BURNABY, BC (October 25, 2022) Ekona Power Inc. has completed its development and testing of a prototype Tri-Generation Pyrolysis (TGP) platform for low-cost clean hydrogen production. The project involved the demonstration of a proof-of-concept (POC) for the Pulse Methane Pyrolysis (PMP) reactor and a Direct Carbon Fuel Cell (DCFC) to validate the technology and inform the construction of further prototypes, brass boards and field trials.
Ekona, a Burnaby-based company, is transforming the way clean hydrogen is produced. Their patented PMP reactor converts methane into hydrogen and solid carbon rather than CO2, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ekona’s PMP solution is low-cost, scalable and can reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent when compared with conventional steam methane reformers. Ekona’s POC tests confirmed the design principles of this unique solution, and the company is presently scaling the reactor for integrated system testing and field deployment.
Ekona is also developing a novel DCFC that converts solid carbon into electricity, and pure CO2. This program successfully demonstrated a POC button cell that achieved project performance metrics for the technology.
“We are delighted with the partnership with NGIF Industry Grants. Their support was provided at an early stage in our company when technology validation was a critical part of our execution plan. We look forward to continued collaboration with NGIF as we scale the technology for field deployment and commercial evaluation with our customers.” said Chris Reid, CEO of Ekona Power Inc.
Image: Ekona’s Proof-of-concept PMP Reactor
NGIF Industry Grants invested $60,000 towards the development and testing of the Tri-Generation Pyrolysis platform prototype. “NGIF was excited to fund this project to create cleantech solutions for hydrogen production and emissions reduction. Ekona’s solution will produce industrial-scale hydrogen that is clean and cost-effective,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Capital Corporation and Managing Partner of NGIF Cleantech Ventures. “NGIF Industry Grants and its focus on de-risking clean technologies through field trials and pilots are part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and market commercialization.”
“NGIF support for technologies like Ekona’s PMP Reactor is yet another example of the gas industry’s commitment to deliver on environmental objectives while maintaining reliable, affordable energy services,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation. “When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support cleantech development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action,” he added.
NGIF Investors and Project Partners
About NGIF Industry Grants
NGIF Industry Grants is a first-of-kind, industry-led grant organization to fund early-stage startups developing solutions to environmental and other challenges facing Canada’s natural gas sector. NGIF Industry Grants develops, demonstrates, and de-risks these technology solutions through field trials and pilot projects to drive innovation and support environmental goals in Canada. NGIF Industry Grants’ investment focus is on existing natural gas production, transmission, distribution, storage, and end-use applications, as well as projects that will lead to the expanded production of emerging gaseous fuels like renewable natural gas and hydrogen. The organization has built a portfolio of startups, trusted partnerships with the government for co-funding opportunities, and a robust technical evaluation investment model. NGIF Industry Grants is operated by NGIF Capital Corporation.
About NGIF Capital Corporation
NGIF Capital Corporation is a Canadian venture capital (VC) firm offering grant and equity financing for startups that deliver solutions to the environmental and other challenges facing the natural gas sector. NGIF Capital Corporation is unique in how it brings Canada’s energy industry leadership to every investment. Like other VCs, it takes new companies and their ideas from concept to commercialization. Unlike other VCs, NGIF Capital Corporation has strong connections to every part of the gas value chain, from production through to end-use, offering it a means to test, develop, and accelerate the commercial implementation of innovative gas technology wherever it fits in the sector. The model benefits consumers, investors, and Canadian society as a whole. NGIF Capital Corporation operates NGIF Industry Grants (the original Natural Gas Innovation Fund), the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre, and NGIF Cleantech Ventures. NGIF Capital Corporation is wholly owned by CGA Enterprises, a venture of the Canadian Gas Association.
About Ekona Power Inc.
Ekona is a Burnaby-based venture established by Evok Innovations and Innovative Breakthrough Energy Technology (IBET). Ekona is developing a revolutionary technology that transforms the way we produce clean hydrogen. Our solution is an innovative and low-cost methane pyrolysis platform that converts natural gas into hydrogen and solid carbon, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, visit: www.ekonapower.com
About CGA
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gaseous energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen. CGA membership includes energy distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers of goods and services to the industry. CGA’s utility members are Canadian-owned and active in eight provinces and one territory. CGA members meet 38 per cent of Canada’s energy needs through a network of over 577,000 kilometres of underground infrastructure. The versatility and resiliency of this infrastructure allows it to deliver an ever-changing gas supply mix to over 7.4 million customer locations representing approximately two-thirds of Canadians. CGA members ensure Canadians get the affordable, reliable, clean gaseous energy they want and need. CGA is also working to constantly improve that gaseous energy offering, by driving forward innovation through the Natural Gas Innovation Fund (NGIF).
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Managing Partner, NGIF Cleantech Ventures
613-748-0057
jadams@ngif.ca
Media Information:
Ayoola Ajibare
Communications Coordinator, NGIF Capital Corporation
(403) 389-2212
aajibare@ngif.ca