Netherlands-based Methaplanet, a company that aims to assist biogas plants to maximise their production, announced on May 14, that it has secured €6M in a Series A round of funding.
The round was led by Pensioenfonds ABP, with backing from EIT InnoEnergy and business angels.
Jacob Ruiter, Member of the Executive Board at EIT InnoEnergy and CEO for the Benelux region, says, “Methaplanet’s solution to turn typically low-value feedstock into highly efficient pellets for biogas production can contribute significantly to achieving the EU climate goals.”
“Therefore, we see a great fit with our broader investment portfolio that works toward the common goal of accelerating the energy transition.”
Harnessing biogas for sustainable farming
According to a statement, Biogas is derived from fermenting manure and holds promise as a renewable energy source, which can be further refined into green gas. This presents an opportunity for farmers, particularly those with substantial manure output, to become sustainable energy producers and participate in the energy transition.
However, the feasibility of fermenting liquid manure is limited by scale, especially for smaller livestock farmers in the Netherlands.
By incorporating energy pellets from straw-manure mixtures, biogas production can be enhanced, making investment in fermentation installations more financially viable. Additionally, scaling up biogas production allows for the capture of nitrogen, contributing to environmental conservation efforts and biodiversity enhancement.
Methaplanet, founded in 2018 by Eric Goubin and led by CEO Xander Sandell, aims to tackle agricultural challenges and help reduce emissions while supporting the energy transition.
The company makes energy pellets, such as those made from straw-based manure, which boosts biomethane output in mono-manure biogas plants. This enhances plant profitability and provides farmers with a sustainable income source from manure.
These advancements align with RePowerEU goals, aiming for 35 billion cubic meters (bcm) of biomethane production by 2030, a substantial increase from the 3.4 bcm produced in 2022.
Capital utilisation
Methaplanet has established a functioning factory in France and a demonstration facility in Spain with partners. With this investment, Methaplanet will continue innovating and growing in the Netherlands and accelerate its R&D efforts, to advance its product offerings.
This investment will also help Methaplanet strengthen its connections with customers, suppliers, and ecosystem partners, promoting collaboration to optimise biogas production efficiency across different scales.
Sandell, CEO at Methaplanet, says, “We extend a warm welcome to ABP and express our gratitude to all our investors for their unwavering support and trust in our vision. Together, we are embarking on an exciting journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.”
“Furthermore, in addition to enhancing the efficiency of biogas plants, Methaplanet also aims to further contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions by limiting its own ecological footprint and by operating with a sustainable supply chain. This supports our commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.”
Brief about ABP
In ABP’s new investment policy, it’s making €10B available for what’s known as impact investments in the Netherlands. These investments aim to create positive changes in society and the environment that can be measured.
Methaplanet’s current investment is part of the ABP Dutch Energy Transition Fund (ANET).
Martijn Olthof, investment manager at ABP’s Dutch Energy Transition Fund, says, “Methaplanet’s ability to convert agricultural waste streams into sustainable energy products will help realise significant positive environmental impacts.”
“We very much look forward to embarking on this journey with the Methaplanet team as we see financial returns and environmental benefits impact go hand in hand.”
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