Latest news with #Levidian
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Astra Polymers and Levidian to collaborate on next generation of more sustainable plastic products
ABU DHABI, UAE & CAMBRIDGE, UK – The Middle East's leading plastics masterbatch manufacturer Astra Polymer has joined forces with British climate tech startup Levidian to explore the development of graphene-enhanced products for the automotive industry and other growing sectors. Signed at the Make It in the Emirates conference today, the agreement aims to supercharge the market adoption of graphene in region, bringing together Levidian's world-beating graphene production capability with Astra Polymers' growing portfolio to develop the next generation of more sustainable, higher performing plastic products. With over 30 years' experience of developing and manufacturing in the plastics marketplace, Astra Polymers is a specialist additive masterbatches company based in the heart of the Middle East. The company offers a comprehensive range of cutting-edge additive formulations that enrich the process ability of plastic resins and compounds across sectors including automotive, consumer goods and construction. Levidian's patented LOOP technology captures the carbon from methane in solid form, producing high purity graphene while also producing clean hydrogen. The graphene produced has the lowest carbon intensity of any other production method worldwide, with the potential to be net zero or even carbon negative depending on the methane source and make-up of the electricity grid. Graphene use cases within the automotive sector alone include a variety of car parts, from batteries and bumpers through to door panels and paints. The companies are already working together on masterbatch trials, with work underway to integrate graphene produced from Levidian's LOOP unit in Abu Dhabi into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) where it has the potential to make parts not only stronger but more environmentally friendly by driving down their carbon footprint. Yehia El-Azab, CEO of Astra Polymers: "Astra Polymers is known as a leading manufacturer of masterbatches, operating globally to meet the growing demands of our customers. With partners like Levidian, we are happy to collaborate to enhance product offerings specifically for graphene-enhanced car parts. We continue to innovate, combined with our expertise to deliver customer specific solutions for a better tomorrow.' The EV market within the Gulf Arab states is growing rapidly with Saudi Arabia working to manufacture and export more than 150,000 electric cars in 2026 alone. Colin Elcoate, MENA Managing Director for Levidian, said: 'The shift to electric vehicles is an essential part of the Middle East's decarbonisation journey and offers huge potential for low carbon growth. Our partnership with Astra Polymers is a powerful example of how localising advanced, and sustainable materials can unlock regional supply chains, create high-value jobs, and position the UAE as a key player in the global EV ecosystem.'
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Levidian and Zentek seek to establish graphene-integrated filter manufacturing facility in the Middle East
Collaboration will drive the adoption of Zentek's technology while scaling local graphene production to meet regional demand Cambridge – British climate tech company Levidian and Canadian graphene technology company Zentek have entered an agreement to explore the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in the Middle East. The companies have agreed to combine their expertise in carbon capture, graphene production and materials development to accelerate the roll out of Zentek's ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters and other graphene-enhanced products within the region, while also supporting the production of graphene for other industries. Levidian's patented LOOP system produces clean hydrogen and high-quality graphene by capturing carbon from methane before it's burned, giving businesses the opportunity to both drive down emissions and boost the performance of their products. The graphene produced can be deployed in a wide range of products, from batteries and solar panels to tyres and plastics. Ian Hopkins, Chief Commercial Officer at Levidian, said: 'Zentek's commitment to using nanomaterials to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges aligns seamlessly with Levidian's mission to decarbonise industries. By integrating our graphene production capabilities with Zentek's expertise in advanced materials, we can support regional sustainability goals while significantly improving air quality for businesses and communities.' Poor indoor air quality is a global challenge, impacting both health and productivity. Zentek's ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters leverage graphene to surpass the filtration performance of traditional materials, reducing airborne pathogens and contaminants to create safer indoor environments. With its application in healthcare, government infrastructure, and industrial settings, the technology has the potential to make a significant impact in improving air quality and public health. Ryan Shacklock, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development at Zentek, added: 'Our ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters leverage the powerful attributes of graphene to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency. As important, this unique value proposition is a compelling example of a commercially viable graphene-based technology created by making an existing product better. 'Looking ahead, our partnership with Levidian marks an exciting next step, bringing together their cutting-edge carbon capture technology with high-quality graphene production, to support international expansion of ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters. We believe it also helps pave the way to develop a broader portfolio of new commercially viable, graphene-enhanced products that support public health and global sustainability goals. We look forward to advancing this important work with the Levidian team.' Levidian is already working to identify the location for a new production and delivery centre in the region, which will serve as a showcase and central production hub for the business. The centre is expected to create around 100 professional and manufacturing roles alongside a further 150 indirect jobs. About Levidian Levidian is a British climate tech business that is on a mission to decarbonise the world's most carbon-intensive industries. Underpinned by our patented LOOP technology, we capture the carbon from methane gas before it's burned and crack it into clean hydrogen and net zero graphene - a high-quality super-material that can be used to significantly enhance the intrinsic characteristics of products in major global industries as far ranging as steel, batteries and petrochemicals. The solution can be deployed anywhere with a methane source and is designed to function as a self-contained modular system that can quickly and easily be retrofitted to existing infrastructure. Levidian is one of just five companies in the world to be designated by the Graphene Council as a Verified Graphene Producer and was named the winner of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's Make It In The Emirates Startup Competition earlier this year. The company also announced earlier this year plans to invest around $100m in the UAE as part of the establishment of the new delivery centre, which will serve as a showcase and central hub for the business in the Middle East. The centre is expected to create around 100 highly skilled professional and manufacturing roles as well as a further 150 indirect jobs. Find out more at About Zentek Ltd. Zentek is an ISO 13485:2016 certified intellectual property technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel products seeking to give the Company's commercial partners a competitive advantage by making their products better, safer, and greener. Zentek's patented technology platform ZenGUARD™, is shown to significantly increase the bacterial and viral filtration efficiency for surgical masks and aims to do the same for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Zentek's ZenGUARD™ production facility is in Guelph, Ontario. Contact Emily Highmore-Talbot, Director of Communications and Engagement
BBC News
20-04-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Pilot project turning sewage into the world's strongest material
Technology that can turn sludge from sewage into both hydrogen fuel and the miracle material graphene is being tested in what has been described as a "world first" trial in Utilities is working with British climate tech firm Levidian on the project at its Davyhulme sewage works in Trafford. Under the scheme, the sludge by-product of sewage treatment is used to produce a biogas, that is then turned into graphene and hydrogen using cutting-edge Mansell from United Utilities said recovering these "high value" materials and fuels from the waste could help the provider "drive down operational cost and ultimately customer bills". Levidian's conversion process, under way in several containers at the works, sees biogas split using microwave energy into hydrogen gas, which is then fed back into generators to help power the is also generated from this process in its solid form - the water company and Levidian estimate the biogas generated from sewage waste could produce up to 75,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, enough to fuel more than 40% of all UK bus and coach the short-term, United Utilities plans to use the clean hydrogen and graphene to bring down its own carbon if successful, the technology could be used across the North West and potentially the entire country. Graphene, a substance said to be the thinnest and strongest ever recorded, was discovered in Manchester twenty years ago, and can be used in a number of include cutting the carbon footprint of concrete production, boosting the life of tyres, and the performance of batteries. The works in Trafford, first built in 1894, is one of the largest in Europe, and has pioneered the improvement of the waste treatment process. "To be stood here 110 years later to talk about turning sludge into hydrogen or graphene is really really exciting," said Tom Lisset, director of Bioresource & Green Energy at United Utilities. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Emirates 24/7
07-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dana Gas Reports AED 553 Million Net Profit for 2024, Plans to Resume Dividends
Dana Gas PJSC, the Middle East's largest regional private sector natural gas company, announced a net profit of AED 553 million ($151 million) for the full year 2024. The company also reported a 5% increase in revenue to AED 1.63 billion ($445 million), driven by improved fiscal terms under its newly signed Consolidated Concession Agreement in Egypt. Financial Highlights: Revenue Growth: 5% increase to AED 1.63 billion ($445 million) compared to 2023. Net Profit: AED 553 million ($151 million), impacted by a one-off impairment charge of AED 121 million ($33 million) in Egypt. Excluding this, net profit stood at AED 674 million ($184 million), a 15% rise. Q4 Performance: Revenue surged 64% to AED 583 million ($159 million), with net profit rising 15% to AED 143 million ($39 million). Cash Collections: Increased 37% to AED 1.2 billion ($326 million), supporting financial stability. Liquidity: Cash balance at year-end stood at AED 1.16 billion ($317 million), with total consolidated debt of AED 934 million ($255 million). Key Developments: Dividend Resumption: Dana Gas is evaluating the resumption of sustainable annual dividends, subject to Board approval. KM250 Expansion: Pearl Petroleum resumed construction of the KM250 project, expected to start gas production by Q2 2026, adding 250 MMscf/d processing capacity. Egypt Agreement: A new consolidated concession agreement was signed, enhancing fiscal terms and securing a $100 million development program. Production Decline: Group production fell 7% to 54,850 boepd, driven by a 25% reduction in Egypt, offset by a 4% increase in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Levidian Partnership: Dana Gas partnered with UK-based Levidian to pilot LOOP technology, aiming for near-zero methane emissions by 2030. CEO Richard Hall expressed confidence in the company's future, highlighting strategic developments in Egypt and the KRI, and reaffirming its commitment to financial stability and growth. The company continues to strengthen partnerships and drive innovation to support long-term expansion. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
CBS News
06-02-2025
- Science
- CBS News
U.K. firm cracks the code to convert harmful methane emissions into useful hydrogen and graphene
Cambridge, England — Scientists have long said cutting methane emissions is key to addressing climate change, but many big industries aren't readily able to curb their production of the harmful greenhouse gas. A British company says it has an answer: Turn methane into something else. Methane is a menace. Climate scientists say the invisible gas warms the Earth's atmosphere 84 times faster than carbon dioxide. It's released into the atmosphere by organic material, such as food waste, rotting at landfill sites, sewage treatment facilities and by the digestive systems of cows. Levidian — a climate tech business in Cambridge, England — set out to tackle this climate change challenge, by giving methane a makeover. "The magic happens in here," the company's CEO John Hartley told CBS News as he led our team on a guided tour of Levidian's patented LOOP system — a machine with a giant metal hopper shaped like a balloon. The technology uses microwave energy and a special nozzle system to split methane molecules into the gas' component parts — hydrogen and carbon — and captures them. Hydrogen is increasingly sought after, as it can be used to power factories, trucks, ships and other machinery. Levidian said it's a clean fuel, because, when burned, it yields heat and energy, but the only emission is water vapor, no carbon dioxide. The carbon from the broken-down methane, meanwhile, falls into the hopper as a solid called graphene, which has been known to science for only about two decades and which is often touted as the strongest material in the world. Dr. Ellie Galanis, head of commercial development at Levidian, was keen to show off a harvest of graphene from the LOOP hopper at the company's lab. "It's such an exciting time to be involved in graphene," said the self-described "graphene geek," shaking a cube filled with black, powder-like material. "It's awesome." Galanis and her team have been busy working on ways to use the graphene Levidian produces to boost the durability of everyday products. "When you put graphene into the tire tread, you can make it stronger. You can make it last longer and you can make it more fuel efficient," she said of one application. They have also tried adding it to concrete. "Without graphene, it tends to crumble a lot easier, but with graphene it's much stronger," she said. The super-strong but flexible material can even be included in the manufacture of medical gloves. "When surgeons do the 'snap test,' they're trying to check if it will break, and that doesn't happen when you add graphene in — it makes them much stronger and more puncture resistant," she told CBS News. Scientists say graphene also helps boost battery life in electric vehicles, and it can be mixed into plastic to help manufactures use less petroleum-derived materials in their bottles. Researchers only discovered graphene 20 years ago, at the University of Manchester, and Levidian sees years of growth ahead for the product. "When you get in your car, you will have graphene enhanced tires that last longer. The battery in that car, if it's electric, will take you further because it will have more capacity to charge faster, and the concrete you use in the building you go into will be more durable and have a smaller carbon footprint," she predicted, adding that even "the clothes that you wear might have graphene in them so they're more sustainable." Levidian says its LOOP system has now reached the U.S., with Georgia-based cable maker Southwire using it to reduce its carbon footprint.
