Fortescue Metals’ new clean energy boss Mark Hutchinson says the geopolitical ructions of the past year will accelerate the energy transition and the company should be selling green hydrogen within three years with first exports of the flammable gas likely to come from Queensland.

Dr Hutchinson’s first public appearance at a Fortescue event on Monday coincided with Elizabeth Gaines’ last as chief executive and as the company’s traditional iron ore business posted its second-biggest profit worth $US6.19 billion ($9 billion).