CATAGEN, a pioneering net zero innovation company, has received a substantial £4.9 million (€5.7 million) funding from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). This funding aims to further develop its groundbreaking ClimaHtech BIOHGEN Biohydrogen Reactor in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Already having successfully built a prototype Biohydrogen Generator and conducted feasibility studies in real-world industrial settings, including at the Mannok Cement Plant in Ballyconnell, CATAGEN plans to deliver a full-scale demonstrator by 2025 with the support of this funding.
The company highlights that hydrogen from renewable sources is an essential zero carbon fuel that will play a crucial role in phasing out fossil fuels. Additionally, hydrogen is vital for various net zero technologies and fuels, including e-fuels, which are critical for hard-to-decarbonize sectors like heavy-duty diesel, aviation, and marine.
This funding boost is expected to create new high-skilled green jobs in the region, leading to a growth of at least 50% in CATAGEN’s team over the next two years. Local suppliers and contractors will also benefit from upskilling opportunities as CATAGEN expands its headquarters in the historic Titanic Quarter.
The UK government’s broader £21 million (€24.5 million) package supports innovation in hydrogen bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technologies.
Dr. Andrew Woods, CEO and co-founder of CATAGEN, expressed excitement about the company’s progress and announced plans to collaborate with Belfast Harbour’s CEO, Joe O’Neill, to site the first BIOHGEN system in the Harbour Estate. This move aims to enable the early adoption of low-carbon hydrogen to decarbonize transport and heavy industry in Belfast as part of Belfast Harbour’s Green Port Strategy.
CATAGEN’s Phase 1 involved developing an initial prototype Reactor and demonstrating the feasibility of a low-cost solution capable of delivering substantial quantities of biohydrogen before 2030 targets. The company’s innovative approach requires less capital investment and boasts significantly lower production costs. Furthermore, its process results in net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, utilizing bioCO2 to replace fossil CO2 in various industries.
This Phase 2 funding will continue the development of this effective and cost-efficient technology, ultimately leading to commercialization. The benefits include low-cost biohydrogen production, fast ramp-up of production, and bioCO2 replacing fossil CO2, all derived from a biomass waste product.
Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart expressed enthusiasm for supporting manufacturers in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and energy bills. The UK government’s investment of over £80 million aims to empower industries to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace cutting-edge science and technologies for a sustainable future.
