Belfast-based cleantech company Catagen has received two funding awards through the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as the company develops new net-zero technologies.
The latest funding has been awarded as part of the Red Diesel Replacement Competition, which aims to help industry move away from using red diesel — also known as gas oil, and commonly used in off-road vehicles and machinery. Catagen has been awarded funding for the development of high-pressure hybrid pumping for hydrogen storage and dispensing, with the second award for the development of an e-fuel as a replacement for red diesel.
The Queen’s University spin-out sells its patented emissions testing services to global automotive manufacturers and is approved by the UK Vehicle Certification Agency and Europe’s Applus IDIADA.
“E-Fuels are needed to provide an alternative solution to electrification for sectors such as aviation, marine, heavy-duty diesel and heating systems that use liquid fuels,” said Prof Roy Douglas, co-founder and CTO of Catagen. “A blended solution of technologies is needed to meet Net Zero emissions targets by 2050. Some of our existing business partners have already expressed interest in piloting Catagen’s E-fuel as it can be used in a conventional internal combustion engine and utilises existing infrastructure.”
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The latest funding brings to four the number of awards Catagen has received through the BEIS Net Zero Innovation Portfolio scheme. Last month, the company got two separate awards through the low carbon hydrogen supply 2 competition for the development of green hydrogen production and a liquid hydrogen fuel carrier.
Should the projects successfully pass phase one, Catagen will be eligible to receive several million pounds in additional funding. Although an exact figure has not been put on the total funding from the four projects, industry experts estimated getting to phase two could yield up to £20 million for Catagen.
The BEIS funding will support the company in growing its operations in Belfast as it works on decarbonising transport and industry, developing new technologies in green hydrogen and e-fuel production
The company currently employs 35 people, and has seen its workforce double in the past year. It is aiming to replicate that growth trajectory in the next year.
