Calpech Secures €600,000 Investment to Revolutionize Biogas Production

Calpech, a spin-off from the University of Alicante, has secured a €600,000 investment from BeAble Capital to advance its innovative biogas technology. The funding will enable the company to scale its production of carbon-encapsulated zero-valent iron nanoparticles (CE-nZVI), which improve biogas yields and significantly reduce environmental pollutants. By aligning cutting-edge technology with sustainability, Calpech is setting a new benchmark in renewable energy solutions.

Innovative Nanoparticle Technology

Calpech’s patented CE-nZVI technology is transforming the biogas industry. These nanoparticles are engineered to boost biogas production by up to 40% when used as an additive in anaerobic digesters. This process accelerates the decomposition of organic materials, increasing energy output while simultaneously lowering emissions of harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide, which can corrode equipment and harm the environment.

What makes this breakthrough particularly compelling is its reliance on waste products from olive oil production to create the nanoparticles. This approach embodies a circular economy mindset, repurposing agricultural residues into valuable resources for energy production. The synergy between innovation and sustainability places Calpech at the forefront of green technology advancements.

Successful Pilot Trials and Scaling Up

The company’s pilot trials demonstrated significant gains in efficiency and environmental benefits, validating the CE-nZVI technology in real-world applications. These trials showed a consistent increase in biogas output and a notable decrease in contaminants, cementing the nanoparticles’ effectiveness.

With this success, Calpech is now scaling its operations to meet increasing demand. The recent €600,000 investment from BeAble Capital will facilitate industrial-level production, enabling the company to expand its market reach. The ability to translate scientific innovation into practical, scalable solutions demonstrates Calpech’s readiness to impact the global renewable energy sector.

This strategic growth aligns with the rising demand for cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, particularly in the biogas and biomethane industries. The company’s emphasis on resource efficiency is drawing attention from stakeholders across the energy value chain.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

BeAble Capital, a leading investor in deep-tech innovations, focuses on technologies aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their investment in Calpech underscores a shared vision of fostering environmental responsibility and technological advancement.

Calpech’s contributions extend beyond energy production. By addressing agricultural waste management challenges and turning them into opportunities for renewable energy innovation, the company is making strides toward multiple SDGs. These include affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), industry innovation (SDG 9), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).

As global industries pivot toward sustainability, Calpech’s solutions exemplify the integration of scientific research with actionable environmental impact. This combination not only meets immediate market needs but also secures long-term relevance in the renewable energy landscape.

References & Further Reading

• Cinco Días. (2024, December 19). BeAble Capital cierra una ronda de la startup Calpech, que crea tecnologías de biogás. Cinco Días. Retrieved from https://cincodias.elpais.com/companias/2024-12-19/beable-capital-cierra-un-ronda-de-la-startup-calpech-que-crea-tecnologias-de-biogas.html
• VentureRadar. (n.d.). Calpech. VentureRadar. Retrieved from https://www.ventureradar.com