Barton Blakeley, a cutting-edge Harpenden startup, has secured £2.4m in funding to convert CO2 emissions into clean energy.
- Elbow Beach Capital led the funding round, reinforcing its commitment to climate tech innovations.
- The investment paves the way for Barton Blakeley to deploy its first commercial system at an industrial site, marking a significant step in its growth.
- Volker Beckers, former CEO of RWE Npower, joins Barton Blakeley as chair, bringing valuable expertise and leadership.
- The startup aims to revolutionize silica production, significantly reducing CO2 emissions in the process.
Barton Blakeley, a company at the forefront of carbon capture and utilisation, has announced a significant £2.4m funding round. The investment, led by Elbow Beach Capital, signifies strong support for Barton Blakeley’s innovative approach to converting CO2 emissions into clean energy and synthetic silica. This development promises to save over 1 kilo-tonne of carbon annually.
The fresh capital will allow Barton Blakeley to advance its capabilities by placing its first commercial system at an industrial site. CEO Christopher Barton expressed his enthusiasm, noting the importance of this milestone in the company’s journey towards full-scale commercialization. “It is exciting to be taking firm steps towards commercialisation through placing our first system at an industrial site,” he said.
In a noteworthy appointment, Volker Beckers, a distinguished figure in the energy sector, joins Barton Blakeley as chair. Beckers, who was honored with a CBE for his contributions to nuclear energy, expressed his excitement about the startup’s future. “I am pleased to be joining Barton Blakeley at this pivotal time for the company,” Beckers stated, highlighting the opportunity to support the company’s first commercial partnerships.
Founded in 2016, Barton Blakeley has developed unique modular sites that capture and utilise CO2 emissions directly at the sites of industry partners. This process not only enhances the production of cleaner energy but also enables the synthesis of silica at a reduced cost and carbon footprint.
The company’s technology addresses the resource-intensive nature of traditional silica production, aiming to disrupt a market valued at $500bn globally. Silica, a key material in numerous everyday products, represents a significant growth opportunity for Barton Blakeley, aligning with broader environmental goals.
Elbow Beach Capital’s £1.7m contribution to the funding round underscores its commitment to supporting sustainable technology solutions. The firm’s CEO, Jonathan Pollock, praised Barton Blakeley’s exceptional technology and its vast commercial potential. “We are delighted to be supporting Barton Blakeley,” he remarked, indicating the wide-reaching implications of their innovations.
Further ambitions for Barton Blakeley include a comprehensive plan to reduce 16.5 kilo-tonnes of CO2 annually over the next four years, showcasing a bold vision for the future.
Barton Blakeley’s innovative approach positions it as a key player in the clean energy sector, paving the way for significant environmental impact.
