West Midlands cleantech firm forms €500m waste conversion joint venture

Sustainable Molecules, a Tamworth-based technology company also known as SuMo, has formed a joint venture with international investor Eren Groupe to develop waste-to-molecules infrastructure. Investment plans for the partnership are expected to reach €500m.

The joint venture will deploy SuMo’s modular advanced gasification technology across the UK, Europe and other international markets. The system is designed to convert non-recyclable waste into syngas, which can then be upgraded into renewable methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen and synthetic methane.

Kamal Kalsi, chief executive of Sustainable Molecules, said the launch marked a move from technology development to project delivery.

“This is about taking what has historically been a difficult part of the energy transition and making it investable, repeatable and scalable,” he said. “With Eren’s support, we are focused on turning waste into a reliable source of low-carbon molecules that industry and investors can depend on.”

The products are aimed at industrial, chemical and transport sectors that face challenges in reducing carbon emissions.

Nicolas Nouvel, executive director at Eren Groupe, said: “Finding a proven and mature technology using a broad range of waste streams to deliver a stable, high-grade syngas in an economically viable way is a cornerstone of industrial decarbonisation.

“SuMo has an outstanding team that has been able to develop a 10 MWth plant, with thousands of hours of operation and a unique high-pressure technology. We are thrilled to be joining forces with SuMo to bring it to the next level.”

Sustainable Molecules said it has more than 10 years of development and operational demonstration experience. Its pressurised advanced gasification platform is designed for flexibility and commercial deployment.

Eren Groupe was founded in 2011 following the sale of EDF Energies Nouvelles. Through its industries division, the company operates across areas of the energy transition including hydrogen, biogas and energy storage.

Image source: SuMo