Cambridge-based cleantech startup Levidian has installed the first of its greenhouse gas-reducing LOOP devices in the UK, in partnership with Eco Group.
The devices, which will be deployed in the south of Scotland, breaks methane into hydrogen and carbon atoms, with the carbon then used to create wonder material graphene. The process takes place without the use of catalysts or additives.
“LOOP will be a powerful tool for industrial decarbonisation and fits in well with Scotland’s green ambitions – we’re looking forward to working with Eco to deploy LOOPs and integrate graphene to help us drive towards net zero,” said John Hartley, CEO of Levidian.
The Levidian UK LOOP is also the first globally to have fully integrated hydrogen separation. The unit will supply hydrogen and graphene to research and development projects.
Plans are now underway to add 60 LOOP1000 units in Scotland and further afield within the next five years. The company claims that each LOOP1000 has the potential to remove 2,400 tonnes of CO2e each year.
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has given Eco Group a £331,000 grant towards the funding of the 60 LOOPs.
Dr Martin Valenti, director of Net Zero at SOSE, said: “SOSE is supporting the creation and live testing of new technology with Eco Group, which focuses on taking natural gas and methane and breaking it down to provide hydrogen and graphene.
“This could then be used for low energy solutions to heat buildings and for battery storage, which would be a significant step forward on our collective journey to Net Zero.”
In May, the cleantech company signed a £700m export deal with Zero Carbon Ventures for its LOOPs to be used in the United Arab Emirates.