Aeriogen
Aeriogen Ltd is commercialising a process that uses naturally occurring microbes to convert carbon dioxide gas into sustainable synthetic methane (e-methane, or power-to-methane), which is a direct replacement for fossil natural gas.
Aeriogen Ltd is commercialising a process that uses naturally occurring microbes to convert carbon dioxide gas into sustainable synthetic methane (e-methane, or power-to-methane), which is a direct replacement for fossil natural gas. Our microbial catalyst does this by combining the carbon dioxide with hydrogen gas that can be produced using renewable electricity to split water into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen.
Predictions of global energy use are clear that methane (natural gas) will continue to be a major source of energy for many decades. Yet it is also clear that we must urgently reduce the extraction and use of fossil natural gas to limit climate change. Our technology allows synthetic methane to be produced from captured and recycled carbon, therefore drastically reducing the need to extract additional fossil methane. Our product gas is also suitable for use in industrial processes that require methane either as a chemical feedstock or where switching to alternative fuels impacts on product quality or emissions.
Synthetic methane has an intrinsic value as a sustainable source of energy, and the recycling of carbon allows value to be attributed to avoiding increasingly costly carbon emissions. However, the process delivers much more than this. By transforming hydrogen made using renewable electricity into a product gas that is immediately compatible with existing gas infrastructures, we effectively make a link between power and gas grids. This brings huge flexibility to the energy sector and allows us to bring new opportunities to the market. For example, using our technology renewable energy can be stored for weeks or months using existing gas storage facilities. In addition, producers of intermittent renewable electricity using wind turbines or photovoltaics would have the flexibility to better match power supply and demand leading to more efficient use of assets and optimising the value of their exported electricity as market prices vary over short timescales. Synthetic methane may also be a future vector for storing hydrogen for extended periods of time or transporting it over long distances using existing gas pipelines.
2017
Start Date
Cardiff
Location
3
Employees
£2M
Grants
£0
Equity
The Journey
Prior to ICURe we had completed proof of concept research, completed a PhD research programme focussed on understanding fundamental process parameters, were trialling novel reactor designs to improve efficiency, and were just starting to investigate market applicability.
The Aeriogen Ltd team was awarded ICURe Market Validation funding in 2017. Bootcamps were informative and set us on the path to producing a credible business plan. The travel funding allowed us to attend industrial conferences and make contacts in Italy, Iceland and Denmark. In addition, we were able to make contact with many organisations in the UK including potential customers, potential supply and service partners, and companies already pushing the boundaries of sustainable gas production. After speaking to around 100 companies we had a good idea that our process could deliver value propositions across several sectors. The options roundabout at the end of the journey required us to distil a lot of information into an impactful presentation. The whole process gave us confidence that there were multiple markets for a technology that could deliver the multiple benefits of CO2 recycling, synthetic methane production and integrated renewable power and gas infrastructures.
Following ICURe our small team was committed to delivering a number of ambitious research projects that included developing and testing a number of novel reactor designs as well as improving our understanding of process control strategies. As a result, we have now developed a novel, low energy input system for biological synthetic methane production that sets us apart in the marketplace.
The granting of our first patent in 2022 and securing an Enterprise Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2023 marked the point at which we created Aeriogen Ltd as a spin out company from the University of South Wales.
Contact Form
Proof of Concept Research
USW Centenary PhD Scholarship (Biomethanation)
IUK Integrated Energy System Feasibility Study
Independent market potential report
IUK/BBSRC Biotechnology Catalyst Feasibility
ICURe Market Validation
BEIS Energy Storage Funding
WG/ERDF SMART Expertise Funding
Grant of Patent in USA
Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship
Registration of Aeriogen Ltd
What companies had to say about the Innovate UK ICURe programme?
"For me ICURe is the ‘go-to’ programme for any researcher with ambitions to bring their ideas to market. There’s lots of unknowns and uncertainties when starting the journey, but ICURe provides the opportunity and support to take the first steps towards filling these knowledge and skills gaps and building a business case. I would 100% recommend it."
Tim Patterson
Co-Founder at Aeriogen Ltd
Future Goals
Our ambition is to be a leading part of an emerging, but essential, global industrial sector that delivers the collection and recycling of carbon to products. By displacing fossil gas with synthetic methane, we not only aim to contribute to limiting the impacts of climate change, but also bring about new market opportunities and income streams for our customers and ensure the future sustainability of their operations.
Our initial aim is to demonstrate the technology at an industrially relevant scale. We estimate that this will require around £1.5 million from a combination of grant funding and investment. We recognise that major markets are likely to be international, so we are simultaneously exploring partnerships and deployment opportunities across Europe and beyond. Our ambition is to develop a global portfolio of synthetic methane production facilities and contribute to the normalisation of responsible and efficient recycling of carbon.