CALGARY, AB (October 9, 2025): NGIF Accelerator proudly announces the successful completion of Prabhu Energy Labs’ (PEL) project, the Oxiperator for Eliminating Methane Slip from the Tailpipes of Lean-Burn Gas Engines. This bolt-on tailpipe solution can eliminate methane, VOC, and CO slip from tens of thousands of lean-burn gas engines across North America. The project was supported through the NGIF Accelerator’s Industry Grants program.
The Oxiperator uses gradual oxidation, providing the time and temperature to oxidize the fuel that is slipping. It does not use catalysts. The project goal was to show that the Oxiperator would oxidize 95% of methane slipping from lean-burn engine exhaust without creating new NOx.
The testing of the Oxiperator surpassed expectations. The system removed all methane, VOCs, and CO. It is a breakthrough solution for methane mitigation. The Oxiperator can now be scaled up to larger engines and modular systems, advancing cost-effective methane mitigation.
Image: Prabhu Energy Labs’ Oxiperator, a high-temperature porous heat exchanger for the oxidation of methane emissions and VOCs.
The Oxiperator can also be coupled with a turbocharger or a gas turbine, creating a generator that runs on almost any waste fuel gas. It can provide emissions-free electricity for remote locations beyond the grid, establishing microgrids where power is needed most. Larger units could make power from gas being flared or vented.
Project Highlights
- Achieved full oxidation of 1% methane in air from ambient temperature with no catalyst or external fuel.
- All methane, VOCs, and CO from lean-burn engine exhaust were eliminated.
- Cost-cutting steps are underway.
- Modular systems for engines already in the field are being considered.
PEL’s next plans are to build and demonstrate an Oxiperator in Alberta gas fields for a CAT 3516J (1350 HP) lean-burn engine, followed by an Oxiperator for a CAST 3500 series engine (2700 HP).
“NGIF Accelerator is proud to support Prabhu Energy Labs, developing practical solutions to reduce emissions across the natural gas value chain. PEL’s Oxiperator not only demonstrates strong performance in tackling methane slip but also offers scalable, cost-effective, and field-ready applications that strengthen the performance of Canada’s natural gas sector, said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator. “Our Industry Grants program and its focus on de-risking energy technologies through field trials and pilots are part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and technology commercialization.”
“We are indebted to NGIF for their support,” said Edan Prabhu, CEO of Prabhu Energy. “It was NGIF who first asked us whether the Oxiperator could help reduce methane emissions from such engines. Until then, we were considering the Oxiperator mainly for power generation. NGIF led us to a new and important use.”
“Canadians want and need the affordable, reliable, and lower-emission energy service offering they have come to expect from the natural gas industry. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as NGIF continues to support innovations like PEL’s Oxiperator,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association, and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
Industry Grants’ Participants and Project Partners
About Industry Grants program
The Industry Grants program is industry-led and offers non-dilutive grants to fund early-stage startups for technology development and field demonstration. The program specifically de-risks pre-commercial technology solutions that have the potential to increase the environmental performance of the natural gas sector. Each project in the program will accelerate technology readiness level progressions through controlled pilot testing and field trials to advance commercialization.
About NGIF Accelerator
NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all technology and innovation programs. The NGIF Accelerator mandate is to de-risk and accelerate technology development by supporting startups through their pilot projects, field trials, and industry validation. It will coordinate with federal and provincial governments to co-fund projects to advance market commercialization. NGIF Accelerator currently operates the Industry Grants program and administers the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre program.
About Prabhu Energy Labs
Prabhu Energy Labs is a California-based technology company that is developing the Oxiperator for methane slip in communication with several oil and gas companies that are interested in field testing the Oxiperator on their engines. PEL also plans to develop a Power Oxiperator, a pressurized Oxiperator that would drive a gas turbine to generate local power. Please visit www.prabhuenergy.com for more information.
About Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets almost 40 percent of the country’s energy needs.
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Media Information:
Dini Philip
Communications Coordinator,
