-arrived refugees.

Thaddeus, who attended Tower College and lived in Rainhill until 2012 said: “I certainly wasn’t any child prodigy or anything like that. My first job was working at The Ship Inn which I enjoyed but I was terrible at it and they rightfully sacked me for poor performance.

“But I wanted to become a chemical engineer because of on the positive impact they can have on everyday life. During my chemical engineering degree at Manchester University I was sponsored by P&G, working for them on improving the production of essential consumer goods such as nappies and shaving foam.

“After graduation, I moved to the Netherlands to work for Croda in Rotterdam, which is one step earlier in the chain, they are making ingredients that go into essential products like shaving foam, and one of my first projects was energy balance calculations and design as process engineer in the Quarterback project which reduced Croda’s Dutch CO2 emissions by 25 per cent.

“It’s a great honour and privilege to be on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and to have them recognise me and believe in me. I’m next to the likes of Tom Daley and Greta Thunberg, heroes of mine.

“I hope to use this to have an even greater positive impact.

“To young people starting out I’d say believe in yourself, work hard and be the change.

“I’m a 1st generation immigrant from Ghana, who needed extra classes to catch up on English; now I’m proud to say I’m one of Brits in the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe.

“You’re never too small, too young or too different to make a difference. I struggled sometimes but no matter the situation I just followed those three things. I’m still on my way and a work in progress.

“If anyone wants specific advice, they can reach out to me. I’m always happy to help where I can.”