Revolutionising Energy Solutions: The Bluemethane Journey
In a world grappling with climate change and environmental degradation, the search for sustainable energy sources has become paramount. One of our members that has been making significant strides in this arena is Bluemethane. Founded on the principles of innovation and sustainability, Bluemethane is spearheading a revolution in the energy sector with its pioneering approach towards capturing methane and converting it from a potent greenhouse gas, into a source of energy.
Although often unnoticed, addressing methane leaks originating from reservoirs and wastewater holds significant potential as a powerful tool to rapidly mitigate climate change. On a global scale, human activities contribute to the release of 51 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) annually into the atmosphere. Among these emissions, three billion tonnes stem from methane leakage from water sources, including wastewater, reservoirs, and rice cultivation.
Bluemethane was born out of an article read in the Guardian stating that hydropower reservoirs emit one billion tonnes of GHGs. Recognising the urgent need for cleaner alternatives, a team of visionary scientists and entrepreneurs came together to create a solution to decarbonise water whilst remaining energy positive, thereby mitigating environmental harm and providing a viable energy source for the future.
At the core of Bluemethane's mission lies a commitment to capture one billion tonnes of GHG’s from water. The company is driven by a vision of a world powered by clean energy, where environmental stewardship goes hand in hand with economic prosperity. By harnessing the power of methane conversion, Bluemethane aims to disrupt the traditional energy landscape and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Cleantech Venture Day and Investments
As a fledgling enterprise set up in 2021, Bluemethane received crucial backing from Carbon13, which initiated and invested in the company through the Carbon13 Venture Builder programme. The programme, offering strategy support and domain expertise, provided the ingredients to ensure the climate venture had the best chance of success.
In January 2023, Louise Parlons Bentata, Co-founder and CEO of Bluemethane, pitched at Cambridge Cleantech’s Cleantech Venture Day. This gave her a chance to showcase her cleantech solution to an extensive range of venture capitalists, fund managers and angel investors, providing an opportunity to enhance her network.
“Cleantech Venture Day in January was very important for us. We left with some new contacts which improved our network and investment approach. I was very pleased we came along” - Louise Parlons Bentata, Co-founder and CEO of Bluemethane.
Later in 2023, Cranfield University granted Bluemethane a research grant of £50,000 to bolster their technical advancements. The Technology Accelerator Fund, provided by Cranfield University and enabled by a generous donation from Green Future Investments Ltd (GFIL), specifically targets innovative technologies aimed at addressing the pressing challenges posed by the climate crisis. Given Cranfield's global reputation as leaders in wastewater research and their established collaborations with major water utility firms, partnering with them aligned perfectly with Bluemethane’s objectives.
This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity for Bluemethane to leverage independent technical expertise and industry insights, while operating at Cranfield. This location was strategically chosen for its alignment with the UK's commitment to achieving operational net-zero status by 2030, within the water utilities sector. The company has also received £40k from the Regional Innovation Grant from Cranfield University, demonstrating their continued partnership, as well as funding from the Grantham Foundation, positioning them as leaders in recovering methane from water at scale.
What’s more, Bluemethane has secured a coveted place on the prestigious Diamond List 2023 for climate-focused startup companies. The Diamond List represents a select group of climate startups, carefully curated each year, with nominations coming from reputable climate investors. Its primary aim is to spotlight early-stage companies in search of investment opportunities, bridging the gap between venture capitalists and promising climate startups. This recognition not only validates Bluemethane’s achievements thus far, but also inspires them to continue pushing the boundaries of climate innovation.
Technology and Innovation
Central to Bluemethane's ground-breaking technology is the process of methane conversion. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted from various sources such as landfills, livestock farms, and wastewater treatment plants, is captured and converted into renewable natural gas (RNG) through a series of innovative chemical processes. This RNG can then be used as a clean and sustainable energy source for heating, electricity generation, and transportation.
What sets Bluemethane apart is its proprietary separation technology, which boasts high efficiency, scalability, and environmental friendliness. Unlike traditional methods of methane emissions mitigation, which often involve combustion or flaring, Bluemethane's approach not only prevents harmful emissions but also generates valuable renewable energy.
Environmental Impact and Economic Benefits
The environmental impact of Bluemethane's technology cannot be overstated. By capturing and converting methane into renewable natural gas, the company helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, thereby combating climate change and reducing air pollution. Furthermore, by providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, Bluemethane plays a crucial role in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy.
Beyond its environmental advantages, Bluemethane also offers significant economic benefits. By monetising methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, the company creates new revenue streams for industries such as waste management and agriculture. Moreover, by producing renewable natural gas, Bluemethane helps diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, thus enhancing energy security and resilience.
Future Outlook
Since its inception, Bluemethane has rapidly expanded its operations and footprint across the globe. Collaborating with governments, businesses, and communities, the company is due to implement its first project this year. Its scalable technology and flexible deployment options make it suitable for a wide range of applications, driving adoption and impact on a global scale.
While Bluemethane has achieved remarkable success in its mission to reduce carbon emissions, it also faces challenges on the road ahead. Regulatory hurdles, market dynamics, and technological complexities are just a few of the obstacles that the company must navigate as it continues to grow and innovate. However, with its dedicated team, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to its mission, Bluemethane is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and lead the charge towards a cleaner, brighter future.
Bluemethane stands at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, offering a compelling solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Through its innovative technology, environmental stewardship, and commitment to sustainability, the company is not only transforming the way we think about energy, but also paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come. As we look ahead, one thing is clear: the Bluemethane journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
Additional Information
Bluemethane’s mission is to capture a billion tonnes of greenhouse gases from water. Bluemethane exists to stem methane leaks from water bodies including wastewater, reservoirs, and agriculture. Bluemethane develops technology to capture methane from water, as a new source of data, power, and revenue. This will permanently remove methane from water, reduce global warming and support the energy transition by unlocking a new source of bioenergy.
With an estimated one billion tonnes of CO2e emitted from wastewater treatment plants annually, Bluemethane is recovering methane from wastewater and bioresource streams, and using it to generate a new source of clean energy.
Bluemethane technology is novel because it removes the most methane using the least energy.
Bluemethane can be applied pre/post primary treatment, anaerobic digestion, or full-flow anaerobic treatment.
Benefits